Wick Academy 1-2 Clach
One of the worst things about away days is that you only tend to get a fleeting glimpse of the places you are visiting, potentially missing out on all the cultural delights that these same places have to offer. In my travels over the years I have visited some marvellous stadiums, but sadly often bypassing the location themselves.
I have less than fond memories of being on Football Specials, where you trundle along at snail pace in old carriages that were destined for the knackers yard, arriving at nondescript stations often miles from our supposed destination. Whereby, we were greeted by the local constabulary, and escorted, like sheep, to the ground. If you were lucky, you might engage in some mutual hand gestures between you and the locals, but generally you saw little more than the back of a Policeman and the faint aroma of a Burger Van.
Now, Wick on a cold grey drizzly day, might not be your destination of choice, but that\'s where I am. Having used my over 60\'s Bus Pass, I hopped on the X99 and sat back. As the miles passed, we took in Deer standing majestically on the hills, Hawks hovering over their prey and the sight of seldom used abandoned hovels. But enough of Brora Rangers ground.
Mindfulness teaches us, (Grasshopper) that we can bring a beginners mind to every experience. And walking around Wick is no exception. And while I might eventually end up finding sanctuary in a local hostelry, I first get to see this place without any preconceptions. Call me strange (I know you do), but I like it. Wick that is, not the weird part. It has a peculiar charm. Much like, Harmsworth Park, the home of Wick Academy F.C. which is where we find ourselves on this blustery evening.
If the weather forecasters we\'re telling us of milder temperatures, they may have missed this part of the country off of their radar, as there was a real chill in the air as the boys took to the field in the first of three long haul away trips. Wick would be looking to get one back on us, having failed to be anything like their best in the reverse fixture near the start of the campaign. Our own recent history on this patch has been less than impressive though, so we knew that this was going to be a challenge.
And this was a battle on three fronts. Our opponents, the pitch, and the weather. My use of the word blustery right at the start really did not do it justice however, for this was a game that often resembled the "Blow Football" with straws that we played as children.
As in cricket, sometimes winning the coin toss can be a real advantage, and this proved to be the case again, as we were playing with the wind behind us, and the slope of the pitch in our favour. It was vital therefore to play the elements and get off to the best possible start. Our heroes in lemon played it effectively, and the hosts struggled to get possession of the ball. And while we had wave upon wave of attacking pressure, the elements made all aspects of play totally unpredictable. Set pieces were a dilemma, with corners, in particular, sometimes appearing difficult to navigate. To go short or to go long? These were the conundrums.
But we persevered, and despite the initial frustrations, and trying to work things out, it did not take long to make the breakthrough. And it went to Troy Cooper, whose blistering shot on eight minutes from twenty yards gave the keeper no chance. But the elements increasingly made this game a bit of a farce, spoiling the beautiful game for everyone. Jack Davidson continued to impress though, and Greg Morison more than anyone, appeared to play the conditions to good effect.
On 17 minutes, we doubled our lead. And it was that man again. Troy Cooper, recently highlighted as Most Improved Player in the Gaffers Q&A\'s, displaying his trademark skills, and finding a bit of space, cut in from the right, before curling a pinpoint shot beyond the helpless Wick keeper.
There were other chances and opportunities, notably from the hard working James Anderson, but we failed to capitalise on them, leading to much of the half-time conversation speculating on whether a two goal advantage at the halfway mark, and in these conditions, would actually be enough.
So, with the second half underway, we kind of knew what to expect. It was going to be a case of being disciplined, and being savvy. The reassuring presence of both Harry and Josh at the heart of a strong back four ensured that there were no early slip-ups, and the squad is now bolstered by the welcome return of Logan Ross in goal. The last time I saw him was being escorted to hospital following an accidental battering in the line of duty. It was the storm-like winds that were going to do the damage today. But he was more than up to the challenge. Not that he had to pull off any world class saves, but more that he provided a safe pair of hands. Welcome back Logan. But even he had no chance with the shot that halved our lead. And while the Gaffer might have been frustrated by this, and bellowing out the Skipper almost rivalling the ferocity of the winds whipping off the North Sea, Harry would have needed to have The Fantastic Fours, Reed Richards type Super Powers to have prevented it. But I get it. We all like a clean sheet. But again, this was a consummate team effort, with everyone playing a part. Jack Davison, Craig Lawrie and Fergus Adams were all introduced to good effect, seeing as their abilities to both keep the ball on the ground, and maintain possession were going to be crucial. Okay, the final moments were a bit nervy, but we never really looked like conceding again. And so it finished. Another three points, and another test of character.
But the guys will have little time to dwell on tonight\'s performance as we head off on Saturday to Banks O Dee for another test, against tough opponents. They will be looking to get back on track following a couple of below par results over the last couple of weeks. They did beat Formartine 1-0 tonight however. I will not be making the trip to Aberdeen this Saturday, as my old body can only tolerate two out of three long trips in a fortnight. I really do not know how Robbie Duncanson does it. But good luck to eveyone. Safe travels and all that.
Awaydays are always better if they end with a good result, obviously, but these days are as much about the experiences you have and the people you meet. While some cosmopitan types from our Highland Capital look down on Wick, I have mostly nothing but good things to say about the place. Mostly. Also, and in my new role as Wicks Ambassador for Tourism, we should highlight again, the generosity and kindness from Wick Academy F.C. in supporting Sophie’s Story. You are truly amazing.
And talking of which, this Sunday(23rd Feb) there is the biggest game of the weekend, surely, when Clach Legends will pit their wits against Inverness City Legends in support of Sophies Story. It takes place at Highland Rugby Club, and the kick-off is at 5.30. It promises to be quite special.
