Wick Academy are aiming to retain second spot in the Highland League table with three points against Steve Paterson’s Formartine United at Harmsworth Park this afternoon.
Wick overcame Inverurie Locos 3-2 at Harlaw Park last Saturday and manager Gordon Connelly is looking for more of the same against the Pitmedden club.
Connelly said: “Formartine are a top side and they have strikers who can score goals for fun. We know they will be smarting from the 2-0 defeat we handed them at North Lodge Park earlier in the season, so we are under no illusions.”
Paterson said: “We are pretty tight for players at the moment but we will just have to make the most of it. Wick have done really well this season. I watched them defeat Inverurie Locos last weekend and they really are a very good side.”
Formartine defender Craig McKeown has been released and is believed to be interesting Inverurie Locos, Turriff United and Highland champions Brora Rangers.
Nairn County and managerless Buckie Thistle meet at Station Park.
The Wee County will look to top scorer Conor Gethins to add to his 19-goal tally, while Jags’ interim management team Graeme Stewart and Lewis Mac-Kinnon will hope to build on last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Forres Mechanics.
New Rothes co-manager Paul Lamberton is looking to get his Mackessack Park career off to a winning start with a home victory over Cove Rangers.
The former Buckie Thistle full back and coach said: “I am really excited and I can’t wait, although I am well aware that it won’t be easy as Cove are one of the best teams in the league.”
Cove manager John Sheran said: “Rothes at Mackessack Park are always a tough proposition. We will be without midfielder Chris Clark and winger Barrie Stephen.”