Delighted yet disappointed — Orkney suffer penalty heartbreak

Orkney manager Karl Adamson said he was delighted with his side’s performance this afternoon, but disappointed with the result as Orkney suffered penalty heartbreak against Wick Academy.

The two sides drew 1-1 after 90 minutes, and with no extra-time played, the Green Challenge Cup was decided on penalties. Despite opportunities to win the shoot-out, a young Orkney side lost 5-4.

Earlier in the day, a penalty from man-of-the-match Ryan McFerran five minutes from time brought the islanders level after Academy had gone ahead on the 18th minute.

Orkney had travelled across the Pentland Firth with one of the youngest squads in recent memory. Nine players under the age of 21 were included in the 16-man squad, however despite the side’s inexperience at county level, Mr Adamson said it was a “superb performance”. Several of Orkney’s young footballers made their senior debuts during the match.

The Scorries — minus Orkney midfielder James Pickles — had a full squad at their disposal as they continue their pre-season preparation.

A return friendly match has been provisionally pencilled in to be played next weekend in Orkney.