Scorries so close to ending long run without league win against Brora
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It is more than nine years since Wick Academy last beat Brora Rangers in the Highland League but Gary Manson's side came agonisingly close to ending that run at Dudgeon Park on Saturday.
Twice ahead after goals from Steven Anderson and Jack Henry, the Scorries conceded a controversial equaliser just before half-time when Martin Maclean's header was adjudged to have crossed the line and Brora levelled for a second time through Dale Gillespie four minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game.
The away fans were celebrating after 10 minutes when a neat exchange inside the Brora box resulted in Anderson cutting in from the left and placing the ball beyond Joe Malin into the far corner.
Brora sought an immediate response and Max Ewan burst through on the left but his low shot was saved by Graeme Williamson.
Henry set up another opening for Anderson whose shot flashed just wide.
The Cattachs threatened again on the half-hour mark when, from a Gillespie free kick, Jordan MacRae was just off target with a glancing header.
Maclean then knocked the ball into the net but it was disallowed for offside.
Williamson tipped a shot onto the bar and it was knocked behind for a corner from which Maclean directed a header goalwards. Jack Halliday, who had taken up a position on the line, nodded it away – but referee Gordon Morrison awarded a goal after consulting his stand-side assistant.
Malin had taken a knock and was replaced at half-time by Ruardhri Nicol, on loan from Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
A pass from Gillespie found its way through to MacRae and his shot brought an instinctive save from Williamson.
Soon after that let-off, Academy regained the lead on 57 minutes. With Nicol out of position to the left of his goalmouth after blocking an initial effort by Anderson, the Wick striker showed good awareness to cut the ball back to Henry who slammed it into the net.
Academy went on to create two breakaway chances. Mark Macadie sent a defence-splitting pass through to Anderson, who had led the line tirelessly all afternoon, but the striker blasted his shot over the bar with only Nicol to beat.
Anderson and Davie Allan combined to release substitute Mark Munro, but the ball ran away from the teenager at a vital moment and the opportunity was gone.
Maclean had another effort ruled out for offside before Brora got their second equaliser deep in injury time. Substitute Gregor MacDonald attacked up the left and played the ball into the danger zone where Gillespie was arriving to thump it into the net.
There was still time for one last chance for Wick. Gordon MacNab did well to create space for himself on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a shot that whizzed just wide of Nicol's right post.
The result was harsh on Academy, whose work ethic could not be faulted. It was a gutsy performance, full of energy and commitment, but they also showed composure in possession and could count themselves very unlucky to have to settle for a share of the points.
Brora Rangers: Malin (Nicol 46), Kelly, A Macdonald, Meekings, Williamson, Maclean, Gillespie, J MacRae, A Macrae, Sutherland, Ewan (G MacDonald 64). Subs not used: Nicolson, Gamble.
Wick Academy: Williamson, Hughes, Manson, Halliday, J Anderson, R Allan, Henry (R Macadie 82), D Allan, S Anderson, MacNab, M Macadie (Munro 72). Subs not used: C Farquhar, Bain, Mathieson, Miller.
Referee: Gordon Morrison.
Related story:
Highland League round-up
Fraserburgh moved three points clear of Buckie Thistle at the top of the Highland League on Saturday after a 3-1 win at Lossiemouth.
The home side, who are 15th in the table, made the Broch work hard for the points at Grant Park and it took a 90th-minute goal to finally kill off a plucky home challenge.
It was the only Highland League fixture to go ahead other than the Brora/Wick derby at Dudgeon Park.
The league leaders took just three minutes to open the scoring when Liam Archibald's attempted clearance rebounded off Logan Watt and flew in.
They added a second in the 28th minute when Scott Barbour curled a free kick into the net from the edge of the box.
The Coasters took the game to the visitors in the second half and reduced the deficit with a 40-yard strike from Ryan Farquhar in the 59th minute.
Fraserburgh sealed the points in the last minute when Sean Butcher poked the ball home from close range.
The Highland League Cup quarter-finals are scheduled for Wednesday night, along with the rearranged league fixture between Fort William and Keith at Kynoch Park.
Buckie Thistle are at home to Inverurie Locos in the first of a double header – the teams will meet again at Harlaw Park on Saturday in the league.
Brora Rangers are away to Brechin City, while Forres Mechanics are at home to Clachnacuddin. Rothes host Fraserburgh in the other tie.
Fixtures: Wednesday – Highland League: Fort William v Keith (at Kynoch Park). Highland League Cup quarter-finals: Brechin City v Brora Rangers; Buckie Thistle v Inverurie Locos; Forres Mechanics v Clachnacuddin; Rothes v Fraserburgh.
Saturday, February 26 – Highland League: Deveronvale v Forres Mechanics; Formartine United v Lossiemouth; Fort William v Clachnacuddin; Fraserburgh v Turriff United; Huntly v Brechin City; Inverurie Locos v Buckie Thistle; Rothes v Keith; Strathspey Thistle v Brora Rangers; Wick Academy v Nairn County.
