Title glory is within Mechanics' reach
FORRES Mechanics could be crowned Highland League champions on Wednesday night for the first time in 26 years.
A bumper crowd is expected at Mosset Park for the Can Cans' clash against bogey team Keith, a match which could decide this year's championship.
For if Charlie Rowley's team wins, and nearest rivals Cove Rangers lose at Nairn 12 miles further west, Forres will have won the league.
But Keith have an excellent record against Forres in recent seasons, and have won at Mosset Park in their last three visits.
They were the only Highland League club to beat the Cans there last season, and also recorded a league success in 2010 and a penalty shoot-out victory in the Highland League Cup earlier this month.
The two teams also met in the league on April 14 at Kynoch Park, with two goals in the last three minutes rescuing a 2-2 draw for Forres.
"If we win against Keith we could be crowned champions," said manager Rowley on Wednesday night's crucial match.
Forres lead Cove by four points with just three games to go, and are closing in on their first title success since 1986 - the club's only previous Highland League championship win.
Rowley admitted the pressure of the title chase has made it impossible to enjoy the football in the last six weeks.
"It is not a position we have been in before, it is new to me and the players, perhaps I will be able to enjoy it at the end of the season."
Kyle Scott, who scored in the 2-2 draw at Keith despite the pain of a broken toe, is set to be fit along with Kevin Duguid, who is recovering from a groin strain.
See Friday's Northern Scot for full coverage of the big game.
For Twitter updates on Wednesday night, follow @NScot, and log on to the Northern Scot website for a report and reaction to the match.
