Seven Forres Mechanics players out for Fraserburgh match
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FORRES Mechanics will be without no fewer than seven players for the visit of Fraserburgh to Mosset Park on Saturday.
A combination of injuries, suspensions and unavailability means the Cans could have just 13 first team players for the clash, with the squad being topped up by under 20s.
Graham Fraser, Callum Johnston and Ryan Farquhar are out injured, with Ross MacPherson and Jordan Milne unavailable for selection.
Calum Howarth remains suspended after Saturday's match against Turriff United was postponed due to a water-logged park, and the same goes for Stuart Soane who has two matches to sit out.
The good news is Joe Gauld, who is considering his university options, Martin Groat and Aaron Hamilton are all fit and ready to play.
Manager Charlie Rowley said: "If you take away the two suspensions and the two unavailable players, it's not too bad. But with the Turriff game postponed we couldn't get the suspensions out of the way.
"It has been an on-going theme that we have been unlucky with getting a full quota against bigger teams.
"We have had three or four on the bench at times this season but this is pretty much as bad as it's been."
In spite of lacking squad depth, Rowley is hoping Forres can put together a squad capable of taking points against Fraserburgh.
Mechanics went away to the Broch and drew 3-3 with depleted numbers earlier this season, so he knows it's possible.
He added: "We know we are in for a tough game but there is no reason we can't get a good result.
"We went away to Fraserburgh with a depleted, young and inexperienced squad and got a draw out of that game.
"They will be smarting with being out the title race after their defeat at home to Brora on Saturday, so it's a test for them mentally. For us, it's about building for next season."
Fraserburgh lost 2-1 at home to league leaders Brora Rangers at the weekend, a result which effectively ruled them out of the title race.
The gap to the Cattachs in first is now 20 points – although Fraserburgh, who currently sit fourth, do have four games in hand.
