Formartine United are looking for a vital home win against fellow Press and Journal Highland League title challengers Cove Rangers at North Lodge Park this afternoon.
That will be easier said than done against the champions as former Cove co-manager Jerry O’Driscoll, now a coach at Formartine, knows all too well.
O’Driscoll said: “Everyone has been writing off our title chances since we were beaten at home by Wick Academy in only the second game of the season. No one is really talking about ourselves as genuine title contenders and that suits us.
“Cove have not made too many changes since Kevin Tindal and I were in charge six years ago.
“They still have that competitive spirit and the will to win and they’ve always got quality throughout the side.
“You know what to expect from a Cove team.”
Cove manager John Sheran said: “So far this season we have won one game each and this will be another big game but we enjoy playing at Pitmedden and we want to go there and win the game.”
Midfielder Blair Yule and forward Daniel Park are suspended, while attackers Mitch Megginson and Connor Scully are doubts.
Both Clachnacuddin and Forres Mechanics have selection worries ahead of their Grant Street meeting.
Lilywhites defender Struan Scott-Woodhouse is on holiday and midfielder Duncan Jones is unavailable. Left back Paul Smith is suspended, while defender Matthew Grant, midfielder Martin Callum and attacker Ian Penwright are all injured.
Forres are no better off, with forward Scott Moore, midfielders Jordan Wardrope and Kyle Scott and full back Graham Fraser injured. New signing Garry Tweedie is unavailable and forward John Cameron is suspended.
Turriff United’s beleaguered squad hosts league leaders Buckie Thistle at the Haughs. United’s Polish trio Leszek Nowosielski, Nikolas Wozniak and Andrzej Kleczkowski are still on holiday in their homeland, while Chris Herd and former Jags centre half Darren Wood are recovering from injuries.
Buckie’s Thistle’s only absentee is ex-Elgin City midfielder Ceiran McLean, who limped off in the first half of Wednesday’s game against Rothes with a reccurrence of an ankle injury. Buckie Thistle goalkeeper Greg Sim has joined juniors Banchory St Ternan on a six-week loan.