Young Scorries four points away from title after victory over Balloan
Wick Academy need four points from their last two games to secure the SHFL Under 18 North title after a 2-1 victory in their top-of-the-table clash with Balloan Thistle.
The young Scorries created several half-chances in the early stages of Sunday’s encounter at Harmsworth Park before Louis Hancock smashed in the opener from close range on nine minutes.
Hancock was soon involved again but this time his effort bounced back off the crossbar.
Jayden Bremner then had the ball in the net from a George Ewing cross but was denied by an offside flag.
Wick went into the break in a deserved one-goal lead.
Balloan equalised on 59 minutes when a free kick from deep was headed in by Ryan Rutherford.
Two minutes later a through ball from Sam Shearer found Bremner, who cut inside and rifled home a glorious strike from 20 yards for his 21st goal of the season.
In stoppage time Ewing looked to have added a third but was denied by a goal-line clearance.
Coach Derek Shearer said: “We knew it was going to be a very tough game against a team who have been flying in recent weeks. We knew we had to win to keep the league in our own hands.
“I thought every one of our players was outstanding and we deserved our three points. Jayden’s goal was worthy of winning any match.
“We now need to make sure we play the same way in our last two games, starting with Alness at home this Sunday.”
Academy have 57 points from their 20 fixtures, while Balloan are on 48 points with four games still to play in the 12-team division.
