Fraserburgh manager Mark Cowie aims to celebrate his first trophy in only his second game in charge of the Bellslea club when they face Turriff United at Princess Royal Park, Banff, in the Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield final today.
The 30-year-old former Broch, Deveronvale and Turriff midfielder is excited by the prospect of renewing his acquaintance with the famous old trophy, having won it as a player with both Fraserburgh and Turriff.
Cowie said: “It’s great to know that we can end the season on a high by taking home a piece of silverware just two games into my new job as manager of the Broch.
“The fact we’re in a final so early takes the focus off me and I’m delighted about that as the lads have a final to look forward to and they are all focused on that instead of everyone concentrating on how I will do in management.”
Cowie has already been forced to get tough with his squad after the club’s 3-1 defeat against Inverurie Locos last weekend on his managerial debut.
He said: “I did impart a few words of wisdom at training this week. I gave the players a few pointers as regards that disappointing performance but the guys hadn’t played for a month and, regardless of what level we are, that’s a long time.
“We can train all we want but, if we’re not playing games, it does affect fitness, so perhaps I was a little bit harsh on them.”
It is an equally big day for United manager Ross Jack, who said: “It is a great end to the season for us and, if we can win the trophy, it would cap a fine season in which we pushed Brora all the way in the title race.
“Our supporters have been fantasticand the players have responded. I’m disappointed that forward Gary McGowan misses out through suspension after his red card at Formartine United last weekend. He doesn’t deserve to miss it.”
Chris Herd is also banned, while Jamie Beagrie and Leszek Nowosielski are working. Paul Young is in America and is unlikely to be back in time.