Fort set sights on catching Lossie
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FORT William boss Ally Ewen has urged his troops to hunt down their nearest Highland League rivals – after toasting his first win since taking up the Claggan Park hot seat.
A 2-1 victory at home to Deveronvale has given the West Highlanders lift off this season after defeats in their opening four league fixtures.
Now Ewen hopes his players can kick on to net crucial points against those sides in the lower echelons of the table – starting this Saturday at Lossiemouth.
The former Muir of Ord Rovers boss, who took charge of Fort after Calum MacLean’s resignation just before the big Highland League kick-off, said: "I thought the guys thoroughly deserved their win on Saturday.
"We came up with a game plan – because we knew they would come at us we thought if we took the game to them we could spring a surprise.
"The players went out there and stuck to their tasks and did a fantastic job.
"It was difficult to pick a man of the match because they all did very well."
He added: "You’re always looking at the teams around you to pick up points. We lost to Lossiemouth away but beat them at home last season and it was just by the odd goal both times, so I expect it to be tight again. If we play the way we can we’ve got a good chance.
"Since their manager Charlie Charlesworth has gone back there, they have noticeably improved.
"He’s brought in some of his own players and strengthened them.
"I don’t think they’ve got any real superstars, they’re a workmanlike team. Their manager is someone I have a lot of respect for due to the work he’s done at Lossiemouth the first time, then at Deveronvale and now at Lossie again."
Captain Martin Kerr should be fit this weekend. He was expected to return against ‘Vale but sustained a back injury in training last Thursday.
Striker John McLeod will also be back in the side after missing the game at Grant Park, but Iain Foggo and Farquhar MacRae will be unavailable for selection.
*** See this week's Lochaber News for the full story.
