Craig's testimonal match against Ross County was a great success. Alan Hendry interviewed Craig before his big night, and we look back to Craig's thoughts on the event.
As a midfield
powerhouse with a never-say-die attitude and a keen eye for goal, Craig Shearer
has been a firm favourite with the Academy support for over a decade.
But while the
30-year-old is well known for leading by example and never shirking a
challenge, off the park he's an unassuming individual who is not entirely at
ease with being the centre of attention in this year of testimonial events in
his honour. Not that this detracts in any way from his appreciation of the work
being done by Alistair Ross and the rest of the testimonial committee.
"I'm not really a
centre-of-attention person," Craig admits. "I tend to shy away from it all. It
still seems a bit surreal that it's my testimonial year, to be honest, and the
game against Ross County seems to have come along all of a sudden.
"The work that
has been done by the testimonial committee is amazing, though. I know they've
had a lot of stress, and Alistair has probably had a few sleepless nights about
it, but they've done such a good job of organising everything - from the
horse-racing night to the golf, then the game, and then the dinner that is yet
to come. They've done so much work and I can only say thank you for what
they've done."
Craig's
association with the club began in 1998 when he was approached by the then manager,
Peter Budge. Craig, who was turning out for Halkirk United at the time, jumped
at the chance to join his home-town team.
"I used to come
and watch Academy when they first came into the Highland League," he says. "I
can still remember that - the Brora derbies with crowds of 1000, and big teams
like Aberdeen and Hibs and Falkirk coming up here.
"I was halfway
through the season with Halkirk in the North Caledonian League when Peter Budge
came to the house and asked me to come along to Academy training. There were no
second thoughts about that."
Craig's first
competitive start for Academy was in a league match at Brora in December 1998
and his first goal came against Huntly in February 2000. "It was here at the
Harmsworth," he recalls. "I hit it from about 20 yards with my left foot and it
went into the top corner - I don't think I've ever scored another goal with my
left foot!
"I do sneak the
odd goal. I wouldn't call myself a goalscoring midfielder but if there's a
scramble in the box I just seem to be there at the right time."
Indeed he has
scored an impressive 49 goals in all competitions in his 365 appearances for
Academy (up to and including the Forres match on August 21st, and including 10
appearances as a substitute).
Versatility is
one of Craig's key attributes. Solid in the tackle, commanding in the air and
accurate in his distribution, he has been just as effective when deployed in a
defensive role. "I'm quite happy helping out in defence," he says. "I find it a
bit easier going back to centre-half. You don't seem to do so much running as
you do in the middle of the park, so it's not so bad."
The most
memorable occasion in his Academy career so far was the Scottish Cup tie
against Threave Rovers in 2001 when Harmsworth Park played host to the Sportscene
cameras and the famous old trophy itself. "That was one of my best days with
Academy," he says. "The place was just packed to the rafters."
When asked to
pick out the best players during his time with Academy, Craig comes up with two
names.
"Gordon
Robertson," he says first of all, without hesitation. "He was a big signing
when he came here - a brilliant player and more or less a perfect example of a
professional footballer. He kept himself well in shape, he was always at
training, and he did his stuff on the pitch.
"Then there's
obviously Martin Gunn. I've played in the same position as him since I came
here, in the middle of the park, and he's still as good as when he first
started. So the two of them, I would say."
With the Scorries
having established themselves in the top half of the league over the past two
seasons, Craig is in no doubt that the current group of players is the most
talented in his time at the club.
"This is the best
team we've ever had, by miles," he says. "There are so many good young players
coming through and there's so much depth in the squad. It's a good group that
has come together at the right time."
Craig, who works
as an instrument technician at Dounreay, lives in Wick with his wife Iona and
their daughter Katie, who is two and a half. As a family man, he doesn't relish
the long bus journeys to away games that frequently take up a large chunk of
the weekend for Academy players, but his commitment remains unwavering.
He has already
proved himself to be a great servant of the club, and the good news for the
fans is that there's plenty more to come.
Craig says: "As
long as my legs keep going and I stay clear of injuries, I want to play as long
as I can."
3 (David Allan 63, Gary Weir 66, Richard Macadie 80)
Team: James More, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson, Alan Farquhar, Andrew MacLeod(Alex Lamb 46), Craig Shearer, Martin Gunn, Sam Mackay, David Allan(Shane Sutherland 85), Richard Macadie, David Cowie(Gary Weir 46).
Subs: Gary Weir, Alex Lamb, Bryan McKiddie, Michael Steven, Shane Sutherland.
Lossiemouth F.C.
2 (Jamie Bagley 5, 34)
Team: Darren McConnachie, Steven Sim, Kevin Flett, John Urquhart(Colin Charlesworth 76), Sam Milton, Garry MacDonald, Tony Ross, Martin McMullan, Shawn Scott(Niki Smith 64), Stuart Strathdee, Jamie Bagley(Ross Duncan 65).
Subs: Niki Smith, Colin Charlesworth, Liam Archibald, Dan Smith, Ross Duncan.
Referee:
Graham Fraser
Bookings:
Alan Farquhar 58
Match Sponsors Man of the Match:
Alan Farquhar
Academy fought back from 2 goals down today to beat
Lossiemouth 3-2 in a remarkable second half turn-around. A Jamie Bagley double had
the Coasters well in control going in at half time, with Academy having a relatively poor first half. Changes of personnel at half-time seemed to kick the Scorries
into gear and when David Allan got ahead of his marker to head home a Sam Mackay
cross with 63 minutes played it was game on. Gary Weir squared the scores 3
minutes later and Richard Macadie secured the points with a well drilled shot
into the bottom right hand corner of the net with 10 minutes of time left.
