Forres Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald praises spirit of players after 4-3 thriller against Wick Academy

Forres Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald has praised the “never say die” spirit of his players after edging Wick Academy in a seven-goal thriller.

MacDonald said his side “weren’t near” their best in the 4-3 victory, admitting that Wick were “much the better side” for good periods of the match.

However, reacting well to a slow start and coming from behind to win 4-3 for the second time in a week - after coming from 3-1 behind to beat Huntly at Christie Park on Wednesday - delighted the Can-Cans manager.

He said: “It was a crazy game of football. Two 4-3s in one week - I don’t think that’s good for anyone’s heart!

“I’m delighted to get the win again and delighted that the boys are learning to be more resilient and turn things around.

“We have done it in a number of games this season already.

“We ‘never say die’ and keeping going and it’s great to see the boys have that in them.

“I was delighted with that but wasn’t happy with the way we played. We weren’t near our best and Wick were excellent. We are much better than that.

“The players know that they have let themselves down a bit and the standards weren’t what they should be. Hopefully we can grow from that.”

Wick started the game well on top and deservedly took the lead through Gary Pullen in the 14th minute.

Forres equalised through Kyle MacLeod’s diving header after a miscued Wick clearance, and the game was tilted in the home side’s favour when visiting defender Owen Rendall was dismissed for a last-man challenge.

Forres made their man advantage count to go in 2-1 up at half-time through Jordan Alonge’s added time strike.

But it was 10-a-side three minutes into the second period when goal scorer MacLeod was given a second yellow for kicking the ball away.

Forres extended the lead through Mark McLauchlan’s 22-yard strike, but Wick were back level when Gordon MacNab notched at close range and Pullen scored a second from outside the area.

Calum Frame grabbed the winning goal for Mechanics 10 minutes from time after great set-up play from substitute Matt Jamieson.

The win means Mechanics head into Saturday’s Scottish Cup first round clash with East of Scotland League leaders Jeanfield Swifts after back-to-back successes.

MacDonald added: “I’m just so relieved to win the game and we are chuffed to keep the momentum going on Scottish Cup week.

“It was a funny atmosphere because we are delighted to get the three points but we are disappointed with the way we played.

“We can’t get carried away. We need to get our feet back on the ground and work hard this week, because it will be a very, very difficult game.

“We know that Jeanfield are an excellent side. We have had them watched a couple of times.

“It’s one we are looking forward to - it’s the Scottish Cup. There is an excitement with the cup.

“It’s something different from the Highland League and it’s great to test yourself against these southern teams.

“If we play like we did (against Wick) we will get absolutely thrashed. There is no doubt about it.

“We need to be so much better, but we know that and we are looking forward to it.”