Lossiemouth manager Joe Russell is challenging his Coasters to test themselves with the Highland league's best sides, starting with leaders Fraserburgh at Grant Park
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LOSSIEMOUTH are keen to test themselves against the Highland League’s best sides and finish the current campaign on a positive note.
The Coasters found one of the leading pack, Moray derby rivals Rothes too hot to handle on Saturday as the Speysiders ran in a 4-0 win at Mackessack Park.
League leaders Fraserburgh are the next side Lossie face today, and manager Joe Russell is challenging his young squad to compete with the title chasers and have their own say in where the league flag ends up.
“The players want to make some sort of influence on how the top end of the table goes,” he said.
Lossie still have to play Brechin City and Brora Rangers in their remaining games but first face Broch, who battled back to top spot on goal difference ahead of Buckie Thistle last weekend with a 7-0 thrashing of Clach.
“Some of the games they have not done well against Fraserburgh in recent years” Russell added. “I know it was only 2-0 last year but through at their place is a different kettle of fish and they can be relentless as Clach found out last week.
“You have to be at your very best to have any chance against Fraserburgh and even then we would need a bit of luck.
"But if we can get that and they have an off day, who knows we might get something out of it and have some sort of a say in what happens at the top end of the table.
“That’s what we are aiming for anyway.”
Lossie did have chances at Rothes last week but only after the home side had built up a 3-0 interval lead.
“The conditions and the pitch weren’t great and we made some sloppy mistakes so we got what we deserved to be honest. They are a top team and they deserved to win.”
Regular goalkeeper Logan Ross, on loan from Ross County, missed the Rothes defeat due to injury with Elgin City loan keeper deputising.
Ross is rated 50-50 to return today with defender Jared Kennedy and striker Baylee Campbell also doubtful due to injury.
