Andrew MacAskill is hoping Buckie Thistle can increase the gap between themselves and Fraserburgh.
But the midfielder says the outcome of today’s clash at Bellslea – which is set to beat the inclement weather – won’t be make or break for either club’s title aspirations.
The Jags currently top the Breedon Highland League, sitting seven points ahead of the champions, who are fourth.
The head-to-heads between the sides at the top end of the division can be critical in the context of the campaign.
MacAskill, 30, said: “The teams at the top end of the league have been so consistent in the last couple of seasons.
“That makes the head-to-heads important, but we’re all good sides so I think we’ll all win some and lose some.
“As much as it’s a big game, it is only three points. A win would be brilliant for us but even if we don’t get that we’ll still be calm about our position and we know there’s a lot of games still to play.
“At this stage last season we were a similar distance off the leaders as Fraserburgh are now and we managed to take it to the last day of the season.
“That shows you can put a run together and ourselves, Brechin and Brora will all have sticky spells and difficult runs of games.
“We’re just trying to win every game and hopefully come March time we’ll be there or thereabouts.
“Any time you go to Fraserburgh you need everyone in your team at eight out of 10 to win, but I think we have the capabilities to do that.”
Cowie rallies Fraserburgh
However, Broch boss Mark Cowie reckons his side can’t afford to lose this afternoon’s clash if they want to stay in the title hunt.
He added: “I don’t think we can afford to lose. Buckie have maybe got a bit more leeway but know they probably can’t afford to lose either.
“Whoever doesn’t get three points will be disappointed. Buckie are an excellent side and in a lot better form than we are just now.
“They come here expecting to win at the best of times, so with the way we’re playing they’ll maybe expect to dominate more.
“We need to turn up and make sure we’re ready to go.
“You want to be remembered for playing the big games well. Buckie at home is massive.
“That’s where you see what you’re made of and I’m pretty confident there’ll be 11 Buckie shirts wanting to get on the ball and play.
“I’m hoping Fraserburgh do the same and it’s a spectacle because on our day, we’re good enough to beat anyone.”
News from around the Highland League
Elsewhere, no postponement problems are forecast at Spain Park where Banks o’ Dee host Inverurie Locos.
Dee will be without Kane Winton, Dean Lawrie and Craig MacAskill, who has been loaned to Culter, but could welcome back Michael Philipson after months on the sidelines.
The Railwaymen will be looking to bounce after their Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield loss to Huntly in midweek.
Lossiemouth against Deveronvale at Grant Park is also set to go ahead. Niall Kennedy returns for the Coasters but Baylee Campbell is out.
After making a number of alterations for their Shield defeat to Buckie in midweek Deveronvale boss Craig Stewart is likely to shuffle his pack again for this clash.
A 7.45am pitch inspection will take at the Haughs where Turriff United host Brora Rangers.
Turra are without Aaron Reid, Keir Smith, Jordan Cooper and Liam Cheyne. Mark Nicolson, Max Ewan and Joe Malin are sidelined for the Cattachs as Martin Maclean returns.
Brechin City host Forres Mechanics in a 2pm kick-off at Glebe Park, but an 8am pitch inspection will determine if the game is on.
The Can-Cans are missing Graham Fraser, Ruari Fraser, Martin Groat, Callum Johnston, Kane Davies, Andrew Skinner and Joe Gauld, but Jack Grant is available.
Strathspey v Formartine United is also a 2pm kick-off, but is subject to an 8.30am pitch inspection. Daniel Whitehorn, Liam Grant miss out for the visitors but Darren Brew returns.
United are minus Tyler Mykyta, Scott Lisle, Ryan Spink and Kieran Lawrence.
