New Keith manager Gordon Winton faces a tough home debut when Inverurie Locos are tonight’s visitors to Kynoch Park.
Keith are 18 points behind their visitors – both sides have played 13 games – and Winton said: “I am really looking forward to the game, although we know it is going to be very tough as Locos are a very good side.
“Although we lost 3-1 at Turriff United on Saturday we got a very positive reaction from all the players, so we are hoping to carry it on to this game.”
Keith will be without captain and full back Stewart Hutcheon, and Sean Keith, both of who are unavailable, but midfielder Scott Whelan, who missed the game at The Haughs, is added to the squad.
Locos’ co-manager Scott Buchan said: “No doubt the Keith players will be going all-out to impress their new manager, that will be the second game in a row we have faced a new manager on his home debut, as we beat Deveronvale 2-0 on Saturday in Ally Macleod’s first game in Banff.”
Turriff United face new Aberdeenshire Cup holders Fraserburgh at The Haughs.
United manager Ross Jack said: “I am sure Kris Hunter will have his side well-prepared for this one as he will be looking to put one over his old team.
“The Broch are renowned for their spirit, and they again came from a goal behind to lift the cup last weekend, so we know all about their attitude. We need to match that, and have the confidence to take the game to them.”
The game of the night should be the Station Park match between Nairn County and new league leaders Wick Academy.
County manager Les Fridge said: “Wick are on a great run just now so it has all the makings of a good game. The league now is so competitive, it is incredible. There are now no easy games, any one of about a dozen teams are capable of making a push for the title and they’re capable of beating anyone on their day.”
Academy manager Gordon Connelly will be back in the dugout tonight after a holiday in Greece and said: “We might be top of the table but we’re certainly not getting carried away.”