July 15th 2024
RONNIE Sharp has been handed a boost ahead of his side’s meeting with Buckie Thistle in the preliminary round of the Highland League (Morganti) Cup tomorrow with two key members of his squad penning new contracts. Top scorer Dylan Mackenzie and centre-half Fraser Dingwall have committed themselves to fresh two-year terms with the club. Sharp said: “It is great news for us to be able to tie up another two important members of the squad." “Dylan has added more goals to his game this season and is our top scorer in all competitions. We have played him a bit wider at times this year and it is something he is still adapting too but with hard work in training, we know he has the talent and the ability to be able to play there and perform well. That is not to say we will not see him playing through the middle as well – he is a pacey player who causes defenders problems and is a great asset for us.” He added: “Fraser has come in from the amateur leagues and made a huge impact in the team already. He is still only 20 and this is the first time he has played in the Highland League but he has taken to it really well." “He is another one with bags of potential and if he keeps working away at his game he will only get better over the coming years. He has come in and looked like he has been playing in the Highland League for years already and he brings that aerial presence and aggression the air that we had been lacking in previous years." “Overall, it is great for us to be able tie down these players again along with those we have already secured. I am looking forward to continue working with them and hopefully seeing them continue to improve.” Mackenzie (19) joined the club in 2016 and has made 82 appearances, scoring a total of 25 goals in just over two seasons, including two hat-tricks which both came at Station Park – in the league win over Wick Academy at the start of last season and in the victory over Elgin City in the North of Scotland Cup 12 months later. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Dingwall is in his first season with the club and has so far made 13 appearances in County colours. Graeme Macleod
