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Strathspey Thistle set for defensive reshuffle ahead of Wick Academy clash


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Recent arrival Kris Duncan in action against Rothes.
Recent arrival Kris Duncan in action against Rothes.

STRATHSPEY Thistle boss Gordy Nicolson is facing a selection headache in his back line ahead of Saturday's trip to Wick.

Defensive duo Andrew Maclean and Andrew Hardwick are both unavailable due to injury.

Despite the loss of two key players, Thistle will be hoping they have a game on Saturday.

The Grantown side was left frustrated once again at the weekend as their Highland League match at home to Deveronvale was called-off due to snow at Seafield Park.

And there is already doubt over whether the upcoming fixture at Harmsworth Park will get the go-ahead.

Academy's last three home games have all been postponed.

If Saturday's match does take place, Thistle will be without the services of Maclean and Hardwick.

Nicolson told the Strathy: "Unfortunately Andrew Maclean fractured a bone in his foot against Brora in a tackle with Greg Morrison.

"It was a fair tackle with two boys who were committed to going for the ball.

"There was no malice intended in the tackle, it was just a proper, full-blooded challenge."

The Jags were hit by another setback when Hardwick suffered a slight tear in his hamstring at training.

Nicolson said: "He has been a massive player for us this season.

"He'll be out for a few weeks, however, the way things are going with the weather he might not miss that many games."

The Jags squad has been through a transformation in recent weeks with four players coming in and four exiting Seafield Park.

Striker Kris Duncan has been joined at Seafield Park by midfield duo Kieran Chalmers and Joe Cuthbert, and keeper Adam Crichton.

They have replaced John Cameron, Lee Wilson, Craig Mainland and Callum Ligertwood.

Nicolson is pleased to have added to his squad, particularly as Thistle will have to catch-up on several fixtures which have been hit by the weather between now and mid-May.

To date Thistle have played 20 league games. Only Fort William have played fewer because of their notoriously waterlogged pitch.

Nicolson said: "We will need the squad for the fixtures we have coming up. The good thing is that we have added good quality.

"I am very pleased that the club has backed me and made sure we got the players we were targeting.

The guys who have gone have been good servants to the club but football moves on.

"It is good to have in fresh faces and they are going to be important for the run-in."

Meanwhile, Thistle are also missing midfielder Aidan Hersee who has a groin injury.

Related article: New signing Kieran Chalmers to create spark


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