Turriff United caretaker manager Mike McKenzie is looking for a silver lining to end his brief reign in charge as United go for a Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield hat-trick in the final against Inverurie Locos at Huntly tonight.
McKenzie’s short-term record is impressive. In six matches he has won three, drawn two and lost one – the 1-0 home defeat by Highland League cham- pions Brora Rangers last Saturday.
He said: “I didn’t know our new manager Ross Jack was going to tell me to take the side in the final. I’m sure that he will also have an input on the night as well, similar to what happened for the Brora game last weekend. There is no doubt I am going to learn an awful lot from working with someone who has such a lot of experience in the game. Ross and his assistant Bobby Beckwith have come in and there have been no problems whatsoever.
“It really is a great way for us to end the season. Things have been going well recently but a victory would see us finish off on a real high and build momentum for next season.”
McKenzie added: “We ran Brora pretty close last weekend. Locos are probably the second best team in the league. We should have beaten them at their place on August 17 but after I got myself sent off they came through and won 4-3.
“However, we will be well prepared for the final and if we play the way we have been playing of late we won’t be far away.”
Locos co-manager Kenny Coull said: “We have been looking forward to this for quite a while as the final has been delayed. We are definitely ready.
“We have a full squad available to us, apart from Jordan Leyden who is cup-tied and is therefore ineligible.
“Christie Park is a venue we have always enjoyed going to. We are hoping we will have a good following from Inverurie and it will all make for a good night.
“I don’t think there will be too much between ourselves and Turriff. They will no doubt receive a boost from having a new management team in place and will feel they have a lot to prove. I would imagine they will also be up for it.
“It is virtually a local derby between two evenly-matched teams. It is a great way to end the season and I hope we can come out on top.”
Locos lifted the shield during the 2003-2004 season when they overcame Deveronvale, while holders Turriff retained their trophy last May with a crushing 6-1 victory over a young Cove Rangers side at Harlaw Park, Inverurie.