Forres Mechanics manager Charlie Rowley wants his side to play without fear when the Can-Cans take on Elgin City in today’s Scottish Cup second-round tie at Borough Briggs.
The sides met in the AJG Parcels North of Scotland Cup semi-final last month, with Rowley insisting his players were unfortunate to be defeated 4-2 at Mosset Park.
Rowley believes that experience can spur on his side this afternoon.
He said: “We’ve seen them at close hand, although one or two of their first team regulars weren’t playing that night. However, I felt we were more than worthy of getting something.
“Without being over-confident, it’s given us an insight into what we’re facing. We shouldn’t be intimidated. I’m looking for the players to apply themselves. However, we’re not taking anything for granted.
“I’m pleased we got a team we know quite a bit about. Even though they’re not in the same league, they are locally based which gives us a chance to watch them on a regular basis.
“They are a level above us, so we know we need to play well to progress, whereas it wasn’t quite as clear cut against Civil Service Strollers, who are from a so-called level below us.
“A big derby in the cup should bring a freshness about us and we have a big chance in the game. We are without long-term absentees Graeme Grant and Ross MacPherson but other than that we’re at full strength.
“That’s important as we need as many players as possible in case we’re trying to hold on to the lead in the latter stages or chase the game.”