Wilson plots to derail Locos
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BARRY Wilson takes charge of his final game for Wick Academy before he heads off to Florida for a fortnight’s holiday.
But he is warning his players he is not expecting any Mickey Mouse performances while he is away that could cost them their hopes of winning the title.
He is urging his squad to continue its fairytale season by picking up three points against Inverurie Locos at Harmsworth Park if their 2012/13 story is to have a happy ending.
Wilson admitted it is unfortunate his holiday will result in him missing the trip to Nairn next Saturday and a home encounter with Huntly on February 16.
But passing over responsibility of the squad to Richard Hughes and Gordon Connolly, he knows the squad is in the best possible hands.
"I booked my holiday last year before I became Wick Academy manager, so unfortunately as a result of unforeseen circumstances I’m going to be away.
"In a way, I hope that it snows during those two weeks in Scotland as I really don’t want to miss any matches. But Tichie has done it all before and with Gordon helping him out I’m confident they will keep the players level-headed to do a good job while I’m away."
Academy will have a full-strength squad to choose from for the visit of Locos who will undoubtedly pose the biggest challenge to the Scorries in recent months.
Wick have won their last five matches, scoring 25 goals and only conceding two in the process, but Wilson expects a much tougher challenge from the new age Highland League heavyweights.
"The postponement didn’t really affect us too much on Saturday as only one game went ahead, so everything is the same as it was the week before.
"I’ve been delighted with the way we have created chances and taken a lot of them by scoring so many goals.
"But the likes of Lossiemouth and Rothes didn’t really provide us with any challenge – we could have easily added a lot more goals, no problem.
"Inverurie should prove much tougher opposition on Saturday but the way we’re playing I’m confident of the win."
After last weekend’s five hour bus trip to Fraserburgh was cancelled, Wick Academy enjoyed a bounce game against Thurso FC.
The manager also made a special appearance during the match, coming on in the second half.
He said that he won’t be naming himself in the squad this weekend, but did not rule out playing before the end of the season.
"I’ve been struggling with a knee injury for eight months so I’ve been training with the lads to improve my personal fitness.
"But I won’t rule myself out pulling on a black and white shirt before the end of the season – we’ll see how well we’re doing before I entertain that thought."
Inverurie Locos still have an outside chance of winning the Highland League but would require other teams to drop points if they are to lift their first title in May.
Not having played for three weeks, their last result was an impressive 1-0 win at Deveronvale despite their captain Steven Park being sent off early in the game. Park will be the only player who will be missing from the visiting squad. Locos travel with the confidence of having taken four points from their two games against Wick last season
Co-manager Scott Buchan said he was not surprised to see Academy top the league and thinks it’s great for the division.
"I’m actually delighted to see Wick Academy at the top of league due to the fact they’ve not spent big money and managed to keep the nucleus of the squad together," he said.
"Everyone has seen over the years the quality of football that they’ve played. I remember as a player going to Harmsworth Park and scoring six or seven.
"Those days are gone now and it really is a joy to see a team who don’t spend a lot of money have a great chance of winning the title.
"Wick have been quite fortunate that they’ve been able to play just about all their games unlike most of the other teams and it is a huge advantage for them.
"We still have a slight chance of winning but there is still a long way for us to go and a lot of games to win before we can consider ourselves contenders."
