Turriff United have signed former Dundee youngster Ethan Smith on a three-year deal.
After the 18-year-old central defender impressed in United’s impressive 3-1 home win against Strathspey Thistle last Saturday, boss Kris Hunter offered him a contract and he’s in the squad for tonight’s Aberdeenshire Cup quarter-final against Buckie at Victoria Park.
Hunter said Smith had performed “exceptionally well” against Strathspey.
“When we offered him a contract he signed it after the game, he’s a good centre half who showed great composure and he also has a presence about him.
“Robert Ward, an 18-year-old striker who we got from Dundee United at the start of the season, score twice on Saturday so we can go into the game at Buckie tomorrow night with a little bit more confidence.”
Buckie boss Graeme Stewart said: “It’s going to be tough as they had a great result on Saturday, I’ve spoken to Kris Hunter a couple of time since, and by all accounts they played well.
“It’s going to be a very hard game for us.”
Jags goalkeeper Daniel Bell is offshore and misses out.
Huntly face Formartine United at Christie Park with an away trip to either the Dons or Banks o’ Dee awaiting the winner.
United manager Paul Lawson said: “We definitely won’t be taking anything for granted, even though Huntly have made a disappointing start to the season.
“They’ll be looking to make amends for that.”
Huntly manager Martin Skinner said: “We know Formartine are firing on all cylinders. Hopefully Paul Lawson will juggle his side about a wee bit as we need to start getting good performances and results.”
Banks o’ Dee face Aberdeen at Spain Park, a game Dee boss Tommy Forbes said they are “really looking forward to”.
