Shire aim to continue rebuilding job against gung-ho Gordonians

The 2021 North-East Championship season has been a steep learning curve for an Aberdeenshire team rebuilding after being relegated from the Eastern Premier in 2019

With the 2020 season wiped out due to Covid, it has been a time to regroup and rebuild at Mannofield and captain Kenny Reid will be looking for that education to continue in the remaining games of the campaign, starting with Gordonians tomorrow.

Sixth-placed Huntly hope to get back to action when they host Strathmore.

Jack Mitchell’s side saw their game at Gordonians rained off last weekend, meaning they have managed to complete just eight matches so far this season

Grade 1 winners Aberdeen Grammar FPs look to have left secondplaced Bon Accord with a mountain to climb.

Bon Accord now need to win all their remaining four games, while hoping for favours from two of Grammar’s opponents.

The likelihood of the Rubislaw outfit losing twice are remote, although tomorrow’s opponents at home Siyapa, then Knight Riders, Gordonians and Crescent will all be attempting to thwart any Grammar celebrations.

The Bons will be pushed to win their remaining four games against Gordonians, Master Blasters Aberdeen, Siyapa and Inverurie, particularly as the latter are still set on claiming third place.

Elsewhere, Cults are still in with a chance of a top three finish, and will be marginal favourites to beat Master Blasters Aberdeen away from home this weekend, while Inverurie must beat Crescent if they are to claim the bronze medal position, as is the case for Knight Riders, who meet Grampian.

Teams in Grade 2 and 3 return to league duty, but with only the minor places to be decided as Mannofield are home and dry in Grade 2, and 2nd Grampian are also out of sight in Grade 3 – with both sides celebrating league and cup doubles.

Mannofield are at home to 2nd Knight Riders and 2nd Grampian are away to Stonehaven Thistle.