Striker crisis for Jags ahead of Super League debut
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A STRIKING crisis is the last thing Forres Thistle boss Kevin Walker wanted ahead of the club’s debut in the Super League.
The Jags welcome Banks O’ Dee to Logie Park on Saturday for their first game in the top flight.
However, Walker has three strikers all missing through holiday.
That leaves 18-year-old John Fraser as the only recognised striker in the ranks.
"I may have to pull my boots on again," joked Walker.
"They don’t come much bigger than Banks O’ Dee and it is a tough start to the league campaign. We have a lot of guys on holiday and are really struggling," he said.
Walker admits most people are expecting his side to be relegated back to the first division this season.
"There is probably less pressure on us this season. If we can stay up I would be highly delighted," he said.
"I have just told the boys to go out and enjoy the experience, that’s what football is all about at the end of the day."
Walker lost the two Matty’s, Davidson and Fraser to Forres Mechanics in the summer, the latter returning after a loan spell, and experienced skipper Mark Pennie retired from the game.
He has added local youngster Charlie Beck and RAF Kinloss serviceman Craig Thomson to his squad over the summer.
"I still reckon we need two or three more guys in, hopefully with experience.
"At the moment we have a squad of about 20, which includes a lot of young guys."
Forres warmed up for their Super League curtain-raiser with a 1-0 Grill League Cup win over Bishopmill United on Tuesday night.
Lee Davidson got the winner in a game that should have been played at Pinefield, but was switched to Logie Park due to ground repairs at Bishopmill’s park. "It was a tough game for the first game of the season. We were well in control but didn’t create as many chances as we should have."
Walker is hoping a good crowd will turn out to cheer on his team in their first top-flight game, despite Highland League neighbours Mechanics also being at home on Saturday.
"Our game kicks off at 2.30pm so hopeful some of the Mechanics fans will come along for the first half hour," he said.
In the other game in Forres’ league cup group, RAF Lossiemouth ran out 5-3 winners over Fochabers in a game played at Kinloss.
In group seven, New Elgin ran out comfortable winners against Buckie Rovers, although they had to work hard earlier in the game. Graham Robinson scored a hat-trick for the Pinefield side, while Lee Shanks and Alan Turner were also on target.
Burghead Thistle edged out junior newcomers Portgordon Vics 2-1 in the same group, thanks to goals from Andrew Stewart and Craig Patullo. Andy Matheson had levelled for the Vics from the penalty spot early in the second half and they had chances to take a point for the match but didn’t have much luck in front of goal.
