Huntly 5 Wick Academy 2: Black and Golds move up Highland League table after seven-goal thriller
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HUNTLY have moved into the top half of the Highland League table after coming out on top of a seven-goal thriller with Wick Academy at Christie Park.
Goals from Andy Hunter (2), Ross Still, Angus Grant and Cameron Blacklock saw the Black and Golds move to the front of a tight midfield pack after a 5-2 win.
Huntly raced into a three-goal lead, before being pegged back to 3-2 at half-time. But two second half goals secured a well-earned victory.
Manager Allan Hale said: "We were very clinical, but I said to the boys at half time this is Highland League football and the league is really competitive.
"You have to earn the right for three points, you can't coast through any game and expect the points to be handed to you.
"Andy Hunter showed what he brings, he was a real focal point at the top end of the pitch and had a hand in four of the five goals.
"There were a lot of positive performances. Apart from the wee spell in the second half where Wick were on top of us, I am more than satisfied."
Huntly broke the deadlock after the 20th minute when Hunter chanced his luck from 25 yards out with a powerful strike Graeme Williamson was unable to get a hand to as the ball flew into the net.
Two minutes later, Huntly doubled their advantage when Still was unchallenged at the edge of the box and was allowed to fire a powerful low drive past Williamson.
A lack of communication in the Wick defence saw a loose ball pounced upon by Grant who from 12 yards out fired past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0 Huntly.
Wick pulled one back immediately after the restart when a surging phase of play saw Macadie fire a cross home from close range.
Just before half-time, Wick reduced the deficit to one as after Henry Hennem saw his shot hit the left post. Henry pounced to score from close range and give the Scorries hope heading into the break.
Hunter was denied by the woodwork midway through the second half as his spectacular free kick from 30 yards out rattled the left post.
Huntly created the better chances in the second half, and Hunter came close to grabbing his second when he beat the Wick defence to a Michael Clark cross.
But Williamson pulled off a terrific save to keep Wick's deficit to one.
Halliday was sent off with six minutes remaining when he lunged on Gavin Elphinstone to prevent a counter attack surging upfield.
Huntly then killed off the game in injury time with two goals from Blacklock and Hunter to give them all three points.
