Wick likely to have seven players missing as Locos head to Harmsworth Park
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Wick Academy are likely to have seven players missing when they resume their Highland League campaign at home to fourth-placed Inverurie Locos on Saturday.
The Scorries ended up with a second successive blank weekend following the postponement of their scheduled trip to Buckie. Their last competitive outing was the 3-1 defeat to Brechin City at Harmsworth Park on October 16.
Manager Gary Manson said: “We're probably looking at having about seven players missing for Saturday, and that's if everybody comes through training on Thursday night okay.
“It's just the way it has gone this season so far – we can't get a settled squad at all.
“The boys that are fit and available will be raring to go after two idle Saturdays.
“Inverurie always seem to have a strong squad. They've changed a few players recently – they've got two or three new boys in this season that I've never seen before.
“We'll be looking forward to the test. It'll be another tough game, just like the Brechin game last time out, but one we are thoroughly looking forward to.”
In their 20 years as a Highland League club, Locos have never won the title but have been runners-up several times and are consistently among the strongest sides.
“They are quite fortunate where they are,” Manson said. “Geographically they have a large catchment area – Inverurie is a big town in itself but then they can dip into Aberdeen and they can dip into the rest of Aberdeenshire.
“They are quite well off where they are, so they have always been able to muster a good strong squad.”
Academy are unbeaten in their last three Highland League games against Locos. Manson scored the only goal from the penalty spot when the Scorries travelled to Harlaw Park in November 2019; the teams drew 1-1 in February that year, also at Harlaw Park; and Wick stormed to a 6-2 victory at Harmsworth Park in October 2018.
Brora Rangers brushed aside Fort William in midweek to set up a Highland League Cup tie against Wick Academy at Harmsworth Park.
The Cattachs ran out 10-1 winners in Wednesday's preliminary round match. Jordan MacRae hit a hat-trick, while there were doubles for Andy Macrae and Dale Gillespie.
In the only league fixture, Rothes moved up to third after a 1-0 win at Lossiemouth.
GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup – revised first-round draw (ties on Saturday, November 13): Buckie Thistle v Nairn County; Clachnacuddin v Strathspey Thistle; Deveronvale v Rothes; Formartine United v Brechin City; Forres Mechanics v Turriff United; Inverurie Locos v Huntly; Keith v Fraserburgh; Wick Academy v Brora Rangers.