PREMIERSHIP: RITCHIE IN FOR NEWTONMORE

Newtonmore goalkeeper Owen Fraser is unavailable for amonth for work reasons and Michael Ritchie will be between the sticks for their Marine Harvest Premiership visit to bottom club Fort William. Fraser Mackintosh, who has missed the last three games through injury, faces a late test and Andrew Mackintosh and Jamie Robinson, both missing last week with knocks, are doubtful for the An Aird visit. The champions, who have blasted 33 goals in nine league games, will go four points clear at the top if they win. Skye’s game with Glen Urquhart at Portree assumes particular significance as both are locked on six points in the second relegation spot. The islanders, who have played two games fewer, have Steven Morrison, Alan MacKinnon and Shockie Maclennan out injured. The draw specialists know that this would be the ideal time to grab that first win but Glen beat Lovat earlier this month to end a fourgame losing streak and aim to continue that improvement. In the National Division, new Balliemore Cup winners Kilmallie visit Bute, who held them to a 1-1 draw at Caol in March. Kilmallie, with only one defeat in their last 11 outings, can go second top if they win but will be without suspended defender Innes Blackhall. Caberfeidh, with Ally Maclennan still injured, can jump from fifth place to second if they beat bottom side Ballachulish at Strathpeffer. National Division leaders Inveraray have Andrew McMurdo completing a four-game ban but their young side is being given an edge by Lewis Montgomery. They fought hard in losing 3-1 to Kyles in the Celtic Society Cup final last month.

“Kilmallie can go second top if they win”