Chisholm ruled out for Buckie
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BUCKIE Thistle will be without the influentual Mark Chisholm for three games following his red card at Rothes last Saturday.
The combative midfielder was shown a straight red for a challenge.
Chisholm has been handed an automatic two-game ban and a further one on top due to his record.
Boss Gregg Carrol didn’t properly see the tackle which led to Chisholm’s red card, but believes it was harsh.
"Graham (McBeath) was closer to the incident than me and he told me it was harsh. That says it all," he said.
Buckie were able to hang on to the three points despite being down to 10 men after conceding a goal from a dubious penalty kick awarded to the home side.
While most people now consider the Highland League a two-horse race, Carrol insists his back-to-back champions have to retain belief.
"There has got to be absolute belief at Buckie between now and the end of the season."
Deveronvale came from a long way back last season to take the title race down to a final day showdown at Victoria Park.
The Jags trail leaders Cove Rangers by 11 points, both teams with nine games remaining, while second placed Forres are nine points ahead of Buckie and have two games in hand.
It would take a mini collapse from both the top two and a strong run from Buckie to give Thistle a chance of claiming a third successive title.
But stranger things have happened in football and Buckie still have to entertain Forres Mechanics at Victoria Park before the end of the season.
The top two clash at Allan Park on Saturday, so Buckie have the chance to close the gap with a win at home to Keith.
While Chisholm will be out, Carrol is hoping Shawn Scott will return to the squad after being sidelined with injury last weekend.
