Manager says Clachnacuddin players furious at half time despite being 4-0 ahead before going on to thrash Wick Academy 8-0 in the Highland League
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Manager Conor Gethins told how both Clachnacuddin staff and players were furious with their performance in the first half despite being 4-0 up before going on to an 8-0 win against Wick Academy.
The Lilywhites ended 2023 on a high note by grabbing only their second win of the season in a ruthless performance at Grant Street Park in Inverness.
However, Gethins revealed the fury in the Clachnacuddin dressing room at half time from everyone about their showing in the first half, despite being ruthless in front of goal.
He said he was delighted to see their disappointment, as it showed that his players have set themselves high standards and their response in the second half to find another four goals.
"We were 4-0 up at half time and I was furious," revealed Gethins.
"The good thing for me is I walked in at half time and there were boys that were furious too and I was loving that.
"The standard wasn't there believe it or not, even though we were 4-0 up at half time.
"The standard wasn't there that we wanted. That showed and I was loving that more than the scoreline if I am being honest."
Harry Nicolson gave Clachnacuddin the lead after seven minutes before strikes from Harry Hennem, Troy Cooper and Lewis Mackenzie put the hosts 4-0 up at half time.
In the second half, Mackenzie scored twice to complete his hat-trick with Cooper and Hennem also finding the net again to complete the rout.
Gethins never expected for his team to win by eight goals, but said Clachnacuddin's form in recent weeks always threatened to pull off a big result like against Wick Academy.
"No I didn't expect us to be so dominant," said Gethins.
"But I've said over the last few weeks that somebody was going to take a battering off us because we have proven that we have a positive attacking threat.
"When we scored the second goal I could sense that it was coming.
"The defence was solid, the midfielders were solid and the strikers were let free and they also scored their fair share."
Gethins reserved praise for the ruthlessness of his goalscorers, but also said his goalkeeper, defence and midfield contributed to the 8-0 win.
He said: "Lewis Mackenzie and Troy Cooper were stand outs, but sometimes people don't see the dirty work that goes on and they just see the goals.
"I thought that the team as a whole just worked really hard. We have worked on things in training and it showed today.
Harry Hennem also scored two goals, he is a clever player, he gets himself in positions due to the raw pace that he has.
"Connor Bunce caused havoc because of his presence and who he is.
"Troy and Lewis bring that devastating pace and trickery that defenders don't like."
