Tricky tests to get out of drop zone

Aberdeen Wanderers and Ellon are already struggling to match the efforts of early pacesetters Strathmore and Alloa four weeks into the new Caledonia Division 1 season.

With only winless Harris FPs beneath them, the area’s top two Caley teams face tricky tests tomorrow as they bid to pull out of the relegation zone.

Wanderers will have to raise their game when they host promotion-seeking Alloa, while Ellon have an equally difficult task in Clackmannanshire where they face Hillfoots.

Teams from all the other three Caley North Divisions will get their first league action of the season, now that the Regional Referee’s Cup fixtures, which saw 13 games conceded, are all but over.

The only teams who will take any satisfaction from the poorly received competition will be Aberdeen University, Garioch, Banff and Mackie FPs who reached the semi-finals last weekend.

One disgruntled official told the Press and Journal: “We started the season on August 25 with the organisers well aware of the fact it was too early for all of us to get teams out for competitive games.

“It will be a relief to get the season off the ground on Saturday after the nonsense of this competition.”

The top clash in Caley 2 North is at Duff House where Banff entertain Mackie FPs, especially as both sides have laid out plans to reach the top flight of the Caley leagues.

There will also be great interest in Garioch’s opener at the Kellands Park where they meet the Police.