Academy were slow
getting out of the blocks today and Lossieouth on the other hand seemed to be
the first to every ball.
The visitors took the
lead in the 5th minute. Tony Ross fed Stuart Strathdee down the
right wing and he got round Andrew MacLeod to whip the ball across goal for
Jamie Bagley to slot home at the back post.
0 - 1
8 minutes later Lossie
were in on goal again. Andrew MacLeod missed a clearance and Stuart Strathdee
homed in on goal but More came to meet him and blocked his shot with his feet.
It took 17 minutes for
Academy to get their first shot on goal. Sam Mackay passed the ball into David
Allan and he stripped Sam Milton for pace but struck his shot straight to
keeper McConnachie.
Wick Academy FC last-night completed the signing of talented
midfielder Shane Sutherland from North Reserve side Golspie Sutherland Football
Club on a one year contract.
Shane is an exciting young
talent who can play on the left or right side of midfield; he is a very skilful
and pacy player with an eye for a goal. The 23yr old midfielder has previous
experience in the SHFL with Brora Rangers prior to leaving them for Golspie
Sutherland FC.
Shane will be available for
selection for tomorrow's SHFL Home fixture against Lossiemouth
FC, but is Cup tied for the NOS Cup final on the 11th September.
Club Secretary Alan Farquhar
stated:
"The club is absolutely delighted to secure Shane's signature. I believe their was interest
from a couple of other SHFL Clubs, however we are delighted he chose Wick
Academy Football Club to display his football ability.
Shane is a player that our
Management Team (Titch & Zeeky) have
been very interested in and once they intimated to the Club they were very keen
on getting him onboard; we as a club were only too delighted to support them in
their quest to build on an already talented squad.
I would like to take this
opportunity to thank Golspie Sutherland Football Club for making the signing of
Shane possible, they were absolutely tremendous to deal with and we as a club
wish them all the best for the rest of their Season".
Shane is pictured below at the Harmsworth Park tonight with Wick Academy General Manager Pat Miller and Secretary Alan Farquhar.
East End under-11s who were put through their paces by Academy under-17 coach George Groat (back left) before the match against Forres Mechanics on the 21st of August. Also in the picture is East End coach Graham Thomson. (Photo Alan Hendry).
Tickets for the HITS NOS Cup final will be priced at £8 and
£4 for concessions. They will be available for sale from J Gunn & Co Bridge
street Wick, and on the evening of Thursday the 2nd September in the Flower
Patch River Street Wick between 7pm and 8pm. Tickets will also be available for
sale at the Lossiemouth game between 2:15pm and 2.45pm at the Harmsworth Park
tea hut.
Entry to the game will still be possible at the gate in
Dudgeon Park, but we would ask if you can buy a ticket if possible to ease
congestion on Cup final day.
The draw for the first round of the 2010/11 Scottish Cup took place this morning at the home of Beith Juniors. Academy received a bye into the second round.
Scottish FA President George Peat, Gus McPherson and Tommy Coyne Snr
conducted the draw at Bellsdale Park, after Beith entered the draw for
the first time as winners of the West of Scotland Super League Premier
Division.
The first round of matches are due to be played on the weekend of 25 September.Academy will play Formartine United in the league the same weekend.
Team: James More, Shaun Sinclair(Allan Forbes 82), Gary Manson, Alan Farquhar(Gordon Robertson 86), Andrew MacLeod(Michael Steven 46), Craig Shearer(Gordie Reid 77), Bryan McKiddie(Ross Allan 62), Sam Mackay, David Allan(Gary Weir 46), Richard Macadie(Greg Shearer 71), Stevie Cunningham(David Cowie 46).
Subs: Davie Cowie, Alex Lamb, Gary Weir, Michael Steven, Ross Allan, Martin Gunn, Gordon Robertson, Gordie Reid, Allan Forbes, Greg Shearer.
Team: Joe Mallin, Paul Lawson(Scott Boyd 46), Archie MacPhee, Stuart Kettlewell, Gary Miller, Darren McCormack(John Budge 82), Paul Di Giacomo(Michael Gardyne 82), Steven Ross, Garry Wood, Iain Vigors, Darren Smith.
Subs: Scott Boyd, Mark Corcoran, Martin Scott, Michael Gardyne, Richard Brittain, Michael McGovern, John Budge.
Referee:
Graham Fraser
Bookings:
None
Match Sponsors Man of the Match:
Craig Shearer
Reporter:
Ken Wood
Ross
County brought a strong
squad to Harmsworth
Park on Tuesday evening
for Craig Shearer's Testimonial match, with most of their Hampden Scottish Cup
Final players on view.
As a crowd of about 320 gathered on a fine late summer
evening the teams were piped onto the field. Shearer, after a couple of seasons
with the youth team, has been a first team regular for 12 years making 367
appearances and netting his 50th goal in last Tuesday's 3-1 North
cup semi final win against Caley Thistle. It is likely, however, that for the
Academy midfielder, who turned 30 at the end of June, one of his most cherished
memories will be that of carrying the team mascot, his daughter Katie, onto the
park before this game.
Academy's players gave a good account of themselves
especially during the first half though ultimately County displayed the class
and power expected from the SFL Division 1 team.
After ten minutes or so of passing and probing by both teams
it was Academy who made the breakthrough. Davie Allan ran onto a pass from
Richard Macadie and chipped it over keeper Joe Malin.
Shearer's side continued their exhibition of flowing
football, confident that the County defenders were for the most part content to
shadow them rather than tackle. Bryan McKiddie set up Macadie whose drive to
the bottom corner was pushed round the post by Malin diving to his left.
After 20 minutes we at last saw County as an attacking force
when Paul Di Giacomo nodded the ball down in the box to the feet of Gary Wood.
