Buckie brimming with confidence at top

Highland League leaders Buckie Thistle aim to dig in at the top today when they welcome Forres Mechanics to Victoria Park. The Jags, who lead Cove on goal difference after four wins from their opening four games, secured their place in the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup final on Wednesday when they knocked out holders Fraserburgh in the semi-finals and attacker Chris Angus says the game cannot come quickly enough. He said: “We could have been three of four up at half-time against Fraserburgh, our confidence is sky high. We are putting six and seven goals past teams and we could have had five in midweek.” Clach’s goalless draw with Wick at Grant Street last weekend earned the Lilywhites their first point of the campaign and manager Iain Polworth has challenged his players to build on it when they host Strathspey Thistle. He said: “Our performances have been better than the league table shows and we need to get a win against Strathspey. They’ll be looking to get off the mark, too, and they beat us last season.” Fourth-placed Lossiemouth bid to continue their good start to the campaign when Inverurie Locos visit. Attacker Shawn Scott, who went off injured before half-time in the goalless draw with Huntly last week, is a doubt for Lossie, while Locos will be led by Scott Buchan following the resignation of co-manager Kenny Coull earlier this week. Kieran Adams begins a two-game ban for Locos after his red card against Turriff United last weekend. Wick Academy are without the suspended Sam Mackay for their home game against Huntly, who were hit for six by league champions Cove in midweek.