Fraserburgh forward Graham Johnston hopes the Broch can maintain their unbeaten streak against Cove Rangers when the Highland League champions visit Bellslea today.
Fraserburgh have gone six matches without defeat against the Aberdeen side – with three wins and three draws.
Johnston netted an injury-time equaliser when the sides drew 2-2 at Christie Park this season on a day when the Broch also missed two penalties.
The 30-year-old attacker said: “I don’t know why but we normally manage to lift our game when we face Cove Rangers.
“I can’t put my finger on why that is but we do and I would imagine our recent run of results against Cove is as good as anybody else in the league.
“Our home form has certainly dipped this term. I don’t know why but Bellslea isn’t the fortress it used to be.
“But our away from has improved greatly, which is a total reverse from how it used to be.
“Our manager Mark Cowie certainly won’t have to wind us up for this one and hopefully there will be a big crowd to cheer us on.”
Johnston admitted he has been disappointed by his own form this term. He added: “I am struggling to get game time, so I am suffering from a lack of fitness.
“There is plenty of competition for places in attack, with Willie West, Paul Campbell and Gary Harris all available for selection. When Harris settles in after being away with his work recently I’m sure he will score goals.”
Cove manager John Sheran is expecting another tough afternoon at Bellslea.
He said: “I hope it will be the same type of exciting encounter that ourselves and the Broch usually serve up. Their form at home has been poorer than normal but their squad has changed quite a bit this term with a few young lads coming in.
“Perhaps a little bit of that traditional Broch bite has gone but they always seem to be able to raise their game against us.”
Cove welcome back new dad Stuart Walker along with his central defensive partner Eric Watson and former Aberdeen and Dundee United player Stuart Duff.
But fellow midfielder Murray McCulloch is unavailable due to work commitments.