Castletown will be aiming to 'bridge the gap' in semi-final against Wick Groats
Castletown manager Tom McKenna acknowledges that his players will be coming up against one of the top teams in the Highlands when they host Wick Groats on Saturday in the semi-finals of the Eain Mackintosh Cup.
But the former Wick Academy boss says the Caithness AFA Division Two leaders are relishing the challenge against the cup holders.
The teams met in a Colin Macleod Memorial Cup tie in Castletown last month, with Groats running out 5-0 winners, but for long spells it was a closely contested encounter.
Castletown beat Thurso Pentland 3-0 in the Eain Mackintosh Cup quarter-finals, while Groats reached the last four after a 4-1 win against Acks on Monday.
McKenna said: "When you play against one of the best teams in Highland football, especially in a semi-final, you know the challenge ahead is going to be difficult. As a player, these are the fixtures you want to be involved in and I know our players will be looking forward to the game.
"In our recent encounter we competed with them for 55 minutes. I'd like to think we can extend that competitiveness to bridge the gap between us, and with a wee bit of luck you just never know."
Castletown pair Greg Macleod and Benn Murray are suspended.
Wick Groats manager Kevin Anderson said: “We played Castletown in the Colin Macleod Memorial Cup and there was nothing in the first half. We took control in the second half and went on to win 5-0.
“Tom has got them well organised – they are well drilled. It will be a tough game.”
Groats' injury list includes Jonah Martens, Gavin Sinclair, Stewart Ross, Ben Sinclair, Liam Bremner and John Budge.
Saturday's other semi-final sees Staxigoe United taking on Pentland United in Wick.
Staxigoe manager Colin Sinclair said: "It's a chance to reach a cup final but it'll be a huge task to get past Pentland United. We've played them a few times already this season and have lost them all.
"They're so strong going forward and strong at the back, and they don't give away many chances. But on our day we can match any team so we'll be hoping to catch them on an off day and for us to be at our best.
"Colin Davidson and Bryan Reid picked up injuries on Tuesday night and are doubts for Saturday. Shaun Sinclair took a knock on Saturday so might be struggling to make the game too."
Pentland United co-manager Michael Gray said: “It is summer holiday season so we will be missing some players. Michael Steven, Sean Munro, Conor Cormack, Shaun Forbes and Conor Trueman are all unavailable, unfortunately, but we still feel the players available will give us a competitive side.
"I have previously mentioned the special connection we have with the trophy so we will be going all out to try to get to the final.
“Staxigoe are a very good side. The three games we have played against them this season already have been fiercely competitive and I can see no reason why this weekend will be any different. We know if we want to progress to the final it will require a big effort from all involved.”
Wick Groats and John O'Groats progressed to the last eight of the David Allan Shield with narrow first-round victories on Wednesday night.
Kevin Anderson's men came from behind to beat High Ormlie Hotspur 2-1 in Wick. Alan Mathieson and Graham MacNab scored for the holders after James Mackintosh had put Spurs in front.
John O'Groats needed extra time before securing a 3-2 home victory over second division Watten.
Results – Alan Farquhar testimonial: Caithness AFA 2, Wick Academy 3.
Eain Mackintosh Cup, quarter-final: Acks 1, Wick Groats 4.
David Allan Shield, first round: John O'Groats 3, Watten 2 (AET); Keiss 0, Pentland United 11; Lybster 1, Swifts 0; Thurso Pentland 0, Wick Thistle 7; Staxigoe United 8, Top Joe's 0; Wick Groats 2, High Ormlie Hotspur 1.
Fixtures – Saturday – Eain Mackintosh Cup, semi-finals: Castletown v Wick Groats; Staxigoe United v Pentland United (3pm).
Monday – Steven Cup, quarter-final, first leg: Watten v Keiss (7.15pm).
Tuesday – Division One: John O'Groats v Wick Groats; Pentland United v Acks; Staxigoe United v High Ormlie Hotspur (7.30pm).
Wednesday – Division One: Wick Thistle v Lybster (7.30pm).
Thursday – Division Two: Castletown v Swifts; Keiss v Top Joe's; Pentland v Watten (7.30pm).