Wick Academy look to build on form
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That's the message from Scorries assistant manager Richard Hughes ahead of tomorrow's 3pm fixture against Huntly.
Scorries boss Davie Kirkwood couldn't be reached for comment so former co-manager Hughes gave the lowdown to the John O'Groat Journal on this weekend's league action at Harmsworth Park.
"We've just got to keep building on the good run we're on at the moment, especially with every game at home," he said.
"Huntly have had a couple of results recently that they're probably not too happy about but they are always a good team. We're in no doubt we've got a tough game ahead of us but as long as we can apply ourselves like we have done in the last couple of games then hopefully we can take three points out of it."
With two wins and a draw under their belts this month, the Scorries are in top form. However, their last encounter with the boys in black and gold in October did not go to Kirkwood's plans - after a 91st-minute second goal took away the draw and a point from Academy.
Hughes said they will be looking to avoid that this weekend and fans could well see a change in the line-up that has recently helped boost the side up the league.
The changes come as two key players - defender Michael Steven and striker Davie Allan - serve suspensions.
The assistant manager said the squad was in "no doubt" about the task in hand but there is always hope for the Scorries.
"If we can keep our confidence and consistency then I'm sure it will take care of itself," he said.
"Hopefully we'll get good weather, a good crowd and we come away with three points."
Huntly manager Dave McGinlay is expecting a "really tough game" but he also has his heart set on a win.
"A three-goal start would be good," McGinlay told the Groat. "If we go up there and play well then we are more than capable of beating anyone on the day. It's a game I'm looking forward to."
McGinlay said that up until Christmas his side was doing "fantastic". However, the change of weather over the festive period and an injured striker has seriously hampered its progress in the league.
McGinlay said it was "no secret" the Black and Golds had been missing Polish striker Andrzej-Slawomir Kleczkowski who sat out nine games due to injury.
But last weekend was the striker's first game back and he instantly proved his worth by helping the team earn a draw against Rothes.
McGinlay praised Kirkwood and Hughes for keeping the good form that former co-manager Ian Munro - alongside Hughes - inspired.
"I think Davie and Tichy [Hughes] have taken up the baton and over the last few years Wick have gone from a mid-table side getting a few good results to bringing on a number of kids that have progressed and matured together into one of the top Highland League sides," said the Huntly boss.
* Academy were due to take on SPL side Inverness Caley Thistle in a friendly match at Harmsworth on Tuesday night but heavy rain led to the game's cancellation.
* Brora Rangers rounded off their 2011/12 Highland League campaign with another heavy defeat as they were thumped 5-0 by Clachnacuddin at Grant Street Park on Wednesday night.
Goals by Martin Callum, Allan Pollock, Colin Williamson and Sam Urquhart had the Lilywhites four up by half-time and Scott Morrison added a fifth.
The result completed a five-game losing streak for the Sutherland side in which it conceded 24 goals and scored just one.
Third-placed Nairn County had a fine 5-2 home victory over Deveronvale.
There were two goals each for Steven Mackay and Conor Gethins, with Wayne Mackintosh also on target for County. Kyle Rae and Scott Fraser replied for the Banff club.
Second-half goals from Ross Archibald (2) and Colin Charlesworth gave Lossiemouth a 3-0 win against Rothes at Grant Park.
