Reds v Saints at Brechin

Aberdeen will face Premiership rivals St Johnstone in a preseason friendly at Brechin City’s Glebe Park on Sunday, June 28. With the clubs in action four days later in the first qualifying round of the Europa League, they have agreed to meet in a match which kicks off at 1pm. West Linton’s Gareth Wright hopes to cap off a fine week by claiming victory at the Northern Open at Cruden Bay today.

The Edinburgh- based player followed up his opening scores of 68 and 67 with another three-underpar 67 to earn a share of the lead with Glasgow’s Chris Kelly on eight-under 202.

Wright and Kelly, who also shot a third-round 67, have a four-shot lead at the top, with former European Tour player Craig Ronald ( Carluke) their nearest challenger.

Welshman Wright was this week named in the Great Britain and Ireland side to travel to California to face the United States in September’s PGA Cup.

The 33- year- old says winning the Northern Open would be the perfect way to round off his week.

He said: “My season has been going really well. I missed out on a play-off at the Scottish PGA championship by a shot, I tied second at the P&H championship and I have had a top-five finish on the EuroPro Tour.

“I finished second at the British PGA professional championship last week and made the GreatBritain and Ireland team to go to the States, so the game has been good.

“I have just been a fraction out as I could have had three wins already this year.

“I have been playing well all week. I amjust trying to play steady links golf and find the fairways.

“This is the first time I have played Cruden Bay but the weather was idyllic for the third round, so there were chances to make birdies.

“Hopefully, I can keep doing what I am doing.”

Kelly could have gone into the final round with a one-stroke advantage had it not been for a dropped shot on the closing hole.

He said: “I played a lot better than 67 but you just have to take the rough with the smooth.

“I am just going to focus on my own game and not worry about anyone else.

“I like Cruden Bay and I feel it is better for the changes that have been made.”

Scott Henderson (Kings Links Golf Club) is leading the local charge on threeunder 207 – five behind Wright and Kelly – with Greig Hutcheon ( Paul Lawrie GC) a further stroke adrift.

Henderson said: “The first few holes were into a