Praise for youthful Hotspur side after opening defeat to champions
Rob McLean praised the character shown by top-flight newcomers High Ormlie Hotspur after they were beaten 2-0 by champions Wick Groats on the opening night of the new Caithness AFA summer season.
“I am really pleased with the first performance," the player/co-manager said. "Luckily we won't be playing Wick Groats every week."
Groats, who are setting their sights on a ninth successive county league title, took the lead in the first half at Wick's Upper Bignold Park on Tuesday through a Grant MacNab free kick that went in off a post.
New recruit Liam Bremner made the points safe with a bullet header from a corner in the second period.
High Ormlie earned promotion via a play-off win at the end of the 2019 season, only for their Division One debut to be delayed by the pandemic.
McLean said: “We came here knowing Wick Groats are a well-renowned team in Caithness. They've been very successful in seasons past.
“We brought a very youthful squad here tonight – a lot of them schoolboys and young adults. So to compete with a team like that shows a great level of progression in our lads.
“To go in only 1-0 down at half-time, we were still in the game. We came out in the second half and showed really good character.
“I thought we battled well to get a foothold in the match but unfortunately, as the game went on, the young boys started to lose their legs. It became a little bit more open, a bit more expansive, and that naturally played into Wick Groats' hands.
“When you give quality players time and space on the ball they're going to punish you, which unfortunately the Wick guys did in the second half. But we showed great character, especially for a young team.
"We've had a great pre-season. I look forward to hopefully picking up some points as the season continues.
"We've got every confidence that we are going to do well this year but we've just got to show it on the park.”
Wick Groats manager Kevin Anderson said: “We knew it was going to be tough. They are a very good team, but I thought we played well. A lot of our guys haven't played many minutes lately.
“To be honest, I can't remember any saves of note that our keeper Kieran Macleod had to make. On another night we could have had a couple more in the first half.
“But I am delighted. It's a good way to start the league – three points and a clean sheet. I can't ask for any more.
“It was a really good run out. We looked solid, and we have players to come back as well.”