Mitchell enjoys return to dugout as Alness face young Lilywhites

Alness United interim manager Rob Mitchell is enjoying being back on the touchline with targets in mind for the rest of the North Caledonian League season.

United welcome Clachnacuddin reserves, who last week stunned long-shot title contenders St Duthus 2-1 in Tain.

Mitchell and Chris Graham are in charge of Alness following Robert MacCormack stepping down.

Since that surprise exit, Mitchell has seen his side edged out 2-1 at Nairn County reserves then, last week, share six goals away to Golspie Sutherland, with victory denied to them late on.

Ninth-placed Alness are one place and seven points ahead of their weekend opponents, but have played two matches more than the young Lilywhites.

Former Bonar Bridge boss Mitchell admits it wasn’t his plan to be back in the dugout quite so soon after exiting the Migdale club last year.

However, he explained he’s enjoying this stint on the sidelines until this summer.

He said: “I finished at Bonar Bridge at the end of last season and I was actually looking to have a wee break from football, but Robert MacCormack asked me to help at Alness.

“I’m happy I made that decision because I’m now local to Alness and, taking results out of it, they are a great group to work with and the club is very well run.”

Elsewhere tomorrow, runaway leaders Loch Ness tackle Thurso in Fortrose following six away games on the bounce, while secondplaced St Duthus have a 12.45pm start at Orkney.

Rock bottom Bonar Bridge go to defending champions Invergordon.

Invergordon are hunting down frontrunners Loch Ness, who are 14 points ahead, but have played four fixtures more.

Inverness Athletic travel to Halkirk United, while mid-table Golspie Sutherland welcome Fort William to King George V Park.