Few managers look forward to back-to-back fixtures against the same opposition – but in a frantic fortnight Rothes manager Ross Jack will have faced both Formartine United and Fraserburgh home and away.
After defeating Formartine 2-0 in the league last Saturday, the Speysiders head for Pitmedden this weekend in the semi-final of the Highland League Cup.
If that was not a tough enough assignment, next Wednesday night Rothes welcome high-flying Fraserburgh to Mackessack Park and, three days later, the sides meet once more in the return fixture at Bellslea.
Jack said: “I spoke to the boys before we played Keith back-to-back earlier in the season. We played them in the league then in the cup a few days later.
“Irrespective of what level or league you’re playing in, winning back-to-back games is rare.
“We did it against Keith and we got off to a good start in the double-header against Formartine United.
“It really is a massive one for us at North Lodge Park this weekend as we look to complete the double. The week after it will be the third of this season’s triple header, this time against Fraserburgh.
“I would imagine the North Lodge pitch this weekend will be in good condition. I know Formartine like to get the ball down and knock it about, but so do we.
“It’s a cup semi-final and usually league form goes out of the window, but if we show the determination we showed against them last weekend hopefully we can progress.”
The victory over Formartine took Rothes to third in the table, six points behind Inverurie Locos in second place.