| Shearer snatches a share of the spoils for the Scorries |
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It was honours even in the local derby between Wick Academy and Brora Rangers as Wick netted a dramatic injury time equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw against their North rivals in the only league game of the weekend at Harmsworth Park.
In an opening period which took some time to spark into life, it was Brora who should have taken the lead midway through the first half. Aaron Christie swung in a great corner onto the head of the unmarked Richard Finnes but his header flew over the bar from six yards out. Just two minutes later and it was Academy on the attack with Davie Cowie crossing the ball in towards the lively Gary Manson who could only watch as his well directed header was superbly tipped around the post by Michael Gray. As the first half neared its end both sides had chances as Craig Shearer saw his looping header clip the crossbar for Wick while at the other end, Christie's corner was met by Jason Gunn who climbed above the Wick defenders only to head the ball over the top. The second half saw much improved performances from the two sides as they both pushed for the three points. Wick started well with Richard Macadie having a couple of long range shots but it was Brora who took the lead in the 58th minute. Christie swung in another great ball and Kevin Lewis was there to power his header past James More and give Brora a 1-0 lead. It should have been two for the Cattachs when Shane Sutherland got the better of Neil Traill and crossed the ball in to the unmarked Sam Mackay who somehow headed over from all of three yards out and hand a reprieve to Wick. Brora, though, continued to press and Wick had goalkeeper More to thank after he produced a great double save to deny first Gary Macleod and then Sutherland to keep the home side in it. The Scorries then introduced Gary Weir, who has just returned from holiday, into the fray in an attempt to get the equaliser and he almost added to his five goal tally this season when he burst through the Brora defence but his shot just hit the outside of the post. Despite being enthusiastically cheered on by some rowdy home fans, Wick looked out of ideas until in the second minute of injury time they struck to earn themselves a point. Macadie played a short corner to Cowie whose deep cross was nodded back across by Andrew Macleod straight to the feet of Craig Shearer who blasted home from close range to equalise for Wick and ensure the match finished in a fair draw between the two rivals.
Full Time: Wick Academy 1 Brora Rangers 1 |