Aberdeenshire have the opportunity to make their mark on Saturday after a disappointing campaign in Caley Division 1 when they entertain second placed Ellon at Woodside.
Shire coach Charlie Catto certainly believes his charges are up to the task.
He said: “Losing our first three games put us on the back foot, but at a home I would back us to give Ellon a run for their money, despite losing heavily to them in the early part of the season.
“We have come on a bundle since then.”
Ellon will have other ideas, as they bid to close the five-point gap on leaders Dunfermline who have played a game more than the Meadows men.
A game away to winless Aberdeen Wanderers should pose few problems for the Fifers, setting the top two pacesetters up for a likely title decider in the first week of 2023.
In the only other game being played in the division, Hillfoots host Caithness.
Moray must make the best of good form
In Caley 2 North, Moray must make the best of their recent run of good form and get the better of its top of the league opponents 2nd Highland in Elgin.
The Moray men are 11 points behind the Canal Park side but, even with two games in hand, cannot afford to slip up.
Moray player-coach Cameron Hughes was confident his team would rise to the occasion.
He said: “We are playing exceptionally well. Even in our 37-7 defeat in the National Shield against Dunfermline last week, we were impressive but Saturday is the big one.”
The other eye catcher is at Stonehaven where third-placed Mackie meet Shetland who are nipping at the heels of the Redcloak side in fourth place.
In Caley 3 North, southern section leaders Garioch take on second-placed Dyce at the Meadows in Ellon.
The runaway leaders in the northern section, Kinloss Eagles are at home to Turriff.
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