Post-Match Reaction: A Win Is A Win/Rothes Fixture News
Les Fridge was glad to see his Nairn County side bounce back from last week's defeat at Cove Rangers with a defensively sound performance in the 1-0 win over Lossiemouth. The manager must now prepare his players for Saturday's match against Rothes, which has now been switched to Station Park and will be played as a league fixture. The Highland League Cup tie will now take place at MacKessack Park on Wednesday March 18, kick off 8 pm.
On Wednesday, Fridge saw Lewis MacKinnon's solitary strike earn County the three points as they
"They (Lossiemouth) were well organised but we had spells in the game where we passed the ball about well. The main thing though is the three points and another clean sheet so overall we have got to be happy enough."
The manager will have hardly any time to reflect on the win with his side back in action only three days later. It will be the first of a double-header against Rothes on Saturday as the two sides meet again the following Wednesday as County continue to embark on an intense period of fixtures. All in all, the side are guaranteed to play a total of seven games in the month of March. But the manager was optimistic that the team can cope with the gruelling schedule. "The main problem with the midweek games is getting people off work," he explained. "With the current climate, everyone is looking to hold onto their jobs and that was evident when we went to Cove last week.
"That is my only concern because these games have got to be played and we have games Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday
He added: "Obviously it has a big impact on our training as well. But at this stage of the season it's not as noticeable because we have been working hard throughout the season. We were still training every Saturday we didn't have a game so it's just a case of keeping it ticking over just now and concentrating on the games."
The manager will welcome Gregg Main back into the squad tomorrow but is again expected to be without a couple of players including Scott Graham, whose long-term future at the club is now in doubt. Fridge explained: "Steven Edwards's partner has just had a baby so he is a doubt.
"Scott Graham has just taken up a new job on a fishing boat. Obviously with along with where he stays (Skye), it is something we will have to monitor over the next couple of weeks and see how available he is. His own words were that is was an opportunity he couldn't turn down so we will keep an eye on how it goes. But we don't know yet if Andy Coletto's suspension will be through or not."
Meanwhile, with Rothes's MacKessack Park again waterlogged for their match with Clachnacuddin on Wednesday night, Saturday's rearranged Highland League Cup tie between the Speysiders and Nairn at the ground has been postponed. Instead, the managerless side will travel to Station Park to play County in a rescheduled league fixture, with the cup match now due to take place at Rothes on Wednesday with an 8 pm kick off.
Nairn club secretary Ken Houston commented: "It is great that Rothes have been proactive about making the decision early which gives us as a club time to prepare for a home game on Saturday and also allows our fans to make their own plans for the weekend as well."