Glenn Murison has shaken off injury and illness already this season and is hoping Huntly can do the same to Stenhousemuir in the Scottish Cup.
The Black and Golds make the trip to Ochilview for the second round tie against the side sitting eighth in League Two.
For midfielder Murison being involved is a positive after overcoming a knee problem and Covid-19 already this term.
The 23-year said: “It was frustrating for me in pre-season because I’d a niggly knee injury that I couldn’t shake off which was really bothering me.
“I was trying to do the same things without letting it bother me, but it was bothering me and I had to miss part of pre-season.
“Then I had Covid and missed more of pre-season isolating so I was a bit behind.
“I don’t like missing sessions and missing pre-season because that is what sets you up for the season and it’s hard trying to play catch-up.
“After having Covid that bothered me because I was working and feeling exhausted and I didn’t feel like I could put in what was required to get me to where I needed to be.
“At the start of the season I couldn’t get to the level I wanted to. I expect a lot of myself and I’m always critical and looking for things to improve on.
“I physically couldn’t meet the standards I wanted to.
“I took a couple of weeks off (last month) and did my own thing going for a run or going to the gym.
“Over those couple of weeks I felt better and since then I’ve felt brand new again.
“It’s been a weird start to the season but I’m glad to shake it off.”
Looking for a scalp
During the 1990s defeating sides from a higher level was a common occurrence for Huntly.
But the Christie Park outfit have only managed it twice in the 21st century and Murison wants to change that.
He added: “There are Highland League teams who have always given League Two sides a run for their money and got results against them and we want to be one.
“I don’t see why we can’t go down there and do something.
“A win against Stenhousemuir could really help us kick on as team.
“We’re looking to get that big result and if we can get it would give us a lot of confidence.”
Cattachs keen to make home advantage count
Elsewhere, Brora Rangers tackle League Two side Albion Rovers at Dudgeon Park.
The Cattachs have enjoyed some fruitful Scottish Cup campaigns in recent times and took the scalp of Hearts last season.
Manager Craig Campbell said: “We want to show we can compete. It’s always good to go up against teams from the league above you and test yourself against them.
“Most of the boys have played at that level during their career.
“We know what to expect and have done our homework on Albion Rovers.
“It will be a tough physical game, but we go into it with confidence.
“Being at home is quite a good advantage to have.
“They won’t enjoy the travelling, it’s a bit of a journey for them and hopefully we can use that to our advantage.”
Same pressure on Brechin
Brechin City are at home to East of Scotland First Division Conference A leaders Haddington Athletic.
Although the Hedgemen’s aim for the season is to win promotion back to the SPFL, boss Andy Kirk insists there’s no less pressure on them in this fixture.
He added: “The priority is to win games of football whether it’s in the league or the cup.
“That’s the mentality we need to have. We all know where the club has been in the last couple of years, it’s important we have that mindset.”