Scorries aiming to keep Forres grounded
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AN aerial bombardment is what Wick Academy can expect when they meet one of this season’s challengers for the Highland League crown.
The Scorries will be making the trip to Moray where they will take on an impressive Forres Mechanics outfit at Mosset Park.
The Can-Cans currently sit third in the table, two points off neighbours Nairn County, but have two games to spare.
The hosts, who are known as the tallest team in the league with a number of players well over six feet, have made their height advantage count by capitalising on setpieces to win games.
Scorries manager Davie Kirkwood recognises that Academy are not known for their height advantage, but thinks that they will be capable of eliminating that threat.
"What we know about Forres Mechanics is that they are side which will play to their strengths," he said. "But at the same time, I believe that if we play our own game we will be good enough to pick up the win.
"I will be looking for that on Saturday as this will be one of our toughest games so far this season."
He continued: "I believe that the physical aspect of their game can be countered by whipping the ball low on the ground and making sure that they don’t get the opportunity to get the ball in the air. As long as the players remain sharp, they can take the physicality out of the game."
Craig Shearer is set to return from suspension after being sent off at Huntly two weeks ago, which will give Kirkwood a full-strength side at his disposal.
He said that if the Scorries are to pick up their second away win of the season, a vast improvement would be required after losing 3-1 to Fraserburgh at the weekend.
"Last Saturday was probably the worst we have played all season," he stated. "The first half was very poor despite us going a goal up early on. I thought that in the second half we did pick up our game, but we gave ourselves too much to do and it was a mountain to climb in the end.
"It would have been an injustice to Fraserburgh if we managed to get something out of the match."
Forres manager Charlie Rowley on the other hand said that he is enjoying life near the top of the table.
But being labelled as one of the favourites for the championship is a position which the club has not found itself in before and one which its feels slightly uncomfortable with.
He refuses to get carried away with the club’s prospects of winning its first league title for 27 years and is focusing on battling Wick tomorrow. The absence of midfielder Kyle Scott, who is away on holiday, is Rowley’s only concern in what has remained an injury-free squad this season.
"We had a strong finish to the season last year and have started where we left off from," he said. "Our fitness levels have improved immensely over the last few years which has attributed to our success so far.
"If we win our games our hand we will be four points ahead of everyone else. But we are not taking anything for granted and are fully focused on every match we play, including Saturday."
He added: "Wick causes problem due to their fantastic passing style, which is as good as anyone.
"But it is also known they don’t do themselves justice defensively and hopefully we can take advantage of that."
