Golspie, Alness final thriller in store

Something will have to give when Golspie Sutherland and Alness United meet in the Football Times Cup final at Couper Park, Helmsdale tomorrow.

Both sides are on a winning run and it is difficult to separate them.

Golspie manager Andrew Banks said: “It will be a tough test for our defence as they have been scoring freely. But hopefully we will be prepared for them – it has the makings of a great final.”

Golspie will be without skipper Adam Sutherland and Danny Coghill, while Hasheem Bremner is injured. However, Gavin Sinclair and Greg Shearer come in for the first time this season.

Alness welcome back forward Alan Kerr but Craig Munro is a doubt, while Christopher Graham and Taylor Sutherland have been ruled out.

In the league, Darran Goller and Daniel Christie are set to return for Invergordon in time for their home match against Orkney at the Recreation Grounds. Arron Christie, however, is a doubt.

Orkney have the onform Sam Rendall missing, but Graeme Horne comes into defence with James Pickles moving to midfield.

Thurso will be glad to have experienced duo, James Murray and Sean Stewart back, but Aiden Reid is unavailble for the Vikings. Shaun Forbes and Scott Bell are struggling with injuries. Lewis McKechnie is on holiday, while Martin Sutherland is a doubt.

Liam Martin and Ross Harrison are unavailable for Athletic, while playmaker Martin Bain is on holiday. Phil MacDonald is still missing while Ryan MacLeod is a doubt. The season’s first piece of silverware in junior football will be decided on Sunday when Banks o’ Dee and Hermes contest the final of The Grill League Cup at Heathryfold (2pm).

Hermes will be without Andy Courage, who is offshore, with Grant Campbell, Scott Freeland and Lee Smith all doubtful while the Spain Park side are without several of their squad including Matt Robertson (hip), Josh Winton (groin), Luke Barbour (groin), Dean Lawrie, Mark Hamilton (both work commitments), as well as long-term casualties Kieran Heads and Ryan Hall.

In the pick of tomorrow’s games, two in-form sides clash when Aberdeen University face Montrose Roselea in the opening round of the Signature Signs Inter Regional Cup.

There is a Domino’s Pizza North Regional second round encounter between Nairn St Ninian and fellow Saints Banchory St Ternan.

In the McBookie.com Superleague, East End and Culter, both a point behind leaders Montrose Roselea, have the incentive of going top of the table when they meet at New Advocates Park.

Ellon United can put themselves right in the mix with a victory at Dufftown.

Maud can move off the foot of the table if they can get the better of Bridge of Don Thistle at Pleasure Park and, at Glenury Park, Stonehaven host Dyce.

Colony Park have playermanager Richard Davidson and keeper Stewart Gray available again for the visit of Hall Russell United.

First Division pacesetters Stoneywood Parkvale travel to lowly Forres Thistle with Sunnybank also on the road at bottom markers Longside.

Elsewhere, Buckie Rovers welcome Deveronside and Fraserburgh United are at Burghead Thistle.

In the Second Division, leaders Islavale are at home to Whitehills with Glentanar, in second, on the road at Spey Valley United.

In the other matches, Buchanhaven Hearts make the journey to challenge Cruden Bay with New Elgin hosting Newmachar United.

All games kick-off at 2pm.