January 3rd 2025
A FAST-PACED and entertaining encounter at Station Park ultimately ended goalless as Nairn County and Wick Academy shared the points, writes Graeme Macleod. The home side had an early shout for a penalty kick when the ball bounced up off the turf and appeared to strike a Wick defender on the arm in the penalty area but referee Douglas Ross dismissed the County appeals. Then, later on in the first half, Academy goalkeeper Sean McCarthy produced a fine double save to keep the scores level with the stopper knowing little or nothing about the second stop as a Conor Gethins strike from close range hit the Wick number one's chest before being cleared to safety. The visitors came out after the restart and pushed forward in search of a leveller but as the half wore on and they were unable to find a way past Calum Antell in the Nairn goal, the Caithness table toppers retreated in protection of what they had, allowing Nairn to take the impetus in the hunt for the elusive breakthrough. County were the dominant side as the match drew to a close forcing a series of ultimately fruitless corners as both sides added another point to their tally and clocked up a clean sheet. Graeme Macleod