James More deputising for the injured Alan Bokas came quickly off his line to
grab the ball. More then had to push away Wood's powerful ten yard volley
before Di Giacomo's lob from the left drifted just past the top of the back
post.
Academy's efforts were several times thwarted by the offside
flag though Malin was tested with a few long range shots and made another fine
save to deflect a Macadie drive wide.
Team: David Harrison, Colin Williamson, Michael Finnis, Steve MacDonald, Scott Davidson, Martin Sanderson, Blair Lawrie(Mark Dougal 87), Stuart Leslie(Simon Shields 92), Neil MacDonald, Sam Urquhart, Alan Pollock(Kevin Fraser 78).
Subs: Paul Smith, Mark Dougal, Simon Shields, Kevin Fraser, Trailist Goal-keeper.
Wick Academy F.C.
1 (David Allan 40)
Team: Alan Bokas, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson, Alan Farquhar, Alex Lamb(Andrew Macleod 46), Craig Shearer, Martin Gunn(Bryan McKiddie 83), Sam Mackay, David Allan, Richard Macadie(David Cowie 75), Stevie Cunningham.
Subs: Bryan McKiddie, David Cowie, Andrew MacLeod, James Mackay, Daniel Budge.
Referee:
Craig Sim
Bookings:
Steve MacDonald 65
Blair Lawrie 68
Reporter:
Colin Stewart
Just kicked off at Grant Park. Gary Weir misses the game due to a prior commitment, but David Allan is back in the starting line-up having recovered from his ham-string injury.
Clach make five changes from the side that lost 3-5 to Buckie in their last league game. Williamson, Finnis and Davidson are in the defensive line-up in place of Shields, Craig and Dougal. Up front Neil MacDonald and live-wire Blair Lawrie are in for Smith and Kennedy.
15 minutes played and it's been a pretty even affair thus
far. Clach managed to get through
one-one on Bokas with 8 minutes played but the Wick keep did well to charge the
ball down and clear the danger.
Manson and Macadie combined well to slip in David Allan
minutes later but the young striker shot just wide of target.
On the quarter hour Gunn had a left foot shot from 20 yards
out that went just over the top of goal.
Clach take the lead with from a 25 yard strike from Stuart
Leslie that smacked off the under-side of the cross-bar before coming down and
bouncing on the line. The ball didn't look to have fully crossed the line but
the far side linesman flagged for the goal.
1 - 0
2 goals come in as many minutes. Clach went 2 up when
Urquhart got his head to a high ball that was punted into the Academy box, and
he steered it into the net to the right of Bokas.
2 - 0
Academy replied within a minute of the re-start. Cunningham
slide David Allan into the box and he kept his cool and slid the ball low under
keeper Harrison from 12 yards out.
We are taking home Wick Academy Cup final scarves for the NOS Cup final on the 11th of September. These will be black and white stripes with the club badge and the following printed on them:
WICK ACADEMY F.C.
NOS Cup Final
11th September 2010
They will be priced at £11 and there will be limited availability. They should be delivered to us by the 4th of September but they are available now on pre order, either by letting us know through our web site contact form, or in J Gunn & Co, Shoe shop, Bridge Street Wick.
We also have the following coming home:
44" by 24" Academy flags on a stick - £7.50
Black and white Jester hats - £7.00
Black and white wigs - £7.00
Black and white horns - £3.50
These can also be pre-booked in the same way as the scarves.
Let's fill Dudgeon Park on the 11th of September with a sea of black and white and give them a final to remember
Supporters buses leaving Wick at 10:30am from the front of
the Norseman Hotel, price £10. Places are going fast, so book early to avoid disappointment.
In order to try to ease congestion into Dudgeon Park tickets
will be printed for the game. These will be available for sale in the Flower Patch, 4 River Street Wick on the evening of the 2nd September between 7:00pm and 8:00pm, and also in J Gunn & Co Shoe shop Wick.
The price set by the Highland Football League is as follows:
Full - £8.00
Concessions - £4.00
You can still pay the same price at the gate for entry, so
this is only a measure to get people into the ground a little quicker.
Johnny Robertson has now filled 3 buses. If you are interested in going
to the game by bus can you contact Johnny as soon as possible please so
that he can work out if he can get the numbers to fill a 4th bus.
The Cup scarves, jester hats, black and white wigs, and horns are now
home and available for sale in J Gunn Shoe shop Wick. We will also be
selling scarves at the Lossiemouth game today.
There has been a delay in getting the flags home and I will have an update on them next week.
Tickets for the cup final are also on sale at J Gunns. This is a measure
to ease congestion into Dudgeon Park on the day of the final. If you
can buy a ticket if you are planning going to the game that would be
appreciated.
The town seems to be buzzing over the prospect of the final, so let's have a day out to remember.
Team: Alan Bokas, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson, Alan Farquhar, Alex Lamb, Craig Shearer, Martin Gunn, Sam Mackay(David Cowie 84), Gary Weir(Bryan McKiddie 76), Richard Macadie, Stevie Cunningham(David Allan 68).
Subs: Bryan McKiddie, David Allan, Davie Cowie, Ross Allan, Andrew MacLeod.
Inverness Caley Thistle F.C.
1 (Shane Sutherland 10)
Team: Max Johnson, Martin Laing, Tom Smith, Jack Sutherland, Graeme Shinnie, Andy McAskill, Andy Greig, Gavin Morrison(Kyle Whyte 62), Shane Sutherland(Neil Erskin 68), Calum Dingwall(Liam Polworth 62), David Chambers.
Subs: Neil Erskine, Kyle White, Adam MacLeod, Liam Polworth, Robbie Donaldson.
Referee:
Douglas Ross
Bookings:
Alex Lamb 67
Graeme Shinne 78
Match Sponsors Man of the Match:
Craig Shearer
Super Scorries go ballistic....
