Scorries boss not downbeat despite late Orkney defeat
Orkney 2
(Thorfinn Stout 83, Ryan Williams 90)
Wick Academy 1
(Kuba Koziol 45)
WICK Academy boss Tom McKenna is not too downbeat after a dramatic final seven minutes saw Orkney snatch the Ken Green Challenge Cup from their grasp.
The Scorries had looked comfortable throughout the game held at Pickaquoy in Kirkwall, and although they only had trialist Kuba Koziol's goal on the stroke of half-time to show for their efforts it looked likely they would see out the last few minutes with relative ease.
However, they were hit by a late double blow to cap a disjointed pre-season.
Goals from Thorfinn Stout and Ryan Williams sealed their fate and ensured a trophy celebration for Orkney who, to their credit, hung on in there to clinch a victory that for long parts of the game did not seem likely.
While the manner of their defeat came as a blow, McKenna was not disheartened by what he saw.
He said: "Of course I'm disappointed to have seen us lose two late goals having more or less controlled the game.
"However, this was a purposeful exercise for the boys as this was the first time this summer that some of them got a full 90 minutes under their belt.
"We needed some match fitness and, regardless of the result, that's what we got.
"Ideally, with the start of the Highland League this weekend, I'd like to squeeze in a bounce game against someone so we can get some more game-time under our belts.
"I'm trying to organise it. It is likely that I won't be successful given the short notice but I'll try. If I can't get anything sorted, we will still hold a training session at the very least.
"As for the Orkney game itself, I was thinking that match-fitness would be a factor as their boys have been playing during their summer league.
"You could tell that they were still going strong going into the last 10 minutes whereas some of our boys' legs were a wee bit heavy. Before they scored, we had enough chances to win two or three games.
"The match itself was a good one. Orkney have excellent facilities. The pitch – despite some surface water – was very good, and the game was played in the right spirit by both teams."
McKenna also stated he would sit down with the two trialists, Kuba Koziol and Jonah Martens, to discuss their future and whether or not it involves them becoming fully fledged Scorries.
He added: "They are both a bit raw and it is a big step to go into the Highland League from the level that they would be coming from if they signed for us.
"However, they are talented players and I think that both have potential for us to work with. Their attitude and application has been superb so we will be sitting down with them this week for a chat and after that, we'll make a decision."
