Thrills and spills in promotion race

While Ross Sutherland are battling to bring back honours to the Caley area tomorrow, Ellon and Garioch will be getting on with the business of winning promotion from Caley 2 North.

The two Aberdeenshire sides are the only ones left standing in the race for the title, with a waferthin difference between them going into the home straight.

Sam Mountain, head coach of table-topping Ellon, conceded it was now a question of who can hold their nerve as the climax of season looms.

He said: “There’s nothing really separating us from Garioch. We have three games left to play and they have four.

“If we both win with maximum points, we’ll both end up on 90 points, though we have a superior points difference.

“Whoever blinks first is likely to lose out, but it’s a great way in which to end the season.”

Ellon look to have the tougher test tomorrow despite having home advantage with in-form Mackie FPs looking to spoil their title hopes.

Garioch meet Shetland at Kellands Park and, given the difference in league standings, will be favourites to land five points.

Head coach Dave Duguid is not taking anything for granted. He said: “We are pleased to be where we are with such a young side. Every game will be a cup tie, including two games away to Ross Sutherland and RAF Lossiemouth.”

The run-in to the conclusion of Caley 3 North is equally tense but likely to be resolved at Duff House, with Kinloss Eagles and North Police Scotland in a double-header in which eight or possibly 10 points are up for grabs depending on how the bonus points are distributed.

The neutral ground of Banff will make for a special end to the season and should attract a decent crowd.

“Whoever blinks first is likely to lose out”

Ross Sutherland brothers