Close
The long journey to Wick yielded three points for Locos. Having got into a strong position with first half goals from Cole Anderson and Mark Souter, the home side pulled a goal back through Gary Pullen and threatened to take something from the game. The Railwaymen held on though, to secure a first Breedon Highland League victory in three attempts.
Jay Halliday was unavailable after picking up an injury on Tuesday evening and Nathan Meres was only fit enough for the subs bench. Brendan Hamilton came back into the team having been unavailable against his parent club in midweek.
On a gusty, and at times wet, afternoon, Locos controlled the first half with the wind at their backs. Anderson opened the scoring with just 5 minutes on the clock. Blair Smith carried the ball down the right flank before crossing for Anderson to volley home.
Locos were dominating. James More in the Scorries goal saved Brendan Hamilton’s free kick and Anderson hit the post with a curling effort. A minute later, the second goal came. Anderson turned provider as his cross from deep following a corner was headed past More by Souter.
Gordon MacNab’s speculative effort for the hosts was well over the bar and Locos looked to add a third before the break. Aidan Wilson’s header was too close to More, and Callum Duncan was not far off target from the edge of the penalty area.
With Locos playing into the wind in the second half, there was bound to be some difficult moments. They continued to impress though, and were still enjoying both possession and territory. When Wilson dragged his shot wide from a good position just after the hour mark, the hosts made the most of the let off when Pullen finished smartly from David Allan’s pass shortly afterwards.
The goal encouraged Academy and they began to sense an opportunity. Louis Amann saved Kyle Henderson’s drive and the same player then found himself in space in the area but couldn’t keep his header down.
Opportunities for Locos were now coming largely on the break and Hamilton nearly caught More out with a free kick towards the near post, before the keeper saved well from Wilson at point blank range. Wick kept looking for a leveller but Locos managed the game to see it out.
Dean Donaldson felt the result was a fair reflection of the game and will be delighted to win what is always a tricky away fixture. With two wins in five days, Locos will be looking to keep the run going on Wednesday when they make the short journey to North Lodge Park for the third time this season for the next round of the Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Cup.
