YOU do not need to employ a scout to tell you that a striker who has

scored 17 goals for a club outside the challenging pack may just be

worth a look.

So it is in the Highland League this season as Wick Academy continue

to shine, with no star in their team more dazzling than forward Alan

Murray.

The striker, more than anyone, has convinced the all-amateur club of

the need to fix up their best operators on professional contracts over

Christmas.

The move may prove a timely one, for Ross County manager Bobby Wilson

watched Murray in Wick's 4-2 win at Nairn County and now seems poised to

follow up with a bid.

''We spoke to Wick officials about him at the game,'' said Wilson.

''That's as far as it has gone at the moment.''

Murray, who possesses a turn of blistering pace and has discovered the

art of finishing, is settled in Caithness but he may be lured by the

prospect of playing Scottish League football at Dingwall.

Wick's other scorers were Richard Hughes (2) and Stuart Sutherland

against Nairn, who countered from Paul Ross and Ronnie Sharp. They also

had two penalties saved by Wick keeper Graeme Stewart.

In a full league programme on Saturday, all the main title challengers

recorded victories, and most convincing were champions and league

leaders Huntly, who defeated Fraserburgh 5-1. Gary Whyte helped himself

to a hat trick, while Brian Thomson settled for a double.

Peterhead manager Dave Watson offered his side as potential outsiders

for the title after they won 2-0 at Clach.

Watson's men scored through Derek Smith and Grant Coull then survived

a second-half onslaught by Clach.

Now, if Watson's side maintain full points from the remaining

festive-period games they would be established as genuine challengers.

A Dave Caldwell goal moved Cove into the top four after they beat

Forres 1-0 while second-placed Elgin City kept up their challenge with

an injury-time winner from Craig Stewart against his former club,

Deveronvale.

Goals from Ian Shaw, Gary Clark, and Andy Fiske gave Lossiemouth the

points in a 3-1 win at Rothes, who countered from Chris Pilichos.

Buckie Thistle and Keith drew 1-1 while Brora Rangers' trip to Fort

William was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.