Wick Thistle manager calls for 'one last effort' in play-off against Swifts
First division football in 2023 is the prize for the winners of Friday's relegation/promotion play-off between Swifts and Wick Thistle at Morrison Park in Halkirk.
The Thurso side were runners-up to Castletown in Caithness AFA Division Two, while Thistle ended up second bottom of Division One after their 6-1 defeat to new champions Pentland United on Tuesday.
Thistle player/manager Owen Harrold said: "I thought the boys played well in spells. They gave it their all to try and spoil Pentland United's celebrations but we were just outclassed in the end.
"Our young lads were terrific again, showing no fear. Looking forward, there are positives to take from the game regardless of the scoreline.
"Congratulations to Pentland United – they are thoroughly deserving winners of the league this year.

"We will definitely have to be at our best for the play-off on Friday. Anything can happen in a one-off game so basically it's whoever wants it more.
"Swifts are a good team so we're expecting a tough match. Hopefully our boys can give it one last effort to ensure we're playing first division football next year."
Swifts manager Stevie Reid said: "The target for myself, Kevie Warner and James Mackay was to get Swifts back up and running, as the club needed a complete reboot. That was it, just to get a squad together to compete, so for the lads to get to the play-off game is fantastic for them.
"We have a mixture of young and slightly older players. The young lads are all making the step up from youth football. We thought this was the way to go for the club and we probably have the largest number of under-16/17-year-olds in the county. All have contributed to getting the club to this position.
"Friday night will be another learning curve for our young lads and that can only stand them in good stead as Wick Thistle have a right good squad and I am surprised they find themselves in the play-off.
"Thistle have always had a reputation as a good footballing club, going way back to when I played, and I believe this latest squad is the same – so we are under no illusions that this will be a very hard game for us.
"We will be telling the lads to just go out and enjoy it, and just try and do the correct things at the correct times."
John O'Groats preserved their top-flight status with a 1-0 win at Lybster, who drop down to Division Two.
Tony Miller got the goal in the 90th minute to ensure safety and a fifth-place finish, much to the relief of JOG co-managers Grant and Jimmy Budge.
Grant Budge said: "I’m delighted we got there in the end. It added a lot of pressure for Jimmy and myself knowing John O'Groats haven't been relegated from the top division.
"The boys stuck together all season and we had 20 available to choose from, which says a lot about our unity. I'm happy for us but sad for Lybster – they are a good bunch of guys."
Third-placed Staxigoe United rounded off their Division One campaign with a 3-1 victory over Acks. Martin Banks (2) and Matthew Mackay scored for Staxigoe, with Graham Bremner on target for the visitors.
Swifts secured their play-off spot after a 2-2 draw with Pentland on Monday. Liam Dykes struck twice for Pentland in the first half but Swifts responded with a Lewis McKechnie double.
Shane Honeyman scored both goals as Watten beat Top Joe's 2-0, leaving the Thurso team in bottom spot.
Results – Highland Amateur Cup final: High Ormlie Hotspur 1, Pentland United 1 (AET; High Ormlie won 4-2 on penalties).
Division One: High Ormlie Hotspur v Wick Groats abandoned; Lybster 0, John O'Groats 1; Pentland United 6, Wick Thistle 1; Staxigoe United 3, Acks 1.
Division Two: Keiss 0, Castletown 0; Thurso Pentland 2, Swifts 2; Top Joe's 0, Watten 2.
Fixture – Friday – Relegation/promotion play-off: Swifts v Wick Thistle (at Morrison Park, Halkirk, 7.30pm).