Ross proves scorer and provider in convincing Huntly win

WICK ACADEMY HUNTLY FC 0 3

Huntly set up a Highland League Cup quarterfinal home tie with Brora Rangers after an impressive 3-0 win away to Wick Academy.

It was a first away win of the season for Huntly and manager Martin Skinner was full of praise for forward Kai Ross who scored one goal and set up the other two.

He said: “We’re asking Kai to show a bit of maturity with his performances recently and he’s coming up with the goods.

“He shows the same performances in training and he’s continuing to bring that into games.

“He got a good header for the first and we’re seeing how important his set-piece deliveries are with the second goal minutes later.”

After heading to Wick with only 15 available players and an average age of 21, Skinner was pleased to see the youngsters play their part.

He added: “Cai Matthew came off the bench to score the third and I’m delighted for him.

“We started with three teenagers and took another three off the bench in the second half so it’s clear to see we’re developing young players at this club.”

Both defences and goalkeepers ensured things were kept even through the first half but a quick two goals from Huntly after the interval saw the visitors take the lead.

“We’re seeing how important his set-piece deliveries are”

Within 40 seconds of the second half starting, Paul Esslemont took advantage of a defensive lapse by Sam

MacKay and crossed to Kai Ross who headed in from close range.

Four minutes later, Ross turned provider to float in a free kick for Esslemont to head home the second.

Two minutes into stoppage time, Glenn Murison played in Ross, whose quick pass created an opportunity for substitute Matthew to drill low inside the post for his first Huntly goal.

Wick have not beaten Huntly in six games in all competitions and Scorries manager Tom McKenna admitted conceding two goals so soon after the break was costly.

He said: “It was a hard one to take as from that moment your game plan goes out the window.

“Sam MacKay got caught out and they’ve then scored with a free header and you end up chasing the game. Credit to Huntly, they were physical, difficult to break down and defended really well.”