Clachnacuddin look to peak at Wick Academy
SANDY McLeod hopes Clachnacuddin will not face an uphill struggle when they head to Wick Academy on Saturday in the Highland League.
Harmsworth Park, which is nicknamed the Slope of Dreams in Caithness, has a visible gradient from one end of the park to the other.
But manager McLeod, who previously played with Wick Academy during his career, doesn’t expect the challenge of playing on the pitch will prove to be a mountain to climb.
“It shouldn’t be a problem,” said McLeod.
“When I played there I always enjoyed playing up the hill and at the end of the day it is just a park.
“It is the same for both sides to play on and I don’t see the slope being much of a factor.
“If the boys can get the ball down and play we have a chance of winning the match.”
Wick Academy go into the match after recording a stunning 2-1 victory over Formartine United in Pitmedden last week to move to 10th in the table.
McLeod says Wick are a good football team and expects a tough challenge when they head to the far north on Saturday.
“Wick Academy have always had decent players,” he said.
“They had a great result against Formartine last week.
“I know that they were struggling with injuries last month but maybe they have these players back now.”
McLeod says he will be looking for an improved performance from their previous game when they surrendered their lead to lose 4–1 against Deveronvale at Grant Street Park.
“The first half we were looking at the game saying we should win this no bother,” he said.
“But we sell two goals at half time and we say to ourselves what is going on. But we never deserved anything from the second half.”
James Beeston is not available due to work commitments with Danny Bruce struggling for fitness, but Michael Finnis will return.
