Our boys football teams were recently involved in preliminary round ties in the North Of Scotland Cup. Match reports of all the games are below. The school would like to thank Wick Academy FC and Caithness United for the kind use of strips and Harmsworth Park.
Under 14s Match Report – North of Scotland Cup (Preliminary Round)
Kirkwall Grammar School vs Wick High School
Wick High School U14s made the voyage across the Pentland Firth to face Kirkwall Grammar School in the preliminary round of the North of Scotland Cup.
Wick opted to play with the advantage of a strong wind in the first half and started brightly, creating several opportunities with well-placed balls in behind the Kirkwall defence. Despite the early pressure, Wick were unable to convert their chances, and Kirkwall’s talented midfield began to take control. Impressively, they maintained possession and dictated the tempo of the game despite playing into the wind.
The Wick defence, led by Olly Forbes, stood firm and limited Kirkwall to long-range efforts, which were confidently dealt with by goalkeeper Charlie Breeze. However, it took a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock—a first-time half-volley from a tight angle looped over Charlie and into the net, giving the home side a 1–0 lead at the break.
Kirkwall came out strong in the second half, pinning Wick back with a series of corners and shots. Their pressure paid off when an unmarked player finished at the back post from a deep corner to double the lead. Wick battled hard to get back into the game but struggled to break down a well-organised and wind-assisted Kirkwall defence.
As the match wore on, fatigue began to show, and all substitutes were introduced to inject fresh energy. The team continued to fight hard for the badge—as Morgan Robertson would say—but Kirkwall’s squad depth and attacking quality led to a flurry of late goals, sealing a deserved victory with a slightly harsh 6–0 scoreline.
A big thank you to @Pentland Ferries for their excellent service and generous support with the trip. We wish Kirkwall Grammar School all the best as they face our county rivals Thurso in the next round.
Wick now look to regroup and train hard ahead of their campaign in the Plate competition after the October break.
Player of the Match – Charlie Breeze
A composed and confident performance in goal, with excellent handling and key saves that kept Wick in the game for the first 60 minutes.
U15s Match Report – North of Scotland Cup (Preliminary Round)
Wick High School vs Culloden Academy
Wick High School U15s were drawn against Culloden Academy in the preliminary round of the North of Scotland Cup. Culloden started brightly, taking an early lead with a thunderous close-range strike. Wick responded well, settling into the game and controlling large parts of the first half with a spirited and determined display.
Despite their dominance, Wick found themselves 2–0 down at the break after Culloden doubled their lead against the run of play. Wick created several good chances, including two strong claims that the ball had crossed the line, but both were waved away by the referee.
After the interval, Culloden struck twice in quick succession to extend their lead to 4–0. Despite the scoreline, Wick continued to show excellent work ethic and attitude throughout. Late in the game, Wick were awarded a penalty, but the well-struck effort was saved by the Culloden goalkeeper. Further claims for a goal were again dismissed, and the match ended with Culloden progressing to the first round.
We wish Culloden Academy all the best in the next round and for the remainder of the tournament.
Player of the Match – Seth Bunch
Seth’s tireless work rate and positive attitude epitomised Wick’s performance, delivering a spirited display throughout the match.
Senior Team Match Report – North of Scotland Cup (Preliminary Round)
Millburn Academy vs Wick High School
A youthful Wick High School senior team faced a tough away tie against former champions Millburn Academy in the preliminary round of the North of Scotland Cup.
Wick got off to a fantastic start after 20 minutes when Corey Miller’s strike rebounded off the goalkeeper and back into the net. Millburn equalised shortly after, capitalising on a loose ball in the box. Wick responded superbly, with a perfectly timed through ball allowing Corey Miller to calmly slot home his second and restore the lead.
Shortly before half-time, an inch-perfect cross from Jamie Steven found Max MacKillop, who headed home to give Wick a 3–1 advantage at the break.
Millburn came out strongly in the second half, scoring early with a composed finish. At 3–2, Wick goalkeeper Matthew Reid made two excellent saves to keep his side ahead. However, a rebound from another save fell kindly to Millburn, who levelled the match.
Wick showed great heart once again, and Corey Miller completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish to make it 4–3. Millburn equalised in the final ten minutes, and in the dying moments, sealed the win with a stunning strike reminiscent of Van Basten’s famous goal.
Despite the 5–4 defeat, Wick’s performance and attitude were a credit to the school. We wish Millburn Academy all the best in the next round and the rest of the tournament.
Player of the Match – Corey Miller
In a game full of standout performances, Corey’s hat-trick set him apart. His finishing, work rate, and attitude were exceptional throughout.