Wick Academy striker on course to return for trip to Fraserburgh
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Striker Gordon MacNab could return to the Wick Academy line-up for Saturday's visit to Fraserburgh in the Highland League.
The 29-year-old has been working his way back to fitness after suffering a groin injury in the act of scoring a spectacular long-range goal in the 2-2 draw with Huntly in November.
MacNab came through training successfully on Tuesday and could feature against fourth-placed Broch as long as there are no setbacks.
Central defender Rob McLean will also be available for the trip to Bellslea Park.
Fraserburgh are fourth in the table, while the Scorries are 15th. Mark Cowie's men were in action on Wednesday night in the Aberdeenshire Cup, winning 4-0 at Huntly.
Academy's last outing was the 3-1 defeat at Turriff on January 13, with last weekend's scheduled home match against Brechin City having been cancelled because of the wintry conditions.
Manager Gary Manson said: “It'll be a tough game – that's what you get when you go down to Fraserburgh, especially at this time of year. It'll probably be windy and cold, so that just adds to it.
“They're always strong at home. They're a good side, so we'll be up against it.”
Manson hopes to have a strong squad at his disposal.
“We'll see how Thursday night [training] goes, but we're looking okay," he said.
“Fingers crossed Gordon MacNab should be back in the squad. He came through Tuesday night okay, so he should be back available.
“Rob McLean should be back as well so we should be okay for Saturday."
Fraserburgh won 3-0 when the teams met at Harmsworth Park in September. The damage was done in the first half as strikes from Ryan Sargent, Logan Watt and Paul Young put the visitors in charge before MacNab missed a penalty.
Three league games were played in midweek.
Brechin held on to top spot after a 3-0 victory at Lossiemouth, with all the goals coming in the first half through Ewan Loudon, Danny Handling and Marc Scott.
Ethan Cairns netted twice for second-placed Banks O' Dee in their 3-1 win at Keith.
Rothes held Formartine United to a 2-2 draw at Mackessack Park.
Strathspey Thistle's home fixture against Brora Rangers was postponed.
Academy had been due to play Brora at home next Wednesday night but a new date will have to be found as the Cattachs' twice-postponed Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Cove Rangers has been rearranged for Tuesday.
Highland League results: Keith 1, Banks O' Dee 3; Lossiemouth 0, Brechin City 3; Rothes 2, Formartine United 2.
Fixtures – Saturday, January 27: Brora Rangers v Keith; Buckie Thistle v Banks O’ Dee; Formartine United v Clachnacuddin; Forres Mechanics v Turriff United; Fraserburgh v Wick Academy; Huntly v Deveronvale; Inverurie Locos v Nairn County; Lossiemouth v Rothes; Strathspey Thistle v Brechin City.
Wednesday, January 31: Clachnacuddin v Inverurie Locos; Forres Mechanics v Huntly; Nairn County v Lossiemouth; Rothes v Strathspey Thistle; Turriff United v Fraserburgh.
