Gary Manson believes Wick Academy are primed for Scottish Cup upset against Falkirk
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Gary Manson is confident an enforced lay-off from competitive action will have no detrimental impact on Wick Academy’s chances of creating a famous Scottish Cup upset.
The Scorries await the visit of Falkirk in Saturday’s third round tie, with excitement building around the town this week.
Wick, having knocked out Lochee United and Benburb already at home in the national tournament, face one of their biggest tests in many years against the full-timers and League One title challengers.
Even a quick glance at the Bairns’ squad is enough to underscore just how difficult a test it will be.
John McGlynn’s side, eager to re-establish themselves as a force in Scottish football, have ex-Caley Thistle defensive pairing Brad Mckay and Coll Donaldson in their ranks, as well as talents like Aidan Nesbitt and Kai Kennedy.
Falkirk could also be backed by 500 boisterous supporters, but Manson also knows his team and a big home crowd are capable of making it an uncomfortable afternoon for the favourites.
There is a touch of regret, but no real concern that a Highland League Cup preliminary round exit and then postponement of last weekend’s trip to Keith have left Wick without a game since beating Deveronvale on November 5.
“It has been a bit of an odd build-up with no game for the past two Saturdays, but the excitement is definitely building,” Manson admitted.
“It has actually given us a chance to get a couple of boys (Graeme Williamson and Jack Halliday) free from niggles they might otherwise have had to play through.
“It has given everyone a good bit of rest and recuperation, but you would always want to keep your sharpness at maximum. With it being the Scottish Cup, naturally you tend to get an extra 10 per cent from the lads anyway, even in training.
“We have been speaking about the game and going over bits and pieces of what we’re going to try and do. There was an extra buzz to it and that will build through the week.”
Manson watched Falkirk’s recent home victory over Edinburgh and is well versed on their strengths and weaknesses.
“They are definitely a very strong side – we only have to look at their squad, their league position, and they are a full-time professional club as well,” he said.
“We’ll be right up against it, there’s no doubt. We’ll go in as massive underdogs, but we’ll have a gameplan and carry it out best we can.
“We’ve got full belief in ourselves. Probably we’re the only ones who will give us a chance, but that’s all you need.”
