Scorries in second-half comeback
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"WE rolled up our sleeves and battered out a result" was Wick Academy boss Tom McKenna's verdict after the 3-1 victory at Clachnacuddin on Saturday.
Goals from Michael Steven, Jack Halliday and Gordon MacNab completed a second-half comeback for the Scorries after Clach led 1-0 at the interval courtesy of Kieran Chalmers.
The windy conditions at Grant Street Park ensured this wasn't one for the purists. However, Wick adapted and ground out a win that finally arrested their festive drop in form.
McKenna said: "Over the Christmas and new year period we only took one point from three games. That is unacceptable, no matter what level of football you play at.
"Although we try to play good, attractive football, this one was about rolling up our sleeves and battering out a result.
"We had to make a few adjustments. Sam Mackay had to fill in at right-back, despite being a midfielder, while Michael Steven and Andrew Hardwick paired up in the centre of defence for the first time in my spell at the club.
"It was good to see Sam get 90 minutes as he's missed a few games due to his work commitments. Despite a wee bit of naivety, with playing out of position, he put in a really good shift."
Clach took the lead when playing against the wind and Wick found the so-called weather help to be a hindrance in the first half.
McKenna said: "We were playing far too many long balls that were blown into touch instead of reaching one of the lads.
"At half-time, I told the boys that we can make playing against the wind in the second half an advantage. We pulled the ball on the deck and the winds would hold the ball up for us. It's just a matter of being clever in dealing with the conditions. And it worked."
