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Scorries upbeat as Nairn clash looms


By Will Clark

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Academy’s Gary Weir in action in Academy’s last game versus Nairn when they lost in extra-time in the North of Scotland Cup final at Grant Street Park, Inverness. Photo: Callum Mackay.
Academy’s Gary Weir in action in Academy’s last game versus Nairn when they lost in extra-time in the North of Scotland Cup final at Grant Street Park, Inverness. Photo: Callum Mackay.

THE game of the season so far is set to take place at Station Park tomorrow when Highland League leaders Wick Academy are expected to take a bumper support down the A9 to face title challengers Nairn County.

It is reckoned that over 200 Scorries fans will be in the away end, with quite a few of them making their way to the ground after taking in the SPL match between Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Celtic, which kicks off at noon.

Striker Gary Weir rescued last weekend with a moment of magic to secure a scrappy 1-0 win over Inverurie Locos. He said the players are relishing being in the limelight.

He also praises new manager Barry Wilson whom he credits for instilling a new-found confidence in the players which has transformed the squad from where it was 12 months ago.

"You only have to look at the form of Richard Macadie as an example to see the difference in morale in the players this season," said Weir.

"Last season, he scored just nine goals and the previous manager never gave him any special attention compared to the rest of the squad.

"But he is a former Highland League Player of the Year and this season he has been allowed more freedom on the pitch which has resulted in him scoring 22 goals already.

"Having a manager who can properly manage a team and get the best out of his players goes a long way and, along with Richard Hughes and Gordon Connolly, there is a belief that we are good enough."

Weir said Nairn were one of the biggest threats to the club’s chances of lifting the trophy in May, but despite losing to them in the North of Scotland Cup final after extra time, he thinks Academy are the better team.

Nairn’s match against Clachnacuddin was postponed on Tuesday night and with them, five games and 13 points behind Academy, he said that the pressure is all on them.

"We have the points in the bag which is a huge advantage going into the game," he said. "There is a lot more pressure on them than us to get the points as they have a lot of catching up to do.

"But Nairn County have been an excellent side this season who score a lot of goals like we do and we, of course, are not writing them off.

"They have more experience than we do, but I would not say that they are a better team. With the team we have, there is nobody in the league we are not capable of beating home and away."

Nairn County manager Les Fridge admitted he was slightly relieved that Tuesday’s visit to Clachnacuddin was called off because of a waterlogged pitch as many in his squad were still suffering from bumps and bruises as result of some meaty challenges during their 4-2 win at Fraserburgh last weekend.

He said that it has allowed his players time to recover in what he also sees as one of the biggest matches of the season.

"We’ve only played four games in the last ten rounds of matches, so obviously we have fallen behind in the number of games we have to play," he said. "But given the physical match in Fraserburgh where we were forced to make substitutions before half-time, having seven days before the next match has been a bonus.

"We’re not even entertaining the fact that we are one of the favourites for the title – we are just taking each game as it comes.

"It is important that we concentrate on winning the games in hand as if we don’t then we won’t be in the running.

"We haven’t shouted from the roof-tops that we are favourites. There is a long way to go before the end of the season and I’m not surprised to see Wick Academy five points clear.

"For the last four years they have been steadily improving and having a squad full of local boys has made a big difference – they are beginning to see the fruits of their labour."


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