Post-Match Reaction: We're Ready - Fridge
A 2-1 victory at North Division One junior outfit Strathspey Thistle on Saturday rounded off Nairn County's pre-season preparatsion before the action gets underway for real against Forres Mechanics in the North Cup at Station Park on Tuesday.
The match provided a tough work out for Les Fridge's side as they took a two-goal lead in with them at half time but were met by stout resistence from the hosts after the break as the Jags managed to haul a goal back - albeit against ten men after Neil MacDonald's 66th minute dismissal.
The manager again included Glenn Main in his squad on Saturday and the former Nairn St Ninian man got a 35-minute run out up front. Also included was ex-Inverness CT and Clachnacuddin defender Darren Jarvie, who played the whole game at left full back. Deals could be on the table for the duo over the coming days. Not included on Saturday though were other trialists Gary Calvert and Alan Grant, who both featured as substitutes in Tuesday's friendly defeat at Bishopmill United.
County will be looking to maintain there good form in the North of Scotland Cup under Fridge when they entertain Forres at Station Park, kick off 8.00 pm. Since the Nairn boss took up the hotseat, County have won seven games, drawn one and lost two in the competition.
The club is sitll waiting for official confirmation on whether Neil MacDonald will be suspended for the match but Iain Brooks and summer signing Chris Finnigan are expected to miss out because of work commitments while Scott Nicholl is injured. Other close season captures Angus Lawrie, Scott Graham, Shaun Kerr and John Calder should all be available to make competitive debuts while Willie Barron may also return to the side.
Fridge said: "No season is ever easy and it is now up to the boys to go out their and do their best."