Nwicker60
05-Jan-14, 12:14
Both Academy and Brora lose out in derby fixture shock
FANS were still fuming today over yesterday's last-minute cancellation of the top game in the Highland League card –Wick Academy v. Brora Rangers.
They were looking forward to the second leg of the back-to-back derby encounter at a sunny Harmsworth Park and were starting to trickle through the entrances when the game was called off, half-an-hour before kick-off.
The shock decision was taken by referee Graham Fraser who ruled the pitch unplayable - there were no visible signs of water - although it had been given the green light at a 9am inspection. The news was relayed to fans by Academy club committee member, Ken Wood, over the sound system and northbound Brora supporters were ‘stopped’ at Lybster.
The late postponement will cost both clubs dearly, first-leg winners, Brora having to foot the bill for their bus and Academy, who were denied a bumper pay-day start to 2014, from what is usually their biggest crowd of the season, attracting in excess of 1000 fans.
The match will probably be played on a Wednesday night before a much reduced attendance.
FANS were still fuming today over yesterday's last-minute cancellation of the top game in the Highland League card –Wick Academy v. Brora Rangers.
They were looking forward to the second leg of the back-to-back derby encounter at a sunny Harmsworth Park and were starting to trickle through the entrances when the game was called off, half-an-hour before kick-off.
The shock decision was taken by referee Graham Fraser who ruled the pitch unplayable - there were no visible signs of water - although it had been given the green light at a 9am inspection. The news was relayed to fans by Academy club committee member, Ken Wood, over the sound system and northbound Brora supporters were ‘stopped’ at Lybster.
The late postponement will cost both clubs dearly, first-leg winners, Brora having to foot the bill for their bus and Academy, who were denied a bumper pay-day start to 2014, from what is usually their biggest crowd of the season, attracting in excess of 1000 fans.
The match will probably be played on a Wednesday night before a much reduced attendance.