A bumper crowd packed the Harmsworth Park tonight to witness
the Scorries blast aside the young Caley Thistle starlets to reach their first
ever senior cup final.
Caley took the lead against the run of play in the 10th
minute when ex-Academy striker Shane Sutherland dipped his shoulder inside the
Academy penalty box, found half a yard to the side of Alan Farquhar and fired a rasping right foot shot into
the back of the net.
Academy kept playing
their football though and levelled the scores in 23 minutes when Shaun Sinclair
fired a cross into the Caley box from the right wing and Craig Shearer rose
above the Caley defence and directed his header into the bottom corner of
Johnson's net.
The teams went in square at half time and Shane Sutherland
had a great chance to score his second a minute after the re-start but he sent
a free header wide of target.
Sam Mackay had the Harmsworth crowd on their feet on the
56th minute when he chased down a long ball with keeper Johnson. The keeper seemed to get to the ball first at the edge of the Caley penalty box but he kicked it off Mackay's legs. The ball looped up into the air and Mackay followed in and slotted
home into an empty net.
More joy was to come about 20 minutes from full time.
Manson pumped a free kick into the Caley box. Weir managed to get something on
it and it bounced back off the keeper but Shearer was the quickest to react and
stuck a leg out to hit the ball up into the air and it seemed to hit off the
under-side of the cross bar before rolling into the back of the net.
A tense last 15 minutes saw the crowd count down every second . Caley did find the net again before full-time but it was chalked off for off-side, and when referee Ross blew for full time the Harmsworth roar could
probably have been heard over most of Wick as the Academy faithful started
to celebrate.
Full time 3 - 1
Academy now face
Forres Mechanics who beat Nairn County 1 - 0 in the other semi-final tonight.
That game will take place on Saturday the 11th of September in Dudgeon Park
Brora, so start making your travel plans for the clubs first cup final.
Sponsors Man of the match Craig Shearer
Pictured receiving his award from Rob Sutherland of match sponsor D Sutherland & Son Wick
Team: Alan Bokas, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson, Alan Farquhar, Alex Lamb, Craig Shearer, Martin Gunn, Sam Mackay(Bryan McKiddie 87), Gary Weir, Richard Macadie, Stevie Cunningham.
Subs: Bryan McKiddie, David Allan, Davie Cowie, Ross Allan, Daniel Budge.
Forres Mechanics F.C.
0
Team: Stuart Knight, Bruce Milne, Kevin Shortreed, Graeme Grant, Nathan Sharp, Ross MacPherson, Neil Whyte, Charles Brown, Kyle Scott, Scott Moore(Matthew Fraser 71), Ryan Green(Garry Tweedie 79).
Subs: Ian Penwright, Christopher Grant, Matthew Fraser,Garry Tweedie, Martin Taylor.
Referee:
Alan Frew
Bookings:
Gary Manson 30
Scott Moore 38
Ross MacPherson 52
Neil Whyte 55
Stevie Cunningham 61
Ryan Green 64
Kevin Shortreed 78
Martin Gunn 90+1
Match Sponsors Man of the Match:
Alan Farquhar
A swirling wind at the Harmsworth Park today spoiled the game a little, but
Academy battled out a 1-0 win with Stevie Cunningham grabbing the winner in the
61st minute. That was Stevies '4th goal in 4 games.
A second-half strike by Stevie Cunningham was enough
to give Academy a 1-0 victory over Forres Mechanics in a match that will be
remembered for Alan Bokas's superb penalty save in the closing stages.
The strong wind spoiled the game as a spectacle but
the three points were what mattered most to the Scorries, with the added bonus of
a first clean sheet of the season.
Co-manager Richard Hughes said recently he wanted
Harmsworth Park to become a fortress, and results like this against tough
opposition will certainly help to build up that reputation.
The closest to a goal in the first period was a
snap-shot from Craig Shearer that came crashing back off the crossbar.
Half Time 0 - 0
Academy made the breakthrough after 61 minutes. Gary
Weir's cross from the right was nodded down by Shearer and Cunninghamran on to slot it low past Stuart Knight.
Richard Macadie had a chance to double the lead when he found himself
one-on-one with Knight but the keeper managed to snuff out the danger.
Final Score 1 - 0.
Sponsors Man of the match Alan Farquhar
Pictured receiving his award from Charlie Burness of match sponsor "The Tesco crew"
Wick Academy's HITS North of Scotland Cup semi final clash against Inverness Caley Thistle has been scheduled for Tuesday night the 24th of August. The tie will be played at the Harmsworth Park, kick off will be 7:30pm. The game will be played as a home tie for ICT.
Team: Kevin Main, Chris Angus, Robert Duncan, Lewis MacKinnon, Kevin Small, Robert Brown(Donnie Munro 39, Andy Low 45), Paul Napier, Hamish Munro, Ian Murray, Craig MacMillan(Martin Charlesworth 73), Jamie Shewan.
Subs: Andy Low, Martin Charlesworth, Zander Sutherland, Donnie Munro, Darren Strong.
Wick Academy F.C.
1 (Stevie Cunningham 25)
Team: Alan Bokas, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson(Grant Campbell 62), Alan Farquhar, Bryan McKiddie(Stuart Florence 85), Craig Shearer, Martin Gunn, Sam Mackay, Gary Weir, Richard Macadie, Stevie Cunningham.
Subs: Grant Campbell, Stuart Florence.
Referee:
Bryan Braidwood
Bookings:
Gary Manson 55
Sam Mackay 56
Alan Farquhar 60
Lewis MacKinnon 80
Craig Shearer 87
Martin Gunn 87
Reporter:
Ken Wood
Play went swiftly from end to end in the first ten minutes.
