Cattachs near full strength as Formartine head to Brora

Brora Rangers are close to full strength for this afternoon’s crunch encounter with Formartine United at Dudgeon Park.

Both clubs recorded resounding Scottish Cup victories last weekend, Brora thrashing Coldstream 6-0 at home while Formartine ousted League 2 Albion Rovers 2-0 at Cliftonhill.

Cattachs boss Steven Mackay said: “We’ve added Zander Sutherland to the squad although he still has a little bit to go but right back Neil MacDonald pulled his calf in training last week so he’ll be out for a few weeks.”

Formartine stand-in Jerry O’Driscoll, who led his team to victory in Coatbridge last weekend, has retired undefeated after just one game.

Russell Anderson, who was away celebrating his 40th birthday, returned last night so he will be in the dug-out, as his brotherin-law, player-manager Paul Lawson, is still serving a suspension.

Buckie Thistle and Rothes meet in a Moray derby at Victoria Park.

The Jags will give a fitness test to former Ross County striker Stevie Ross but central defender Kieran Adams and goalkeeper Daniel Bell are offshore so 17-year-old Lee Herbert retains the number one berth.

Lossiemouth and Keith face each other in another derby at Grant Park.

The Coasters will give a late test to defender Aaron Hamilton who picked up a leg knock in the 4-0 defeat at Cove a fortnight ago but striker James McLaren misses out with a shoulder injury while the Maroons will look to build on last week’s 2-1 home win over Nairn County.

Wick Academy entertain a weakened Fort William at Harmsworth Park.

Academy manager Tom McKenna said: “We are without injured midfielders Jack Henry and Ross Allan.

“This fixture is about respect and attitude, irrespective of Fort’s position in the league, we will still give them every respect, we can’t be complacent.”

With several players out through injury and holidays, Fort manager Kris Anderson is expected to give youth its chance in Caithness.