December 23rd 2024
THE first competitive home match of the season sees Nairn County welcome an Elgin City side to Station Park in the first round of this season’s North of Scotland Cup. County saw their Highland League campaign start with a loss at Formartine United on Saturday as the home side proved to have too much in their locker for Ronnie Sharp’s men at North Lodge. The Nairn boss will be looking for a reaction from his players as they look to make it through to the quarter finals of the competition and a potential meeting with Forres Mechanics or Rothes in three weeks time. If you cannot make it to Station Park for the match then you can follow updates through the official Nairn County social media channels. Team news will be available on facebook.com/nairncountyfc and @NairnCounty on Twitter ahead of kick-off with updates of all of the major taking points as the match progresses. A report will then be available on the final whistle, with reaction from Nairn boss Ronnie Sharp online later. A preview of the match is below: Date: Wednesday August 1st 2018 Competition: North of Scotland Cup Kick-off: 2000 Opponents: Elgin City Manager: Gavin Price Venue: Station Park, Nairn Previous meeting: n/a Last time out: Formartine United 4 Nairn County 1; Elgin City 0 Dundee United 4 League position: n/a Form guides: Nairn County L Elgin City LLLL Team news: Ryan MacDonald and Kenny McKenzie are available again after missing Saturday’s trip to Formartine United but Gregg Main limped off in that one with a back injury, which means the skipper will sit out this cup tie. Also injured in that match at North Lodge was Ewen Urquhart, who took a knock early on and was taken off at half-time. He is now battling to be fit enough to feature in this one but definitely dropping out of the team is Fraser Dingwall, who is on holiday for a week. One to watch: Moray Taylor. A young attacker who is making his way into the Elgin City first team and has been given the chance to prove himself by manager Gavin Price during the Scottish League Cup group stages campaign. He excelled for City’s under-20s and on loan at Dufftown last season in a wide attacking role with trickery, pace and a mean eye for goal and it is those threats County will need to be wary of in this cup tie. Match officials: Referee Harry Bruce, Assistants Gavin Dearie and Andrew Barrowman. Weather forecast: Light rain showers and a gentle breeze 16 degrees 8 mph wind. Admission prices: Adults £8 Concessions £5 (season tickets not valid). Graeme Macleod
