Cove Rangers manager John Sheran has challenged his squad to fill the void after being left without the services of two forwards.
Daniel Park will miss the title run-in as work commitments have taken him to the United States for the rest of the season, while Jonny Smith is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring strain.
Sheran knows the loss of Park for the rest of the campaign is a blow to his side’s title challenge but has challenged his players to show they can cope without their absent team-mate, starting with today’s game against Fort William at Harlaw Park, Inverurie.
Sheran said: “Daniel will be working in America for the rest of the season. He has been a regular for us and will be a miss. But there is nothing we can do about it and that is why we have a squad here. It is up to the rest of the guys to step up to the plate.”
Forres Mechanics will be hoping to bounce back from their midweek home defeat to Lossiemouth when they travel to Bellslea Park to face Fraserburgh.
Can-Cans manager Charlie Rowley is looking for a reaction from his side against the Broch.
He said: “We were never in control at any stage against a Lossie side which outworked us. I was really frustrated by our performance and am looking for us to bounce back quickly.”
Forres midfielder Scot Moore will miss the game after suffering a fractured cheekbone in midweek.
Keith manager Allan Hale will be hoping his side’s home game against Wick Academy today can herald the start of another winning run.
The Maroons’ six-game winning streak was ended by Formartine last week after they won 3-2 with a late winner, while Wick head to Kynoch Park hoping ot improve on their 3-1 home defeat by Buckie Thistle on Wednesday.
Rothes’ search for a first win in the campaign continues when they host Lossie at Mackessack Park. Rothes will be without Ricky Henderson after the attacker’s red card in his side’s 2-0 loss to Huntly.