A Wick corner was cleared along the Buckie left wing and chased by Craig MacMillan
into the box
where Alan Farquhar kicked it against the striker's shins
for a goal kick. Jags keeper Kevin Main dashed from his line to kick the ball
away from Stevie Cuningham. After Jamie Shewan fired over the bar Academy
launched a slick counter raid, Sam Mackay racing along the left to drive the
ball across the face of Main's goal. Richard
Macadie regained possession out on the right turning the ball back inside to
Cunningham whose 15 yard effort was kicked off the line by Lewis MacKinnon.
When a pass from Cunningham gave Mackay the chance to drill the ball in low
from 10 yards out on the left, the ball went between Main's
legs but again MacKinnon was on the line to prevent a goal. Wick keeper Alan
Bokas was called into action for the first time to fist away a cross from right
winger Paul Napier.
In the 15th minute Mackay thought he had scored with
a strike that went in off the underside of the bar but it was ruled offside.
The visitors were now dominating proceedings and Mackay set up Gary Weir who delayed
too long and had to pass to Macadie whose shot along the ground was fielded by Main. Bryan McKiddie and Martin Gunn took the ball
forward on the Academy right only for a probing pass to roll through to Main.
Club captain Martin Gunn became
the first player in the Club's history to make 300 league starts on Saturday
the 7th of August in Academy's home game against Strathspey Thistle. Martin has
also featured 22 times for the Scorries in the league coming on as a substitute
His appearance record in Cup competitions is also impressive, featuring in a
total of 70 Cup ties for Academy. Martin is now in his 16th season with Academy
and celebrated his testimonial season in 2006/07.
Messrs MacDonald and Miller took
joint charge of the Academy team for their first Highland League season in
1994/95 and invited Martin along to training. He made his debut in the League
Cup tie at home to Fort William on August 20 though the team lost 4-1.
His league debut the following
Saturday at Peterhead was a 4-0 defeat but there were promising signs as
Academy came within inches of an equaliser in the 75th minute before tiring
late on. A week later Martin was wearing the number 8 shirt as Alan Murray
scored to earn a 1-1 draw with Rothes and the club's first ever Highland League
point.
Martin scored his first Academy
goal on December 10, 1995 at Buckie, and since then he has hit the net 75 times
in league and cup ties. hopefully there are a few more goals in him yet before
he hangs up his boots.
Wick Academy co-manager Richard
Hughes was delighted that Martin had reached this milestone in his playing career
and said "Martin has been a fine player and a great servant to the club.
The players and coaches are all pleased for him to reach this milestone of 300
games. Having been captain for a lot of years Shoe really deserves for us to
win something this season".
(Martin is pictured in action in his 300th league start v Strathspey Thistle on the 7th August 2010)
Team: Michael Gray, Martin Sutherland(Philip MacKhouli 69), Blair MacIntosh, Grant Steven, Andrew Bremner, Chris Wann, Wayne Monkman, Jamie MacKenzie, Mark Nichol, Grant Budge(James Murray 41), Lee MacDougal.
Subs: James Murray, James MacLean, Philip MacKhouli, Michael Petrie, Ross Sutherland.
Wick Academy F.C.
2 (Gary Weir 28, Stevie Cunningham 31)
Team: Alan Bokas, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson, Alan Farquhar, Alex Lamb, Craig Shearer, Martin Gunn, Gary Weir, David Allan(Bryan McKiddie 30), Richard Macadie, Stevie Cunningham(Andrew MacLeod 80).
Subs: Andrew MacLeod, Bryan McKiddie.
Referee:
Graham Fraser
Bookings:
Andrew Bremner 2
Chris Wann 59
Gary Weir 69
Shaun Sinclair 90+10
Academy and Thurso met for the first time in a competitive
match and the North Caledonian League side gave the Scorries a real test. The
draw was scheduled for playing in Thurso but was switched to the Harmsworth
Park as Thurso have no floodlights.
Academy pressed from the start and within the first 2
minutes Thurso's Andrew Bremner got a booking for a deliberate hand-ball.
Macadie took the 25 yard free kick and got it over the wall forcing Gray to
dive across and palm it round his post for a corner.
8 minutes later Macadie drove up the wing and whipped a
wicked ball into the Thurso box but Weir just couldn't make an extra inch to
reach it at the far post.
3 minutes later David Allan beat the off-side trap and
pushed the ball wide out to Weir who attempted to chip keeper Gray but he put
his effort over the top of the target.
In the next attack Cunningham linked with David Allan who
again beat the off-side trap but his left foot shot scuffed the outside Gray's
left hand post.
Team: Alan Bokas, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson(Grant Campbell 72), Alan Farquhar, Alex Lamb, Craig Shearer(Bryan McKiddie 76), Martin Gunn, Gary Weir, David Allan(Sam Mackay 68), Richard Macadie, Stevie Cunningham.
Subs: Sam Mackay, Bryan McKiddie, Andrew MacLeod, Grant Campbell, Stewart Ross.
Strathspey Thistle F.C.
1 (Gary Sutherland 27 Pen)
Team: Willie Ridgers, Fraser Tulloch, Darren Jarvie(Scott Hendry 72), Craig Ireland, Gary Sutherland, Terry Swinton(Roddy MacPhee 58), David Ritchie(Simon Hill 58), David Ross, Ross Mackay, Joe Hardie, Ross MacKenzie.
Subs: George Russell, Roddy MacPhee, Jordan Wardrope, Simon Hill Scott Hendry.
