Fixture relief for clubs in wake of break

There is a full programme of fixtures in the Caley leagues tomorrow, to the relief of most clubs, including Ellon who have not played a league match since September 21.

Ellon head coach Craig Parslow said: “Although we have a game on Saturday, we are short of three key players who have decided to be elsewhere rather than play in our home game against Glenrothes.

“Luckily we have a big squad on which we can call, but the break has not been helpful.”

In Orkney the islanders have also been fretting about the lack of action, but their game with Alloa at Pickaquoy tomorrow serves as a double-header as the semi-final of the Regional Caley Shield and a Caley Division 1 fixture.

Coach Garry Coltherd said: “It will be good to get a game. The guys have been champing at the bit since our last in Aberdeen on October 12.

“This game gives us the opportunity to keep our double hopes alive.”

In the same division, Aberdeen Wanderers and Garioch are away to Blairgowrie and Hillfoots, both confident of winning on the road after enforced breaks.

The derby clashes between Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen Grammar 2nds at Woodside and Moray and Highland 2nds in Elgin are the big games in Caley 2 North, although the Mackie FPs versus Banff game will be viewed as a seasondefining one for the two clubs at Stonehaven.

In Caley 3 North, leaders Aberdeen University travel to Catto Park, bidding to open a gap at the head of affairs at the expense of winless Peterhead, while their fellow students the Medics, who lead Caley 4 North, are at home to Aberdeenshire 2nds.