Football

Wick Groats need to be aware that other teams will raise their game when they come up against the reigning champions, according Stewart Ross.

Castletown manager Tom McKenna expects the top flight of Caithness summer football this season to be effectively two leagues within one division.

Thurso United has taken delivery of a defibrillator with support from the Scottish Football Partnership Trust and Kilpatrick Fraser Charitable Trust.

Club told they don’t have the required licence.

Manager Gary Manson admitted Wick Academy’s away results have been “absolutely rotten” after their penultimate fixture of the 2023/24 campaign.

High Ormlie Hotspur are setting their sights on a county league title challenge after proving their cup credentials over the past two seasons.

Head coach Tom McKenna is urging Caithness Ladies to get back to enjoying their football and not put themselves under undue pressure.

Davie Allan described his return to competitive football as “a good test” after making a welcome appearance in Wick’s 1-1 draw with Banks O’ Dee.

Record eight-times winners Pentland United are targeting another deep run in the Highland Amateur Cup after edging out near neighbours Castletown.

Improved results on the road will be a key aim for Wick Academy next season, according to supporters’ player of the year Owen Harrold.

Gary Manson emphasised that Wick Academy have “progressed massively” against the leading teams this season after they drew 1-1 with Banks O’ Dee.

Around 80 youngsters took part in coaching sessions in Thurso with ex-Scotland internationalists Colin Hendry, Jackie McNamara and Simon Donnelly.

Harmsworth Park will host Saturday night football this weekend as Wick Thistle take on Thurso Pentland in a Highland Amateur Cup preliminary tie.

Gary Manson accepts that Wick Academy have “hardly laid a glove” on Banks O’ Dee so far – but the Scorries will be aiming to change that on Saturday.

Lybster turned on the style in a 6-3 victory over Wick Thistle at Cow Park on Wednesday night, picking up their first points since being promoted.

Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy has said his players “can be really proud of themselves” after finishing third in the North Caledonian League.

Liam Bremner has been “flying” for Wick Groats in the opening weeks of the county league season – after 20 months on the sidelines with a broken leg.

Caithness will be looking to avenge last weekend’s cup loss to Orkney when the teams meet again on Sunday, this time with league points at stake.

Wick Academy will be looking to improve their underwhelming away record when they take on Forres Mechanics at Mosset Park on Wednesday night.

Even the best players on the planet would have struggled to put on a show in such windy weather, Gary Manson said – but he was happy with the result.