Wick Academy 1
Rothes 1
League

Match Report

Academy shared the points with visitors Rothes today with a 1-1 draw. Gordon McNab curled in a well taken free-kick on 26 minutes but James Pickles poked the ball home from close range with 23 minutes left to rescue a point. Academy pushed and had chances for the winner with Rothes keeper Andrew Ross making some great saves to ensure that the spoils were shared.

In the first attack of the game Michael Steven delivered a cross into the Rothes box which Andrew Mackay got his head to but he couldn't direct it on target and it flashed just passed the post.

Michel Steven again delivered into the box, this time for Marc MacGregor, who teed up Andrew Mackay 10 yards from goal but Rothes keeper Andrew Ross stuck out a foot to make a good save.

The visitors took the lead in the 26th minute. They won a free-kick 25 yards from goal which Gordon McNab struck as sweet as a nut, curling it over the wall and into the top right hand corner of the net.

0 - 1

James Mackay came close to doubling the advantage but Sean McCarthy managed to tip his 35 yard effort around his post for a corner.

Half Time - Wick Academy 0 - Rothes 1

Academy pressed for the equalizer from the off and Anderson came close with a header that flashed just passed the outside of the post.

Pickles had a sliced shot after being teed up by Macadie, and Gary Manson had a crack from range with a left foot shot that also went just wide of target.

Academy levelled the scores in the 67th minute. Ross Allan did well driving forward before crossing to James Pickles and he powered home with a low drive from 6 yards out.

1 - 1

Keeper Ross in the Rothes goal produced the save of the game as he managed to dive across his goal-line and push an attempt from Marc MacGregor onto his post and out for a corner.

Jack Maley then came very close for the visitors as he burst through the Academy defence before firing his attempt inches wide of the target.

In the last action of the game Ryan McRitchie tried to clear a crossed ball but it looped towards the top corner of the net and keeper Ross had to be sharp to pull off another great stop palming the ball out. The ball was kept in play and was fired back into the mix but Ross Allan could only head wide of target and the points were shared.

Full Time - Wick Academy 1 - Rothes 1

The teams will meet again at Mackessack Park on the 19th April in the first round of the Menzies Distribution North of Scotland Cup and Academy know that if they are going to defend the trophy they are going to have to be at their very best to get passed a resurgent Rothes side.

Match report written by John Briskham