Referee:
Douglas Ross
Bookings:
David Ritchie 39
Gary Sutherland 67
Martin Gunn 78
Match Sponsors Man of the Match:
Alan Farquhar
A good performance by Academy today saw them pick up their first 3 points of this years campaign. Richard Macadie and Gary Weir both bagged a double, and Stevie Cunningham also got his name on the card with a sweetly hit 20 yard volley. Martin Gunn started his 300th league game for the Scorries today becoming the first player in the Club's history to hit this milestone.
Academy
took the lead after just two minutes when Martin Gunn - starting his 300th game
for the club - played the ball through the middle and Macadie ran on
unchallenged to place it low past Willie Ridgers.
The
Grantown Jags got themselves level after 27 minutes when Craig Shearer was
adjudged to have fouled Ross Mackay in the box and Gary Sutherland made no
mistake from the spot.
Wick
regained the lead five minutes later when Macadie drilled the ball along the
ground and into the corner of the net. It was the midfielder's seventh goal in
three games against Strathspey.
Stevie
Cunningham extended the lead when he fired the ball through a crowded penalty
area and beyond the unsighted Ridgers with 37 minutes on the clock.
It
was pretty much one-way traffic after the break as Academy attacked down the
slope.
Five of the Wick Academy squad have renewed their contracts for the coming season. The players are pictured signing their forms with Wick Academy General Manager Pat Miller.
Martin Gunn, Stevie Cunningham, Richard Macadie, Alan Farquhar and David Allan
The next round games for the Highlands and Islands Training Services North of Scotland Cup pairs Academy up against Thurso. This is the Vikings first ever match in the competition and it's a game that is sure to be fiercely competed. The game is a home tie for Thurso, but due to an 8:00pm kick-off and no floodlights in Thurso, it will be played at the Harmsworth Park.
The game has been scheduled for the 11th of August, kick-off 8:00pm.
Details of the other fixtures are as follows:
Quarter Finals North Section:
Thurso v Wick Academy (Played at the Harmsworth on the 11th Aug)
Clachnacuddin v Inverness CT East Section:
Fort William v Nairn County
Forres Mechanics v Lossiemouth Ties to be played on Tuesday August 10th or Wednesday August 11th
Semi Finals North Section:
Clachnacuddin / Halkirk United / Golspie Sutherland / Inverness CT v Thurso / Wick Academy / Brora Rangers East Section:
Rothes / Forres Mechanics / Lossiemouth v Nairn County / Strathspey Thistle / Fort William / Muir of Ord Rovers Ties to be played Tuesday August 24th or Wednesday August 25th
Final
Clachnacuddin / Halkirk United / Golspie Sutherland / Inverness CT /
Thurso / Wick Academy / Brora Rangers v Rothes / Forres Mechanics /
Lossiemouth / Nairn County / Strathspey Thistle / Fort William / Muir of
Ord Rovers Tie to be played Saturday September 11th or Sunday September 12th
Team: Stuart Knight, Simon Allan, Kevin Shortreed, Kyle Scott, Nathan Sharp, Ross MacPherson, Neil Whyte(Chris Grant 89), Bruce Milne, Iain Penwright(Duncan Jones 73), Kevin Duguid(Matthew Fraser 65), Scott Moore.
Subs: Matthew Fraser, Chris Grant, Scott Robinson, Suncan Jones, Martin Tatlor.
Wick Academy F.C.
1 (Gary Weir Pen 77)
Team: Alan Bokas, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson, Alan Farquhar, Alex Lamb, Craig Shearer, Bryan McKiddie(Gary Weir 67), Sam
Mackay(Martin Gunn 67), David Allan, Richard Macadie, Stevie Cunningham(Ross Allan 81).
Subs: Martin Gunn, Gary Weir, Ross Allan, Michael Stephen, Grant Campbell.
Referee:
Scott MacDonald
Bookings:
Stuart Knight 77
Simon Allan 79
Alex Lamb 85
Wick
Academy co-managers Ian
Munro and Richard Hughes, although disappointed by this defeat at Mosset Park
in Saturday's opening Scot-Ads Highland League game, were upbeat about their
team's overall performance.
Munro said: "We actually played really well especially in
the first half."
Academy survived a scare in the second minute when a corner
from the Forres right was flicked along the six yard line to big defender
Nathan Sharp whose drive was scrambled away. The Scorries soon had a couple of
corners of their own before a good passing move across and forward saw Stevie
Cunningham fire just past the top corner.
In the 12th minute Richard Macadie on the left
collected a long accurate clearance from keeper Alan Bokas, played a quick
one-two with Sam Mackay and cut inside to unleash a swerving drive which
flashed past the near upright.
In the 21st minute Cunningham darted into the heart of the
home defence and the resultant corner led to a desperate goalmouth scramble.
Five minutes later Craig Shearer ran onto a high through ball with the Can Cans'
defence caught flatfooted hoping for offside. He lobbed the ball delicately
over the head of advancing keeper Stuart Knight only for it to bounce onto the
top of the bar and nestle on the roof of the net.
5 (Davie Allan 5, 38, Sam Mackay 39, Gary Weir 73, Gary Manson 76)
Team: Alan Bokas, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson, Alan Farquhar, Alex Lamb(Andrew MacLeod 83), Craig Shearer, Bryan McKiddie (Martin Gunn 75), Sam Mackay, David Allan(Gary Weir 70), Richard Macadie, Stevie Cunningham.
Subs: Martin Gunn, Gary Weir, Andrew MacLeod.
Brora Rangers F.C.
2 (Ronnie Jones 56, Scott McKain 87)
Team: Steve Martin, Mark McKernie, Alistair MacDonald, Scott Begg, Sean Munro, Mark Smith, Nigel MacKenzie, Gary Farquhar, Ronald Jones, Ross Suttar, Daniel MacKay.
Subs: Alexander MacLeod, Liam Baxter, Scott McKain, Evan Murray, Andrew Maitland.
