Depleted Cabers look for fringe benefits

Caberfeidh’s shock troops, third in the Premiership, will be without five players for their game against Lochaber at Strathpeffer.

Goalkeeper Ewen Pilcher and his brother Jack are off to Dubai to visit family, Martin Macdonald is still injured and Gavin MacLaughlan is off to the Grand National.

In addition, Ryan Simmonds has been promoted with SSE and will visit Orkney for three weeks.

Manager Jordi Gorski said: “That’s a great pity.

“Ryan has told me he’ll help out if needed when he’s home but he’s finished in terms of being available regularly. But his brother Liam is back and we’re able to give a start to squad members who have been waiting for their chance.”

Lochaber, who hope to have John Mackenzie back, have played only twice and are chasing a first win.

Oban Celtic have Neil Carmichael out with a chest infection and he misses their home duel with Glasgow

“We had a wakeup call with the defeat against Beauly”

Mid Argyll in a clash of the teams level on points at the top of the National Division but Fulton Ronald returns for Celts.

Manager Kenny Wotherspoon said: “We had a wakeup call with the defeat from Beauly and we’re looking for a big improvement. So many teams have points in this division, there’s no one running away with it.”

Victor Smith, 16, son of Fort William’s co-manager, keeps his place, after scoring his first senior goal last week, for the game with Inverness at An Aird. James MacMaster and Jack Fraser return for third-top Fort, a point behind the leaders.

Kilmallie, two points off the top but with a game in hand, have Innes Blackhall back from a two-game ban for their home tussle with bottom side Strathglass, the only team still without a victory.

Dougie Blain is an injury worry for Beauly, who make the trip to Inveraray in a battle of fifth place versus sixth.