MacDonald wants to see Clachnacuddin attack at Rothes to put Scottish Cup exit out of mind
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Jordan MacDonald will encourage Clach to muster the ammunition for top scorer James Anderson to shoot down unbeaten Rothes tomorrow.
The Lilywhites manager is seeking recovery from back-to-back defeats to Deveronvale in the league and Dunipace in the Scottish Cup, which came on the back of a superb run of four wins and two draws.
Hosts Rothes have been in fine form this season under Ross Jack’s management, but MacDonald’s side will travel with attacking intent.
Central to their success this season is top scorer Anderson, who has shown immense character to shake off the lingering effects of serious illness through the rare condition Guillain-Barré syndrome since last Easter.
The Merkinch men are more than a one-man team, but MacDonald recognises the importance of his 20-year-old striker, who already has 10 goals and seven assists this season.
“James has been absolutely outstanding,” MacDonald stressed.
“His record speaks for itself this season – 10 goals and seven assists, just coming to the end of September, is an incredible record and it is all his own hard work and perseverance, especially after what he went through health-wise.
“They are outstanding stats but there’s so much more he brings to the team and squad.
“He is one of these people who wants to learn, wants to listen. Ask him to do something, he’ll do it. He puts so much effort in.
“It is really pleasing to see him getting the rewards for all of his own hard work.”
Clach’s adventurous style has won them admirers this season, but MacDonald knows it will take a mix of grit and attacking guile to beat the Speysiders.
“As I have said already, I don’t know what it is but we seem to play better away from home at the moment,” he said.
“That’s something we need to sort, but as a positive we have mostly travelled well so far.
“We’ve trained all week and worked on how we want to play against Rothes, and how hopefully we will play, but we’re under no illusions as to how tough it will be because they are a good team.
“They’ve not been beaten this season, so that tells its own story. We’re not kidding ourselves on, but we’re going down there to try and win the game.
“We’ll try to be on the front foot and have a go at them.”
Clach have a fully fit squad after Eachainn Miller shook off a hefty knock sustained in the Scottish Cup defeat.
