'Massive relief' as Jags end five-month winless run with 2-1 victory over Wick
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Strathspey Thistle returned from Wick with three points last night, recording their first win under recently appointed manager Robert MacCormack.
The Jags had won only one Highland League game this season going into Wednesday night's encounter at Harmsworth Park.
Academy played most of the game with 10 men after defender Joe Anderson was shown a straight red for a last-man foul on Jack Davison.
The Jags were 1-0 up that stage thanks to a goal from Daniel Whitehorn. Marc Macgregor equalised just after the hour mark but Strathspey quickly restored their lead through Michael Mckenzie and held on comfortably.
MacCormack said: "It is a massive relief to get a win. Over the last few games, although results haven’t gone our way, we have had some really good performances and I am delighted that last night we could turn that into a win.
"I don’t think many people would argue that the better team won the game. Even when both teams had eleven men on the park, I thought we were the better side. We had a game plan and stuck to it and deserved the win."
Strathspey took the lead on 33 minutes when Owen Paterson delivered a free kick into the box and Whitehorn got the vital touch to knock it into the net.
Four minutes from half-time, referee Billy Baxter gave Anderson his marching orders for bringing down Jack Davison as the Strathspey player raced through the middle. The visitors then had a goal disallowed for what appeared to be a marginal offside decision.
Academy equalised after 61 when Macgregor burst through in the inside-right channel, held off a challenge and drove the ball low into the far corner.
Two minutes later Strathspey regained the lead when Mackenzie swivelled in the box and drilled a shot low into the net.
Team: Kelly, Paterson, Cuthbert, McDade, Kerr, McShane, Austin, Whitehorn, Davison, Mckenzie, Grimes (Logan). Not used: Gilliland, Lockett, Flett
MacCormack added: "We can push on from here. Obviously every game will be difficult but if we stick to what we want to be doing and keep giving everything each week we can continue to complete. It’s about turning positive performances into positive results."
