Peterhead manager Jim McInally reckons a bruising encounter against Fraserburgh is exactly what his side needs to get it raring to go for life in Scottish League 1.
The Blue Toon, last season’s League 2 champions, entertain local rivals the Broch in Graeme Sharp’s testimonial at Balmoor tomorrow afternoon.
McInally says supporters of both sides can expect a tasty match.
He said: “There is already a bit of needle about that game as I think there have been comments about who is the biggest club.
“That is good because pre-season can be a bit of a damp squib at times.
“I am sure this Saturday won’t be. Fraserburgh will be fired up to play us and we will need to be fired up to play them. I am sure we will be. I assume it is going to be a physical game. We will enjoy it and hopefully we will get a good day for Sharpy.
“We played Fraserburgh two years ago and there was a good edge to the game and it was played at a good tempo. It is really beneficial if you can get that pre-season.
“We are looking at being a game short as far as pre-season goes so we are needing games that are going to be really competitive and this one certainly will be.”
McInally hopes the Peterhead support turn out in healthy numbers to honour 30-year-old Sharp, who has been with the club since 2005.
He added: “Since I have been here the improvement in him has been terrific, especially since he went to full back.
“He is now a right wing back. Even when he was playing against a young Aberdeen team last week and players who were very sharp, he was able to use his pace and experience to get the ball.
“He is in really good physical shape. I was delighted for him that he got his winner’s medal at the end of last season and I hope we get good weather and a good crowd as he deserves it.”