Jordan MacRae is aiming to end his recent goal drought when Brora Rangers start their GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup defence against Banks o’ Dee.
The Aberdeen outfit visit Dudgeon Park to face the holders this afternoon in round one of the competition.
Cattachs striker MacRae has bagged 14 goals in all competitions this season, but has drawn a blank in his last five games with his last strike coming on October 5.
The 24-year-old said: “The goals have dried up a bit for myself, although I think Tony Dingwall stole one off me against Inverurie, but that’s an argument for another day.
“I would like to start scoring a bit more but really if the team is winning I’m not too fussed about my personal tally.
“I’m a bit different to Andy Macrae in terms of how I play. I hold the ball up a bit more and bring others into play.
“At times I maybe play a bit deeper than I should so that’s maybe something I can work on which will help me score more goals.
“The manager (Craig Campbell) puts demands on his strikers. He was a striker and scored a few goals himself back in the day so he expects us to be the same as him.
“You can’t always score but I like his approach, he’s honest and he’s brutal which is the best way in my opinion.
“I wouldn’t want someone telling me I’m playing well when I’m not hitting the numbers I should be hitting.
“It’s good that he keeps the pressure on us to keep trying to score.”
Crucial clash for Dee
For Banks o’ Dee today’s game is an historic one as it’s their first in the Highland League Cup.
Captain Kane Winton also views it as their most important outing of the season because this competition provides the last opportunity to win silverware.
Dee were beaten 3-0 by Brora at Dudgeon Park in August in the Breedon Highland League.
Midfielder Winton, 28, added: “We’ve seen Brora’s qualities first hand and we know it will be a tough game.
“It’s a big day for the club and as a player it’s a cup I’ve never played in.
“It’s the last thing we’ve got to play for now, we’ve got the league campaign which we need to try to make the best of.
“But in terms of silverware it’s our last chance of winning a trophy.
“We shouldn’t need any additional motivation because it’s a huge game for us. I think it is our most important game.”
News from around the Highland League
Elsewhere, Huntly host Formartine United at Christie Park. Graeme Rodger, Tyler Mykyta, Scott Lisle, Johnny Crawford, Ryan Spink, Aaron Norris, Kieran Lawrence and Brody Alberts could all miss out for the visitors.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place at 5.15pm at Christie Park and will be streamed on GPH’s Facebook page.
Ryan Cowie is Fraserburgh’s only absentee for Inverurie Locos’ visit to Bellslea. Sam Burnett returns for the Railwaymen, but Jay Halliday is still out.
Luke Emmett, Ryan Robertson and Nick Gray miss Keith’s clash with Forres Mechanics at Kynoch Park.
Graham Fraser, Jack Grant, Ruari Fraser, Joe Gauld, Andrew Skinner and Robert Donaldson are absent for the Can-Cans, but Dale Wood and Ryan MacLeman are back.
Lossiemouth host Nairn County at Grant Park and are bolstered by the return of Liam Archibald and Lewis McAndrew, but Niall Kennedy is unavailable. Nairn will be without Scott Davidson, Callum Maclean, Gordy McNab and Calum Howarth.
Turriff United against Clachnacuddin is a 2pm kick-off at the Haughs.
Owen Kinsella and Keir Smith are available again for Turra who have also recalled Kyle Gordon from a loan stint at Colony Park. However, Jack McKenzie and Ethan Smith are missing with Aaron Reid a doubt.
The Lilywhites are without Paul Brindle, Jamie Calder, Lewis Mackenzie, Finlay Mackenzie and Riley Mackenzie.