There is no margin for error for Highland League leaders Buckie Thistle as their title rivals step up their pursuit at the top of the table.
Buckie lead Brora Rangers on goal difference, with champions Cove Rangers in third place ahead of Jags’ meeting with Nairn County at Victoria Park today.
It is beginning to look like a four-horse race for the title, with fourth-placed Formartine United also in pursuit.
North football’s leading scorer, Buckie’s John McLeod, knows the pressure is on his side. The forward, who has scored 35 goals already this season, said: “It is important that we win our next two games before the big one at home to Cove Rangers on Christmas Eve.”
The Jags welcome back centre half Lewis MacKinnon after his term of suspension.
But new signing John Maitland, the former Montrose and Inverurie Locos defender, suffered a calf strain in training and will not make his home debut.
Former Elgin City midfielder Ceiran McLean has an ankle injury.
Nairn County will miss captain and centre half Paul Macleod, fellow defender Willie Barron, midfielder Gregg Main and attacker Jamie Mackay.
But midfielder Wayne Mackintosh returns to manager Ronnie Sharp’s travelling squad along with young goalkeeper Dylan Maclean.
