Jordan Cooper believes Turriff United’s hotshots can inflict Brechin City’s first Breedon Highland League defeat of the season.
The Hedgemen visit the Haughs today, having taken 31 points from a possible 33 thus far.
Cooper accepts eighth-placed Turra will start as underdogs.
But with Aaron Reid and Ewan Clark – who have netted a combined 28 goals in all competitions this term – leading the line, the 23-year-old reckons United have the firepower to cause an upset.
Midfielder Cooper said: “We expect it to be a really tough game and we know everyone will have Brechin as favourites.
“But I’d like to think we can cause an upset, the way we’ve been playing this season. We’ve been unpredictable.
“We’ve had some really good results and some really poor results, we’re a young team that’s still learning.
“But when you compare it to last season, it’s been really good so far, however, there’s still plenty to improve on.
“So why can’t we cause Brechin some problems and potentially grab some points?
“I think Brechin will be concerned about Aaron and Ewan. We’re mid-table, but they are two of the highest scorers, so I think that’s something for other teams to fear.
“Aaron and Ewan playing together has made a massive difference for us this season – they always seem to find a way to score.
“Even in games where we don’t have a lot of possession they always cause a threat.”
Solidity key for Hedgemen
Although Turriff boast two of the Highland League’s most prolific forwards, Brechin have the best defensive record.
The Angus side have conceded only four goals in 11 league matches and goalkeeper Lenny Wilson believes this solidity has been key to taking them to the top of the table.
The 25-year-old added: “It’s been pleasing. It’s a team effort and there’s a lot of communication in the backline.
“Whether we’ve played a three or a four, we’ve always had a lot of quality in those positions.
“Confidence is high in the group and hopefully we can keep that going.
“We know if we keep a clean sheet, we’ve got a good chance of winning the game.
“That defensive foundation is something we pride ourselves on, if we don’t concede we won’t lose games, and with the talent at the top end of the pitch I always fancy us to score.”
News from around the Highland League
Elsewhere, Keith are missing Luke Emmett and Nick Gray for Nairn County’s visit to Kynoch Park.
Veteran defender Ross Tokely could make his debut after joining the Wee County earlier this week.
The 43-year-old former Inverness Caley Thistle, Ross County, Brora Rangers and St Duthus player said: “I really like challenges and this is something I’m really looking forward to.
“I’m 43 years old and people will be asking what I’m doing. But I would not be going to Nairn if I didn’t feel I could help out.
✍️New boss Steven Mackay has completed his first signing by bringing experienced defender Ross Tokely to the club 👊 Full story 👇https://t.co/1uFv5uAIJt
Image by @Cutter3110. #ItsaNairnThing pic.twitter.com/ZYIxUlsxXT
— Nairn County FC (@NairnCounty) October 27, 2022
“People may question what I’m doing, but you only live once and we will see how it goes.
“I love football and this move really has come out of the blue. I haven’t looked for it.”
Elsewhere, champions Fraserburgh are missing Lewis Davidson, Ryan Cowie and Jamie Beagrie for their clash with Rothes at Bellslea.
Allen Mackenzie, Iain Mackenzie and Kyle Whyte are absent for the Speysiders, with Michael Finnis, Alan Pollock and Ben Johnstone doubts.
Buckie Thistle face Forres Mechanics at Victoria Park. Kevin Fraser, Sam Morrison and Scott Adams are out for the Jags.
Jack Grant, Ruari Fraser, Tom Brady, Joe Gauld, Craig Mackenzie and Andrew Skinner are unavailable for the Can-Cans.
In the GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup preliminary round, Strathspey Thistle are missing Liam Taylor, Darren Brew, Thomas McInnes and Daniel Whitehorne for Lossiemouth’s visit to Seafield Park, but Oliver Kelly does return.
Lewis McAndrew and Scott Thomson are out for the Coasters.
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