Sopel finds a way through Wick’s makeshift defence
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An under-strength Wick Academy side lost 1-0 at Huntly on Saturday, a result that means the Scorries still have work to do if they are to claim a top seven place in the Highland League.
With several first-pick defenders absent, Academy lined up at Christie Park with a back four of Craig Gunn, Andrew Hardwick, Sam Mackay and Ross Allan.
There was also a first start for two 17-year-olds in midfield, Ben Sinclair and Grant Aitkenhead.
Gunn almost caught sub keeper Euan Storrier napping with a 35-yard free kick and Hardwick headed wide from the resultant corner. David Booth looked certain to score in the home side’s swift counter-attack but he was halted in the box by Allan’s perfectly timed sliding tackle.
After 42 minutes Aidan Sopel got on the end of a cross from Kai Ross to head home the only goal from one of the few clear-cut chances of the game.
The Scorries’ best opportunity came after 75 minutes when Storrier could only palm down another Gunn free kick. Although several Academy players kicked the ball in the ensuing scramble, none could direct it on target.
Huntly finished the game strongly. A Ross Still free kick was deflected for a corner and Aitkenhead bravely blocked a goal-bound piledriver from Matt McDonald.
Huntly’s win extended their unbeaten end-of-season run to six matches, while Academy require a point from the last game at Fort William this Saturday to secure seventh spot above Buckie Thistle.
The Jags finished their campaign with a 5-1 victory at Strathspey Thistle.
Huntly: Reid (Storrier 8), Johnston, Clark, McRitchie, Murison, Still, Ross, Gray (Sopel 20), D Booth (C Booth 77), McDonald, Manson. Subs not used: Ritchie, Chyla, Hay.
Wick Academy: McCarthy, Gunn, Hardwick, S Mackay, R Allan, R Macadie, Sinclair, Aitkenhead (G Mackay 58), Macgregor, MacNab, Hughes (M Macadie 80). Subs not used: Montgomery, Clark.
Referee: Paul Cummings.
