Fraserburgh manager Kris Hunter believes Fortmartine, Turriff United, Cove Rangers and Forres Mechanics will claim senior league scalps in this weekend’s Scottish Cup third round.
Steve Paterson’s United travel across the border to face League 2 strugglers Berwick Rangers while Ross Jack’s Turriff host former Scotland midfielder Barry Ferguson’s Clyde and Cove take on Annan and Hunter reckons the Highland League sides will come out on top.
Hunter said: “I would put my money on United to win, even down there, as they have scored quite a few goals in the last couple of weeks, especially late-on.
“My old team Turriff have kept four clean sheets in the last four games under manager Ross Jack, so defensively they have tightened up a lot.
“Clyde are currently going through a bad patch, they only have five points for the season so far, while Turriff have a lot of pace in the side, and their tails are up, so I am taking Turriff to progress to the third round.
“Cove Rangers face another side who have been struggling a bit this season in Annan Athletic.
“Annan are third bottom in League 2 so I think Cove will just edge it.
“Elgin City face Forres Mechanics in a derby at Mosset Park. City are going through a wee sticky patch and although Forres have lost their last two games, on their day they are a match for anyone – so I am going for Forres to cause an upset.”
Inter-league matches are tough to predict and Hunter added: “The tie between Nairn County and Huntly at Station Park will be much closer than many people think.
“Huntly put Wick out in the last round and Academy are flying at the moment so all the pressure is on Nairn to progress as they have home advantage.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it is a draw to set up a replay at Christie Park the following week.
“I think Bo’ness United will be far too strong for Culter, especially down there, Bo’ness are the local rivals to Linlithgow Rose who knocked us out after a replay, I know Rose only beat them 1-0 earlier in the season, so I have to opt for Bo’ness to go through.”
Hunter also believes the Highland League cham-pions will progress, when he added: “I expect Brora to have far too much firepower for Aberdeen junior side Banks o’ Dee at Dudgeon Park.
“Banks o’ Dee did get the better of Rothes in the last round but Brora, especially with home advantage, are a different prospect altogether.”
Hunter fears Scottish Junior Cup holders Hurlford United will be too strong for Inverurie Locos, even at Harlaw Park. He added: “Hurlford hammered Clachnacuddin at Grant Street in the last round, and Clach manager Iain Polworth told me just how strong a side they were.”