After New York last weekend, it was back home for another lengthy journey this weekend but, ironically, it actually took me longer to get here!!
I decided to head north via public transport, so I left home on the Friday at 8.30am and arrived in Inverness around 5pm.
This allowed a chance to visit some of the superb real ale outlets in the city, Blackfriars and The Castle being particular favourites.
The journey to Wick itself actually began at 9.30am on the Saturday when I took the X99 bus for a three hour jaunt up the A9. The bus did pass plenty of football grounds including Brora Rangers and Golspie Thistle, two grounds I will have to do at some point no doubt.
Wick Academy have been in existence since 1893 but were only admitted to the Highland League in 1994 after Inverness Caledonian and Inverness Thistle merged to join the Scottish Football League along with Ross County. Last seasons 3rd place finish was their best ever placing. This season they are hoping to do even better.
Harmsworth Park has always been the clubs home but up until the 1920's it was known as Harrow Park. It was bought and gifted to the town by businessman Leicester Harmsworth, and was renamed in his honour.
The ground is the most northerly senior ground in the United Kingdom and now has a capacity of 2,000. The record attendance was 2,400 for a friendly versus Hearts in 1984 (Wick lost 6-1). There are two stands at the ground, a seated stand with 433 seats and a covered terrace, though at one point this was seated (click here to see a photo on the excellent Scottish non-league site).
It was a lovely sunny day in the Royal Burgh of Wick but a strong wind blowing across the sloping pitch was never going to help with free flowing football.
As a consequence the game was largely forgettable as Wick overcame a stubborn Buckie outfit. A goal in each half from Gary Manson (36) and Richard MacAdie (74) gave the points to the homesters, stretching their undefeated home record into a 21st month. Wick also had the luxury of missing a penalty, when Gary Weir hit the post on the half hour mark (pictured left).
Only one GBG entry in Wick and it was a pretty uninspiring Wetherspoons, The Alexander Bain, so I was more than happy to get back to Inverness for a couple of late beers.
A long journey, but in my eyes a corking tick!
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