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Mark Souter was once again Locos match winner as the Railwaymen closed out the season with another victory. This was a 12th victory in 13 games, a run that saw them finish fourth in the Breedon Highland League, their best finish since 2018.
Unlike Souter’s late winner last week, the scoring in this game was done and dusted within quarter of an hour after George Ewing had cancelled out Aidan Wilson’s early opener. Wilson was one of two changes to the lineup, as Paul Coutts also returned, and he headed Locos in front in the second minute from Milosz Ochmanski’s left wing cross.
The lead lasted just five minutes though, as Ewing was allowed space to drive forward before firing a low shot past Zack Ellis from outside the penalty area. Locos looked to regain the lead immediately and Callum Duncan headed off target from a Paul Coutts corner. The next corner was played to Duncan on the edge of the box and his effort was saved by Scorries goalkeeper Lewis Gallacher. Calum Dingwall, playing his final game before retirement, was first to the rebound but Gallacher again got something on it before Souter slid in to force home.
After Mark Macadie fired over for the visitors, Locos began to dominate. Gallacher did well to tip Blair Smith’s powerful effort over the bar and saved from Duncan shortly before the break.
Although not always of the highest quality, the first half had been an entertaining affair. After the break, the game began to look more and more like an end of season encounter as stray passes from both teams disrupted any rhythm. The best chances continued to come Locos way though. Wilson struck the base of the post from a tight angle and Josh Bolton’s effort was well blocked.
Ultimately, the game petered out but Locos were happy to secure victory against an in form Wick team and the result means Dean Donaldson’s men won 37 points from a possible 41 since the turn of the year. It’s an impressive run of form and Donaldson was delighted with the efforts of his squad. Although disappointed at missing out on third place on goal difference, he felt the season had exceeded expectations and believes Locos have progressed further than he anticipated at this stage.
The form shown in the latter stages of the season in particular bodes well for next season and everybody will be hoping Locos can pick up where they left off after the close season.
