Preview of Saturday's Highland League action
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ROTHES are aiming to regain their top four place when they host Wick Academy today.
The Speysiders' run of five league wins in their last six took them to fourth spot last Saturday.
However with Rothes not playing in midweek, both Inverurie Locos and Formartine United won to climb above them and push the Moray side back to sixth.
Formartine are not playing this weekend while fourth-placed Fraserburgh are at Brora, giving Rothes the opportunity to climb back up the table.
But Ross Jack's side will be without striker Steven Anderson and midfielder Gregg main for the Wick clash.
Fraser Robertson is also a doubt after picking up an injury in training on Wednesday.
“There’s boys who have been champing at the bit so here’s an opportunity for them,” said Jack.
The manager knows all about the dangers Wick will pose his team, in particular striker Craig Gunn who Jack bossed for several seasons at Elgin City. “I won’t have to do my homework on Craig, we know he’s a threat but we can’t just concentrate on him because there’s a few in the Wick team who make them tick so we will look out for that.”
Forres Mechanics will look to build on their 6-0 midweek thrashing of Fort William when they make the trip to Turriff United.
However the Cans are set to be without striker Lee Fraser, who tweaked his hamstring in only his second game back after an 18-month spell out injured.
Turriff lost 3-0 on Wednesday at home to Deveronvale, who recorded only their second league win of the campaign.
Vale host Strathspey Thistle and have the opportunity to make further progress up the table.
Leaders Buckie Thistle should stay out in front as they welcome Nairn County to Victoria Park.
Jags' top scorer Scott Adams could be struggling after limping off in the 5-0 win at Lossiemouth on Wednesday, having scored two goals.
Lossie won't have a game, as their scheduled visit to Fort William was postponed as early as Thursday evening due to heavy rainfall in Lochaber.
Keith ran title favourites Brora close in midweek and will have some renewed optimism when they journey to Inverurie this weekend.
Manager Dean Donaldson was impressed with the performances of Ross County loan teenagers Jack Grant and Gregor MacDonald, as well as Jay Cheyne who has been farmed out by Buckie.
Huntly's form has picked up after a shaky start and they are unbeaten in their last four league outings.
Confidence will be high following Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Formartine, when the Black and Golds visit struggling Clach.
Today's Highland League fixtures
Brora Rangers v Fraserburgh
Buckie Thistle v Nairn County
Clach v Huntly
Deveronvale v Strathspey Thistle
Fort William P-P Lossiemouth
Inverurie Locos v Keith
Rothes v Wick Academy
Turriff United v Forres Mechanics
