Shane Carling says Loch Ness must guard against any slip ups in their efforts to secure the North Caledonian League title.
Loch Ness are 14 points clear at the top of the table, however second-placed Invergordon have four games in hand which could reduce that margin to just two points should they win them.
Carling know his side’s fate is in their own hands, with Saturday’s home game against Clachnacuddin reserves the first of six matches remaining.
The Loch Ness boss insists his side cannot afford to look any further than the immediate task at hand.
Carling said: “I keep telling the players to keep taking each game as it comes and keep working hard.
“We had a bad result against Inverness, but since then we have picked it up and we’ve been getting stronger every week.
“It’s getting to the point now, with six league games left, where every game is a cup final.
“Clach are a very good young team with loads of running, and they will want to get higher up the table as well.
“They will want to beat the team that is top of the league.
“It’s going to be another challenging game – none of them will be easy between now and the end of the season.”
Morrison injury setback a blow
Loch Ness have been dealt a setback with the news that new arrival Sam Morrison, who joined on loan from Buckie Thistle last week, has suffered a fractured ankle which will keep him out of the run-in.
✍️⚫️ LOAN SIGNING ⚫️✍️
We have negotiated a short term loan deal with @BuckieThistle for Sam Morrison.
Sam is a player with lots of experience and a stellar reputation. He is returning from a serious injury and we are delighted to have him.
Great to have you onboard Sam 🤝 pic.twitter.com/LfzbYabODS
— Loch Ness Football Club (@LochNessFC) February 19, 2023
Having found themselves in a similar position last year, before being pipped to the title by Invergordon, Carling is confident his side is equipped with more strength in depth this time around.
He added: “Sam came off the bench for his debut on Saturday, and then trained on Monday and fractured his ankle.
“It’s a shame as he has been out all year through an injury. He was a great signing for us as he’s a top Highland League player.
“To have him in for the remainder of the season was a massive boost for us.
“Shane Harkness has done really well since coming in along with Liam Taylor, who has scored seven goals in four games.
“Last year we were strong up to Christmas, but then after that we started to fade as we lost players through injury and illness.
“We struggled to get 13 or 14 boys every week. This year we have strengthened and I have 20 boys to pick from – and unfortunately only 16 can be selected.
“There will be big decision to be made but I can’t complain.”
Invergordon aiming to keep up pressure
Invergordon will aim to keep up the pressure on the league leaders when they make the trip to Thurso this weekend.
Saturday's results and updated league table #NCFA #NorthCaley pic.twitter.com/YSq62WWnJZ
— North Caledonian FA (@NorthCaleyFA) February 19, 2023
Third-placed St Duthus’ hopes of mounting a charge have been dealt a blow by a haul of one point from their last two games, with the Tain outfit looking to get back on track away to bottom side Bonar Bridge.
Fort William and Halkirk United will meet at Claggan Park, with both sides looking to advance up the table in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Elsewhere, Nairn County reserves host Golspie Sutherland, while Alness United take on Orkney.
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