Referee:
Billy Baxter
Bookings:
Scott Begg 46
David Allan 67
Match Sponsors Man of the Match:
Sam Mackay
Academy opened their season tonight with a comprehensive 5-2
win over local rivals Brora in the first round of the Highlands and Islands
Training Services North of Scotland Cup. Wick shone through despite a 10 minute
floodlight failure half way through the game.
It only took 5 minutes for the Scorries to open the scoring.
Stevie Cunningham supplied a flicked pass for David Allan and he marched into
the box and he drove a low shot past keeper Martin onto the back of the net.
1 - 0
Sam Mackay almost doubled the lead 2 minutes . David Allan
stormed up the wing and play Mackay onto the box. He went one-on-one with the
keep but hit his shot straight at the young goalie.
Macadie was next to have a run at the Brora back line
hitting the by-line and whipping a great pass into the box. David Allan slipped his defender but couldn't
get enough on his header to threaten the goal.
With just over a quarter hour played Mark Smith delivered a
dangerous cross into the Academy box but Bokas came and plucked the ball off
the head of Daniel Mackay.
The Craig Shearer Testimonial football match opposition has
been confirmed as Ross County FC.
The match will be played on Tuesday 31st August
at the Harmsworth Park, Wick with a 7.30pm kick off. County have confirmed that it will be their full senior squad that they will be taking up with them.
The Craig Shearer Testmonial Committee are grateful to Ross
County FC for agreeing to support this fixture and are equally excited by the
prospect of welcoming a squad which will include many of the players
who were involved in last seasons Scottish Cup Final.
Alistair Ross said "Following the disappointment of
realising the financial implications of bringing Dunfermline Athletic FC to
Wick, we are very excited at the prospect of welcoming Ross County FC to the
Harmsworth Park. We would like to thank them for agreeing to participate in the
testimonial fixture in recognition of Craig. I know he is very excited about
the fixture and we hope that his contribution to Wick Academy FC over the past
11 years will be recognised by the supporters."
"With such a tough opposition, we are hopeful that a good
showing is enjoyed by all on the night, not least Craig and his family."
(Committee: Alistair Ross, David Dunn, Evan Center, George
Mackay, Gordon Stewart, Stewart Busby, Walter Mowat)
Thurso gave Academy a really good pre-season run-out today. Thurso took the lead after 13 minutes, Jamie Mackenzie won
the ball in the middle of the park and drove down the left, his cut back found
the unmarked Mark Nicol and his low effort found the bottom corner from 15
yards
Within a minute wick nearly got back on level terms, Sam Mackay played a long
ball out to Craig Shearer and he put the ball into the box to Richard Macadie
and his driven effort was blocked by Michael Gray in the Thurso goal.
Wick got back on level terms after 23 minutes, Davie Allan was played in one on
one with keeper Gray, Gray took Allan down and Sam Mackay took the penalty and
drove the ball down the middle.
Wick went ahead after 36 minutes Davie Allan was tackled on the edge of the box
but the ball fell kindly to his brother Ross Allan, he cut inside onto his left
before dispatching a low effort into the corner of the net.
Half Time Thurso 1 Wick Academy 2
After 57 minutes wick really should have added a third, Ross Allan played a neat
one two with Sam Mackay, Allan then
found Gary Weir, Weir had time to steady himself and pick his spot but he
curled the ball wide of the post
On the hour mark Kyle Ross set up James Murray for a chance for Thurso but from
25 yards he screwed his shot wide.
Thurso got back on level terms after 86 minutes, Gary Manson appeared to handle
the ball on the line after a corner and this resulted in the ref awarding a
penalty, Mark Nicol stepped up and coolly placed the ball low to the keepers
right
Wick Academy have another pre-season friendly lined up for Saturday the 17th July. This time we visit Orkney to play Orkney AFA on Saturday the 17th July. The game will be played at the Kirkwall Pickquoy centre, kick-off is at 12:00.
Orkney
took the lead after 5 minutes, a long ball was played into Wanye Monkman and he
appeared to foul Alan Farquhar but the ref waved play on and Monkman from the
edge of the box curled the ball home via the left hand post
Wicks first real chance came after 13 minutes and it was Farquhar who rose
highest from a corner but his header was cleared off the line.
Wick equalized after 20 minutes, Martin Gunn played in Davie Allan down the
inside right channel and he placed the ball low past the keeper
Wick took the lead 10 minutes later, Stevie Cunningham played an inch perfect
ball over the defence to Sam Mackay, Mackay appeared to take a heavy first
touch but he managed to keep the ball under control to calmy round the keeper
to score.
Within a minute Wick added a third, Bryan Mckiddie was played through one on
one with the keeper and he cooly lobbed the ball over the kepper and
into the net.
Wayne Monkman was Orkney's danger man and he went close with a freekick from 25
yards on 34 minutes but he fired his effort just over.
Halftime Wick 3 Orkney 1
On 64 minutes Wick added a fourth playing the passing football they are
renowned for, Gary Weir played the ball into the feet of new man James Murray
and his perfectly weighted pass found macadie and he placed the ball in the
bottom corner from just inside the box.
Orkney pulled a goal back after 77 minutes, young goalkeeper Daniel Budge
hesitated when coming out but got a hand to Steven Miller shot but the ball
fell to the feet of David Delday and he slotted the ball home.
Wick finished the game off a great goal, young James Mackay palyed in Cunningham down the right and his inch perfect cross to the near post was met
by the head of Sam Mackay who bullted a header into the net.
