Nairn County are chasing winning repeat at Rothes in Highland League Cup
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RONNIE Sharp wants Nairn County to draw inspiration from August’s shock victory as they return to Rothes on Highland League Cup duty.
The Wee County manager knows the big-spending Speysiders are in the ascendancy under Ross Jack’s new management team, having won six of their last seven matches.
Frugal defending and lethal finishing have characterised performances, nudging Jack’s men up to fifth in the table, within reach of the big four title contenders.
But with cup rescheduling and a waterlogged Mackessack Park combining to wipe out their last three fixtures, Sharp will hope momentum has been disrupted.
Nairn have been playing well but have lost much of their early-season menace lately through a lack of cutting edge, with just two goals scored in the last four outings.
Amid a spate of away matches in August, a penalty from Adam Porritt and fine winner from Tom MacLennan overturned a Rothes lead.
It was a fine display, and Sharp recalled: “It came early in the campaign and we played well for a few games after that.
“We haven’t really kicked on since, though. Hopefully, the players can take some inspiration from the league win and be confident over there.
“In our general play, we’re performing well – it’s just in the final third we’re letting ourselves down.
“On Saturday at Lossiemouth, the goalkeeper had some excellent saves, but what they would call excellent saves we would call poor finishing.”
Sharp was dismayed by those failures but is reluctant to rush top scorer Dylan Mackenzie back into action.
The 21-year-old has the ability to unlock defences, but felt a reaction in his recovering knee after a 15 minutes sub appearance. Callum Maclean and Max Ewan are both doubts after exiting with knocks at Lossie. Goalkeeper Dylan Maclean also remains out with a torn muscle.
