Nairn County looking to push for points ahead of Wednesday night clash
Ross Tokely is demanding a big push for points from Nairn County in two matches before a late October break.
The Wee County manager is quietly pleased with progress after a victory at Inverurie was followed up with a draw at home to a powerful Fraserburgh side.
Tokely felt the team only really came alive in the final half hour at Station Park on Saturday before ex-Ross County goalscorer Matthew Wright struck with a touch of class to earn a point.
While it is a testing time for the squad, with Buckie Thistle away next up Wednesday night before Huntly away on Saturday, the former Caley Thistle hero is happy to lean on the strength in depth in his squad.
With a win Nairn, currently 10th and seven league games unbeaten, can leapfrog lacklustre Buckie who sit a place above.
“It was a challenging game on Saturday. Fraserburgh brought what we expected,” Tokely said.
“I wasn’t overly happy with the first 60 minutes, but we came back into the game after freshening it with a couple of substitutions.
“Fraserburgh missed a few chances, which kept us in the game at 1-0. They are quite a physical side and I was happy with the point.
“We’re in a hard four-game sequence and if you’d asked me before our win away to Locos if I’d settle for four points from the first two, I’d have been delighted with that.
“We have to take the positives. We’re a bit more resilient than we were a couple of months ago.
“Performances have been better. I’m just looking for more consistency but the lads are beginning to get that.”
Buckie have already all but lost their league crown after erratic results, but Tokely is respectful towards the defending champions.
“By all accounts, they missed a lot of chances at the weekend and Forres were happy to win the game,” he said.
“Buckie definitely still have the quality. They are a dangerous side. We know what we are going to face on Wednesday, but if we can play like we have in the last couple of games - albeit only for 30 minutes on Saturday - we have a right good chance.
“Against the top sides, you need to be right at it from the off.
“We’ve two games coming up and then a bit of a break, so I’ve asked the lads for a real push this week and a focus on securing a couple of good, positive results.”
Kenny Macinnes, signed from Elgin last year, is back after missing the whole of pre-season and matches since.
Jamie Carnaghan also returns but Ben Kelly is out with a knee issue.
