Formartine United forward Garry Wood hopes victory against Buckie Thistle today can be the turning point for his team.
The Pitmedden men, who are 10th in the table, have not won a league game since a 4-0 success at Lossiemouth on September 28.
Paul Lawson’s side were beaten 2-1 by Wick and 3-0 by Deveronvale on their most recent outings but former Caley Thistle and Ross County player Wood hopes the first match of 2020 can mark a new start for Formartine.
He said: “The last few games have been tough. We haven’t been on form so this is a chance to get back to winning ways.
“We need to get back to basics and focus on what we are good at.
“We haven’t really turned up against the big teams this year so it would be good to start doing that this weekend.
“We have had a run of tough games but I wouldn’t use that as an excuse.
“We haven’t performed as a collective group. We have maybe been playing more like individuals than as a team and we need to rectify that.
“Hopefully we can start winning games and move up the league because we certainly aren’t in a good position.”
Buckie boss Graeme Stewart also feels today’s match at North Lodge Park can provide a platform for his side to push on following a difficult run.
The Jags ended a three-game losing streak in the league with a 4-0 win against Wick last weekend.
He said: “It is a big game because both teams are not in great form. They are not going through a great spell and neither are we, although we had a good win last week.
“We both want to get our seasons back on track with a win.
“Formartine are a very experienced team with some good players so you are always surprised when they are not winning games but it is difficult as the quality of teams in the Highland League has increased.”
