Beware the hurting opponent.
Inverurie Locos forward Jordan Leyden believes Wick Academy’s injury-time defeat by Turriff United last weekend will make the Scorries even more dangerous at Harlaw Park today.
Former Cove Rangers attacker Leyden, who is equally at home with a puck at his feet for Aberdeen Lynx ice hockey team, expects Wick to be determined to bounce back.
He said: “Wick have been going like a train recently and they were very unlucky last weekend when they were 3-2 up with a minute to go and Turriff hit them with two late goals.
“Wick are one of the best footballing teams in the league so it will definitely be a tough one for ourselves but hopefully we can pick up a win and catch up on the teams above us.
“They are just one point ahead of ourselves so a victory would take us into third spot.
“Everyone is already saying Brora Rangers are going to win the league again.
“But if we can just keep on going about our business professionally, win our games and see what happens towards the end of the season, hopefully we can be up there challenging for the title with them.”
The 23-year-old believes the next two games could shape Locos’ season.
He added: “We have Wick Academy at home tomorrow and next weekend we travel to Brora to play the reigning champions and you never know what can happen.
“If we could take six points from those two games it would set us up really well for the festive period.”
Locos defender Ross Anderson is extremely doubtful with a groin injury and Scott Mathieson will again deputise for the injured Andy Reid in goal.
Academy manager Gordon Connelly is keen to bounce back from the late defeat by Turriff.
He said: “It is a really tough one for ourselves but Harlaw Park is a ground I really enjoy going to. Locos have a really good set-up.
“We are looking for a confidence-boosting performance after the disappointment of last weekend.
“The last time we played Inverurie we lost a goal early on and never recovered so we will be looking to keep it tighter at the back this time around.”
Wick defender Michael Steven is out injured but goalkeeper Sean McCarthy comes back.