Wick face crunch match for third spot
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DEFEAT to Nairn County at Harmsworth Park tonight would mean Wick would have to settle for fourth place.
A win for the Scorries would see them move two points clear of their third-placed opponents with victories at home against Strathspey Thistle and Deveronvale cementing their bronze medal placing.
Sealing the points on Saturday with over half an hour left to play meant Scorries boss Barry Wilson could afford to give a few of his substitutions some decent game time.
He said getting the job done early stands his team in good stead for tonight.
“There can’t be any doubts that our performance deserved the scoreline as we missed five very good chances to really put them away,” he said.
“Huntly surprised us by changing to a 3-5-2 formation after going a goal down and had a lot of possession in the first half which caused us to change our formation.
“In the second half there was only going to be one winner. It was good that we got the early goals and I could bring the substitutions on early – it’s been a while since we had a game where we could give the subs a game and some of the first team a rest.”
The manager heaped praise on his record goalscorer Richard Macadie, who he described as an engine throughout the 90 minutes, but also had a word of caution about Davie Allan’s temperament, despite being pleased with his overall contribution.
“Macadie was excellent – he scored the first and set up the second but the thing I was most pleased about was his work rate,” he said.
“Even when the game was dying at 4-0, he was closing people down and making things happen.
“Davie Allan also had a good game but I took him off because he can lose his temper and pick up a silly booking.
“It does play a factor when I’m considering which substitutions I need used but he will be available for Wednesday night.
“It’s winner takes all for Nairn County but a win for us wouldn’t seal third spot as we would still have work to do. But whatever happens it’s been a great season.”
Huntly manager Dave McGinlay said Wick’s 14 wins out of 14 at home this season was a record which made the rest of the league stand up and take notice.
But he was disappointed with his own side’s performance, stating that in the second half they made it too easy for Academy.
“We huffed and puffed but didn’t put Michael Gray under nearly enough pressure,” he said. “I’ve got a young team which made wrong decisions at the wrong time and it cost us.
“I came here with a full-strength squad and too many of them didn’t turn up today and I’ve made my feelings known about the subject.
“Wick are a very good side and should be proud of their 100 per cent home record. It says a lot when you can leave a player like Gary Weir on the bench.
“Lukasz Geruzel has improved massively in terms of fitness since the last time I saw him and is an excellent foil for Richard Macadie and Davie Allan.”
