And so it begins: the build-up to the biggest game in Academy’s history, and cup final fever is hitting Wick.
We were given a preview of Saturday’s showdown with Cove this past weekend as the two sides met at Harmsworth Park and, on the evidence of that game, the teams could prove impossible to separate in 90 minutes.
With Grant Steven, Sam Mackay and Davie Allan all set to return to the starting line-up having missed out for various reasons at the weekend, Gordon Connelly will be confident his team can find an extra gear to give us victory.
Everyone will be fully aware of the quality that Cove themselves possess, though. Since the turn of the year they have really kicked on and are set to pip us to third place.
If Academy play at anything but their best then chances are they will lose.
The time, though, feels right at last for some silverware to make its way to the all-too-bare trophy cabinet at Harmsworth Park.
North of Scotland Cup final appearances in 2010 and 2012 ended with runners-up medals, and a third defeat for this set of players – the best to ever pull on the black-and-white shirts – is almost unthinkable.
In the past Academy could have been accused of having a soft underbelly, quite often resulting in inconsistent away form, the surrendering of leads and baulking at the big occasion.
Under Connelly this season, however, things have changed and the players have added a different dimension to their game.
They can now combine their neat passing game with hard work and disciplined defending which has enabled them to set a new club record for away wins in a single campaign and also put them on course to post their lowest goals-conceded total ever in the Highland League.
It’s this kind of approach that is likely to be key on Saturday with two very evenly matched sides facing each other on what is set to be a heavy pitch at Grant Street.
Up to 1,000 Academy supporters from all over the country are set to make their way to Inverness for the final and they will be sure to create a cracking atmosphere and hopefully make this feel more like a home game for us.
All that’s left now is for the players to deliver. MON ’E SCORRIES!!!