Turriff United boast the best defensive record in the Highland League but goalkeeper Kevin Main believes they are in for a serious test when the division’s top scorers Formartine United visit the Haughs today.
United, who defeated Clach 2-0 in midweek, have conceded only 21 goals in 25 matches this season. But Main expects a busy afternoon against the Pitmedden men, who are averaging more than four goals per game with 109 goals in 26 matches.
Main said: “It is a great game to look forward to. It will be the game of the day in the Highland League.
“It is a big derby game, so both teams will be really up for it. We have been a solid defensive unit this season and teams find us hard to break down.
“We have been working hard for each other and we have a good team spirit. But we know we will have a test this weekend as Formatine United have a lot of attacking options.
“They have got players like Neil Gauld and Cammy Keith who are worth 30 or 40 goals a season in the Highland League.
“We will have to be at our best to keep them quiet. It is a match that could go either way.
“Formartine will, hopefully, be a bit on edge as they are still involved in the title chase, so I think there is more pressure on them than us.”
Main’s counterpart, Formartine stopper Andy Reid, believes his side needs to eradicate defensive lapses if they are to keep pace with fellow title rivals Brora and Cove Rangers.
He said: “We have got into a bad habit recently of being behind in games at half-time and forcing ourselves to pull it back in the second half.
“That was what happened against Deveronvale midweek but the boys deserve credit for coming back to win 4-1.
“You know what to expect from Turriff. It is always a difficult match.
“We drew 0-0 against them earlier in the season. They have a lot of good players, so it will be a tough one for us.
“We have Wick away on Wednesday and Brora at home next weekend, so we are in the middle of a difficult run of matches. But we know we just need to keep winning and hopefully that takes us where we want to go.”