North Caledonian League will be a good stepping stone for on-loan youngsters, says Thurso manager Reid
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Thurso manager Stevie Reid is convinced his young Wick Academy trio will reap the benefits of being involved in the North Caledonian League this season.
Sam Barclay and Scott MacDonald, both of whom impressed for Academy's under-17s last term, have joined fellow Wick player Grant Aitkenhead in signing up to play for the Vikings. All three featured in last Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to Golspie.
“We had the the three lads from Academy and they had only trained once with us, so they were thrown in," Reid said. "Our three central midfielders were an 18-year-old and two 17-year-olds.
“It was all very promising. I didn't expect miracles but they played well. It'll take a wee while to knit together but we're aware of that.
“Yes, they have played summer football, but it's totally different in the winter. Obviously underfoot it's heavier going, fitness levels have got to be up, and they just have to be a bit more aware. It'll take a bit of time.
“It'll stand them in good stead, especially the three Academy lads for when they go back. They'll have a bit of experience under their belt.
“I think the North Caley is a good stepping stone for them. A lot of the Academy team just now played North Caley at some point, so it is a good league for them to play in.”
Golspie's goals came from Eddie MacGregor and a Craig Ross penalty either side of a screamer by ex-Academy midfielder Sam Mackay.
Jonah Martens scored the opener and set up Bobby Gunn for the second in Halkirk United's 2-1 North Caledonian Cup win at Bonar Bridge, after Miller Mackay had levelled for the Sutherland side before the break.
Manager Ewan McElroy said: "We went on to miss a bundle of really good opportunities, including a couple of one-on-ones. It was really positive to see the boys creating as many chances as they did.
"Despite the scoreline I thought we completely controlled the game. Bonar are an improved outfit and we still managed to play some really good football for large parts.
"We had to shuffle the squad as had a number of injuries and absentees to contend with, and ended up playing James Mackintosh at centre-back. He had a cracking game there, and with Ryan Sutherland and Ross Mackay beside him I thought they dealt with everything Bonar threw at them, especially late on.
"We had a number of boys making their competitive debuts – Andrew Mackay, Don Swanson, Stuart Atkins, Jonah Martens and goalkeeper Lewis Gallacher each played their first competitive game since joining this year.
"I thought all of them played their part and I was particularly pleased with Lewis. At just 17, playing in goal in the North Caley is a difficult job."
Invergordon were 3-2 winners at home to St Duthus in last Saturday's other Division One match. Nairn County's young team beat Inverness Athletic 3-1 in their Division Two opener, while Loch Ness marked their debut in the league with an 11-1 demolition of fellow newcomers Scourie.
North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday – Division One: Golspie Sutherland v Invergordon; St Duthus v Orkney; Thurso v Halkirk United (venue TBC). Division Two: Bonar Bridge v Alness United; Nairn County v Loch Ness; Scourie v Inverness Athletic.
