Wick up for their cup test

Wick Academy manager Davie Kirkwood is delighted his young side will be playing in the SFL Challenge Cup at the end of July.

Academy’s point at home to Rothes on Saturday secured the Caithness club’s appearance in the prestigioustournament as the second highest licensed club in the table, Inverurie Locos having already secured their berth.

This term’s first round all-in draw will again be regionalised. Last season Buckie went out on penalties at Forfar Athletic, while Deveronvale were defeated 3-1 by Stirling Albion at Banff.

A delighted Kirkwood said: “I’m sure any club drawing ourselves up here at Harmsworth Park prob-

“It is a reward for all the hard work which has gone on”

ably wouldn’t relish the challenge.”

He added: “Having said that, I would be equally pleased with an away tie as it would be great experience for the lads, something they would never have had before and I’m sure theywouldthoroughly enjoy it.

“It is a reward for all the hard work which has gone on at the club to achieve club license status, and, hopefully, it will act to spur the other clubs yet to gain their license to get on with the work.”

Kirkwood added: “We will play our passing game whoever we face, we will never change our philosophy, the players are incapable of playing any other way.

“However, onething Iam going to change is when we haven’t got the ball, we need to work even harder.”