Wick Academy 6
Strathspey 0
League

Match Report

Academy were without the services of several key players today but still had too much in the tank over visitors Strathspey and ran out comfortable 6-0 winners. Gary Weir, Grant Campbell, Michael Steven and Ross Allan were all suspended and Alan Farquhar was injured. That gave the opportunity for Colin Macrae to get a start in the back four, and Marc MacGregor partnered Steven Anderson up front. Three of the Academy under 17's; Ryan Campbell, Kyle Henderson and Owen Christie were named among the substitutes, with both Campbell and Christie coming on for game-time.

Academy opened the scoring after only 2 minutes. Steven Anderson drove down the left flank and crossed into the box for Marc MacGregor to hammer home from 4 yards out.

1 - 0

2 minutes later the lead was doubled. Colin Macrae threaded a great pass forward to the feet of Sam Mackay who beat the off-side trap to bury his shot passed keeper Paul MacLennan.

2 - 0

Strathspey rarely threatened McCarthy's goal for the duration of the match but on the quarter hour Andrew Mackay surged forward and came close with a flashing shot that went across McCarthy and just wide of the back post.

Just before the half-hour Marc MacGregor had to be taken off with an injury and he was replaced by Davie Allan. Allan immediately started to run at the Strathspey defence and it looked as if further goals were only a matter of time in coming for the home side.

Five minutes before the break that proved to be the case. Good play from Academy saw Macadie finding Sam Mackay with a long ball on the right wing. He drove a low cross into the box and Grant Steven had a simple tap-in from close range.

3 - 0

Half time - Wick Academy 3 - Strathspey Thistle 0

Great play at the start of the second half saw Davie Allan leave the Jags defence for dead and he crossed for Macadie but his shot went wide of the target.

The visitors almost pulled a goal back when a rare fumble by McCarthy was pounced on by Jordan Wardrope but Academy had numbers back to defend and blocked the incoming shot.

Just passed the hour Sam Mackay latched onto a long ball and went one-on-one with keeper MacLennan. Mackay kept his cool managing to get around the Jag's keeper and slotted home into the vacant net.

4 - 0

The Scorries went nap when Anderson got himself on the score-sheet. He picked up a loose ball and marched into the box before finishing into the bottom right hand corner.

5 - 0

On the stroke of the full-time whistle Davie Allan completed the scoring. Anderson delivered the ball to him and with acres of space Allan picked his spot leaving MacLennan in the Strathspey goal with no chance.

6 - 0

Full time - Wick Academy 6 - Strathspey Thistle 0

Match report written by John Briskham