Clachnacuddin manager Sandy McLeod says his side are hoping to put a challenging period behind them when they take to the field this weekend.
A severe fire on Christmas Eve caused major damage to Clach’s home ground, Grant Street Park, and forced the postponement of the club’s home fixture against Formartine United.
The Lilywhites travel to Deveronvale on Highland League duty this weekend and McLeod is relishing getting back in action after a testing fortnight.
He said: “What happened was very disappointing.
“Hopefully we can get it sorted and get the club back to normal as quickly as possible.
“We just need to deal with it as best we can.
“I’m not even sure if we have strips left for this weekend but I know the board are on the case.
“There is a lot of smoke damage and it is going to be a big clean-up operation.
“We just want to get back playing football.
“We knew we were facing a tough game last weekend against Formartine.
“I’m sure the boys will be looking forward to getting back on the park this weekend.”
It will be the second meeting between Clach and the Vale in the space of a month with the Banff side running out 4-1 winners at Grant Street Park on December 7.
Steve Dolan’s side followed up that success with a 3-2 win at Huntly and an impressive 3-0 home victory against Formartine United.
McLeod, whose side drew 1-1 with Wick Academy on their last outing, said: “Deveronvale have been going well recently.
“We played them a few weeks ago and I thought we were in control of the first half but we went in 2-1 down at half-time.
“We then conceded another two goals in the second half, which was disappointing.
“We are looking to bounce back and hopefully give them a good game this weekend.
“But we know to expect a tricky encounter because Deveronvale have played very well over the last few games.
“They had a very good win against Formartine before Christmas.
“Danny Bruce, our left back, has missed the last few games because of a bad back but he is back training now and available this weekend.
“Apart from that, we should have the same squad available that travelled to Wick.”
