Steven Mackay hopes lessons have been learned after his lowest point as Brora boss.
The league leaders were beaten 1-0 by today’s visitors Nairn County at Station Park on August 24 and Mackay believes the pain of that particular defeat has been a huge motivating factor.
He said: “The defeat at Nairn was the sorest loss I’ve felt in my time at the club. Nairn deserved to win the game and that’s what hurt the most.
“We lacked application that day and that is not something I’ve said in my year and a half in the job.
“But sometimes you need a shot in the arm and that particular game was the early kick up the backside we needed.”
Meanwhile, Rothes’ team of volunteers have ensured Mackessack Park is playable for the visit of Huntly.
Ross Jack’s side are fourth in the league with a game in hand on leaders Brora and the Speysiders boss is eager to keep the momentum going.
He said; “We’re going well but all the credit should go to the players.
“We’re just trying to keep it going and it was great to finish the decade with a win.
“But we know it won’t be easy against Huntly. They’ve had some difficult games but also been very good in some other matches so we know they are a capable side who can make it an awkward afternoon for us.”
Wick Academy make the trip to fifth-placed Buckie Thistle with confidence following their solid away form this season.
Tom McKenna’s men have enjoyed their away trips, racking up 15 points on the road so far and the Academy boss hopes they can continue that trend at Victoria Park.
He said: “Buckie is a very difficult place to go. They’re a good team at home. They’re strong, they’re organised and they’ve got individuals with a lot of quality.
“But we’ll go there with a lot of confidence and self-belief. We’ve got players in our team that can cause them a lot of problems. It’s a decent pitch to play on as well.
“The boys like to play football and when you’ve got a good playing surface it really helps.”
Forres Mechanics make the trip to Strathspey Thistle hoping to bounce back from their 4-0 loss to Inverurie Locos last weekend.
Can-Cans boss Charlie Rowley said: “We have to write off the Inverurie match and try to get three points.”
