Revenge mission for Manson

GARY MANSON claimed it was “sweet revenge” after Wick Academy dealt Inverurie Locos a title blow.

The veteran’s penalty sealed a 1-0 win as the Caithness side avenged a stormy Scottish Cup beating in September.

Back then Locos captain Eric Watson was red-carded for a butt on Davie Allan en route to the Harlaw Park side’s dramatic 3-2 victory.

The ill-feeling simmered on in social media exchanges and that led to Locos duo Jamie Michie and Mark Souter being sent off on Saturday in another fiery confrontation.

Left-back Manson was thrilled to turn the tables and said: “It’s sweet revenge for the 3-2 defeat here in the Scottish Cup.

“In this game it could have been more comfortable by the end, given our two-man advantage, but a win’s a win.”

Manson, 36, has clocked up 20 years of service for his local team but relishes the battles as much as ever.

He said: “It’s sweet to win any game I play at my age.

“This is only the fourth or fifth time I’ve won at Inverurie as a Wick player.”

Locos failed to take their first-half chances and fell behind 10 minutes after the break. Souter was red-carded for a last-man challenge on Jack Halliday and Manson fired home the spot-kick.

The officials lost control in 72 minutes when Michie was floored by a two-footed challenge in the box by Sam Mackay sparking a melee.

When the dust settled it was Michie who was punished by a double red card and there was no spot-kick.

Locos’ Neil Gauld also saw red after the game for bad language when players clashed in the tunnel.

With Buckie idle and Brora’s game against Formartine rained off, Locos still sit three points off the top but with an extra game played.

Elsewhere, a Cammy Keith double gave Keith a 2-0 win over Deveronvale while Stuart Sloan hit a hat-trick for Forres in a thrilling 5-4 win over Lossiemouth.