Gordonians will have a target on their backs soon

Gordonians remain the only unbeaten team in National League Division 3 but winger Daniel Osugo does not believe other teams are raising their game for the title contenders – yet.

Osugo’s side lead the division following nine wins and a draw so far and as they reach the halfway point of the campaign tomorrow against Orkney at Countesswells, he is braced for a more testing second half to the season.

He said: “I expect teams will target us as the season wears on.

“Our start has taken the league by surprise, not just ourselves.

“I personally don’t get the impression teams are raising their game against us. I’m preparing for real pressure coming on us in the second half of the season.”

Gordonians won 32-13 at Ardrossan Academicals last weekend although they did not have all their own way, and Osugo is braced for another test against seventh-placed Orkney.

He said: “It was a tough shift on Saturday as we let the game get away from us. We completely controlled the first half but we rested on our laurels in the second and let them back into the game.

“We claimed the five points but the performance could be better.

“Although it was pleasing we were able to grind it out when things were not going all our own way.

“We cannot go into any fixture believing it will be easy. Caithness showed a few weeks ago that even though they are not flying high they can be tough opponents and Orkney will be the same.”

Orkney coach Gary Coltherd is hoping to build on last week’s 31-22 home win against Hillhead Jordanhill.

He said: “Gordonians have been scoring tries for fun so we know it is going to be tough. Our plan is to keep it tight and starve them of possession.

“We are sitting comfortably in mid-table, a far cry from where we were six weeks ago when we were second bottom.

“I now believe anybody, even Gordonians and West of Scotland, are beatable in this league.”