Rothie and Jags clash in knockout contest

There is a mix of cup and league action in the North Region Juniors this weekend with a quartet of openinground McLeman Cup ties looking particularly intriguing.

In Rothienorman, Rothie Rovers entertain an in-form Bridge of Don Thistle side.

Rothie boss Kevin Beaton said: “We’ve not really started the calendar year well at all, having lost three of our four games.

“Thistle are the opposite to us and are unbeaten since November when we won 1-0 in the league and we kind of held on while they missed some good chances and, before that, we lost 2-0 to them in the Grill League Cup back in August – but both games so far this season have been fairly tight.”

Jags boss Lewis Muirhead believes, despite their recent poor run, the hosts will be favourites, saying: “They’ll be buoyant and full of belief after the last game with us and rightly so. I’m sure they can’t wait to get their teeth into this one and we’ll have to be ready for that.”

Muirhead was delighted to get striker Elliot Duff, who scored on debut last weekend, on board from Culter, adding: “I think it’s a cracking signing and was all done very quickly once we knew he was available.”

Dyce travel to Showfield to meet Nairn St Ninian, while holders Culter are at Raemoss Park to face Buchanhaven Hearts.

At Heathryfold, Sunnybank have home advantage over Fraserburgh United.

In the McBookie.com Premier League, Hermes face Newmachar United at Charlie Gordon Park, Stonehaven welcome East End to Glenury Park, Colony Park make the trip to Maud and Ellon United host Stoneywood Parkvale.