New-look Speysiders present stern challenge for Nairn

Nairn County can consolidate fourth spot in the Highland League table with a win at Rothes tonight but manager Ronnie Sharp knows what to expect from the revitalised Speysiders.

Rothes have signed 16 new players for this season and have been impressive and Sharp said: “It will be difficult as this new-look Rothes side has been playing well by all accounts.”

Rothes manager Steven MacDonald is an admirer of Sharp’s work and said: “They beat us easily down there towards the end of last season so we know we are in for a difficult game.”

Former Fort William centre forward Scott Davidson will make his home debut but Daniel Moore misses out through suspension after his redcard in the 1-0 defeat at Turriff United on Saturday.

High-flying Brora Rangers host Clachnacuddin at Dudgeon Park and Brora manager Ross Tokely said: “We played them in the North Cup a couple of weeks ago and beat them 2-0 after they had put up in good performance in the first half.

“They are a good side so we need to show the same attitude as we did in Saturday’s 3-0 home win against Buckie.”

Lilywhites’ manager Iain Polworth said: “It would be good to avenge the cup defeat, but Brora are now back in their stride after a wobble at the start of the season.”

Clach have left back Paul Smith and forward Dan MacLennan back while centre half Matty Grant and forward Ian Penwright might make the bench.

Forres Mechanics face bottom club Fort William at Mosset Park and manager Charlie Rowley said: “They were on the wrong end of a 10-0 thrashing against Fraserburgh on Saturday so there’s no question we’ll be going in as favourites. I’m pretty sure there will be a reaction from their players but if we concentrate on our own side of things I’m sure we’re good enough to win.”

The Can-Cans are still without Ryan Stuart and Craig McGovern who are on holiday while fellow midfielder, Stuart Soane, has a calf injury.

Fort co-manager Paul MacLellan said: “We will have one or two back of the eight players we have out injured back, that’s the best we can hope for.”

Wick Academy face the mammoth 300-mile roundtrip to face Keith at Kynoch Park and Maroons’ manager Ewan Robb said: “We’re probably in a false position with just three points but performances mean nothing with results, that’s all we’re missing.

“We have changed things about a bit and feel that we have now sorted our defence, but attacker Cammy Keith will be missing,”