Any supporter purchasing an "Early Bird Season
Ticket" by the deadline date of Friday 16th July 2010 will receive their
ticket at a reduced price for the forthcoming season. (Purchases after the
deadline date will be charged at the price stated in BOLD below)
Adult - £80 (Season Ticket Price £90)
Concessions - £40 (Season Ticket Price £45)
Plus, all "Early Bird Season Ticket" purchasers
will be entered into one fabulous FREE DRAW!
Boardroom Hospitality for Two - One lucky "Early
Bird Season Ticket purchaser plus his or her guest, will be invited to join us
for Boardroom Hospitality at a SHFL Match of the Club's choice. This will
include pre and post match drinks, half time snacks and refreshments.
Note: All Season Tickets purchased allows the holder
entry to 17 SHFL Matches ONLY!
SHFL Matches ONLY - Seats in the NORTH STAND can be
reserved for an additional £15.
Wick
Academy FC Membership Ticket for 2010-11
Membership Fees are now due and must be paid before the
30th September 2010.
Any new applicants are very welcome to apply can do so up
until the 31st December 2010, by using the contacts below.
Note: Anyone applying for or renewing their Membership
before the 15th August 2010 will receive a FREE WAFC Club Badge.
You can purchase a Season Ticket as well as applying for
or renewing Club Memberships via the contact details below:
WAFC Secretary on 01955 604924 OR 07765408465
(Day/Evenings).
The Craig Shearer Testimonial Committee tonight officially announced the
cancellation of the testimonial match fixture against Dunfermline
Athletic FC which was intended to be the show-piece event of the
testimonial programme in recognition of Craig Shearer’s eleven seasons
as a player for Wick Academy FC.
A thorough review of the costs to be incurred with hosting this fixture
has shown that it would not be financially viable and as such the
fixture against Dunfermline Athletic FC has regretfully had to be
cancelled.
Efforts to secure a supporting fixture between Dunfermline Athletic FC
and other regional opposition on Sunday 18th July, which would have
contributed towards the travel and accommodation expenses, have proved
fruitless. This has been the principle reason for the Testimonial
Committee reaching this difficult decision at this stage.
The fixture was scheduled for Saturday 17th July 2010 with a 3pm kick
off. There will not now be a testimonial fixture on this date.
The Testimonial Committee would like to thank Dunfermline Athletic FC
for supporting the testimonial activities associated with Craig Shearer
but recognise that the finances associated with the fixture were
prohibitive and could not be sustained for the purposes of the
testimonial programme.
The Testimonial Committee are currently exploring alternative options
for the testimonial match fixture. Further details to be announced in
due course.
The Wick Academy FC Annual General
Meeting will be held on Friday 21st May at 7.30pm prompt in the Assembly
Rooms, Wick. Members only. Membership Cards are to be shown on request.
Wick Academy Chairman Colin Stewart has this message:-
"I
would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters for getting behind
Wick Academy during this years campaign. We have had another solid season reaching the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup for the 1st time in our history, and hopefully we can secure another top 10 finish in the league. I will look forward to seeing
old and new members, on Friday 21st May at 7.30pm, in the Assembly
Rooms Wick, for our AGM , where I will give a more detailed account of
our past year."
The Wick Academy FC Annual General
Meeting will be held on Friday 15th May at 7.30pm prompt in the Assembly
Rooms, Wick. Members only. Membership Cards are to be shown on request.
Wick Academy Chairman Colin Stewart has this message:-
"I
would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters for getting behind
Wick Academy during this years campaign. We have had a fantastic season and I'm proud of everyone associated with the Club for progress we have made both on and off the park. I will look forward to seeing
old and new members, on Friday 15th May at 7.30pm, in the Assembly
Rooms Wick, for our AGM , where I will give a more detailed account of
our past year."
Wick Academy under 17's played a friendly last Saturday
against Orkney under 17's at the Harmsworth
Park. The young Scorries acquitted
themselves well coming back from two goals down to win 3-2.
Orkney went two up with David Delday scoring both goals in
the 10th and 15th minutes, but Wick showed great
character after the half-time break and Ross Allan gave a master-class on the
art of free-kicks, scoring all three of Academy's goals with perfectly executed
free-kicks.
It is hoped that this fixture can be repeated again next
year as it's great experience for both sides.
News Blog 
"I'm not really a
centre-of-attention person," Craig admits. "I tend to shy away from it all. It
still seems a bit surreal that it's my testimonial year, to be honest, and the
game against Ross County seems to have come along all of a sudden.
Team: James More, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson, Alan Farquhar
, Andrew MacLeod(Alex Lamb 46), Craig Shearer, Martin Gunn, Sam Mackay, David Allan(Shane Sutherland 85), Richard Macadie, David Cowie(Gary Weir 46).
Team: Darren McConnachie, Steven Sim, Kevin Flett, John Urquhart(Colin Charlesworth 76), Sam Milton, Garry MacDonald, Tony Ross, Martin McMullan, Shawn Scott(Niki Smith 64), Stuart Strathdee, Jamie Bagley(Ross Duncan 65).
Team: Joe Mallin, Paul Lawson(Scott Boyd 46), Archie MacPhee, Stuart Kettlewell, Gary Miller, Darren McCormack(John Budge 82), Paul Di Giacomo(Michael Gardyne 82), Steven Ross, Garry Wood, Iain Vigors, Darren Smith.
Team: Max Johnson, Martin Laing, Tom Smith, Jack Sutherland, Graeme Shinnie
Team: Stuart Knight, Bruce Milne, Kevin Shortreed
Team: Willie Ridgers, Fraser Tulloch, Darren Jarvie(Scott Hendry 72), Craig Ireland, Gary Sutherland
Team: Stuart Knight
Team: Alan Bokas, Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson, Alan Farquhar, Alex Lamb
Team: Steve Martin, Mark McKernie, Alistair MacDonald, Scott Begg
