Alness keen to return to winning ways

Alness United aim to get back on track when they host North Caledonian League rivals Golspie Sutherland at the Highland Football Academy.

After a lengthy unbeaten run United’s title charge hit the buffers in recent weeks but coach Ali Finlayson hopes his side can recapture their early season form.

He said: “We need to get back to winning ways. We haven’t won any of our last three games so we need to start doing what we do best – playing good football and winning matches.”

United’s defensive pair Scott MacAngus and Mikey Rae are free from suspension, while forward Alan Kerr is available again. However, Gordon Finlayson, who limped off in the 2-0 defeat against St Duthus last week, is a doubt.

Forwards Eddie MacGregor and Lucasz Geruzel are expected to return for Golspie but Gavin Sinclair and Blair Duncan are unavailable.

Inverness Athletic host Thurso at the Inverness Royal Academy’s 4G pitch. Mark Kennedy, Ryan Stewart and DJ MacPhee return for Athletic’s first game of the new year, while Martin MacDonald is a doubt with flu.

Thurso will be without Conor Trueman, Sean Stewart and goalkeeper James More.

St Duthus expect to be unchanged for their home match against leaders Invergordon, who hope to have Kai Cruickshank back in their ranks.

Bunillidh Thistle are likely to be along the same lines as last week when they head north to play Halkirk United at Morrison Park.