Vengeful Rothes aim to avoid sting in tale as the Jags visit

Rothes will be looking to avenge their recent 3-2 league defeat at Buckie Thistle when the Jags visit Mackessack Park in the first round of the Highland League Cup today.

Speysiders’ manager Steven MacDonald said: “We are looking for a run in this cup to get things going again after a couple of disappointing results.

“We didn’t play well against them at Buckie in the league a couple of weeks ago.

“But we still only got beat by an injury-time goal so I’m definitely looking for revenge.”

MacDonald added: “Unfortunately defender Ali Stark and midfielder Jack Maley are both suspended but otherwise we are at full strength”

Buckie welcome back central defender Kieran Adams and forwards Allen MacKenzie and Sam Urquhart for the Mackessack game.

Fort William have a testing home tie against Wick Academy at Claggan Park – but the Scorries make the trip without several key players.

Academy manager Tom McKenna said: “We are without goalkeeper Sean McCarthy, defenders Michael Stevens, Grant Stevens and Andrew Hardwick, as well as striker Alan Hughes and midfielder Jack Henry.

“I’m sure it will be a tough cup tie against a spirited Fort William team, especially with them having the home advantage.”

McKenna added: “I know they will make it as difficult for us as they can so that we are unable to play in the manner we enjoy.

“For us it’s a game that is all about attitude and being as professional as you can be.”

Lossiemouth have a home tie against Huntly.

Lossiemouth right back Jack MacArthur misses the game after bursting a blood vessel in a foot.

Huntly defender Alex Thoirs is offshore, striker Matty McDonald is unavailable and goalkeeper Matthew Johnston broke a thumb in training this week so on-loan Forres stopper Euan Storrier is added to the squad.

Strathspey Thistle will look to bounce back from last week’s 2-1 league defeat at Clachnacuddin when they entertain a depleted Forres Mechanics.

The Mosset Park men are without striker Stuart Soane, who has a hamstring injury, and midfielder Martin Groat, who has an ankle problem.