Mechanics to roll out the welcome mat for Staggies

FORRES Mechanics finally return to playing action again on Saturday, as they welcome Scottish Premier League outfit Ross County to kickstart their pre-season campaign.

Derek Adams’ side exceeded all expectations to finish fifth in their debut season in Scotland’s top flight last term.

The match could see a return to Mosset Park for former Mechanics loanee Steven Ross, with the 19-year-old breaking into the Staggies first team last season after helping the Can-Cans lift the Highland League title the year before.

On Tuesday 9th July, Forres host County’s SPL rivals Inverness Caley Thistle at Mosset Park, and fans of both sides will hope the game can mirror the drama of the two AJG Parcels North of Scotland Cup ties between the sides in the last two seasons.

Last July Forres beat the Caley Jags 9-8 in a tense penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw in normal time, while Inverness defeated Charlie Rowley’s men 4-3 in the final of the competition the season before.

Forres welcome a second former Highland League side when Elgin City make the short journey up the A96 on 19th July to compete in a testimonial match for long-serving Can-Cans striker Ryan Green.

“Di Greenio” made his debut for Forres ten years ago in a 2-1 defeat against Fraserburgh after joining from Buckie Thistle, and will use the latter stages of the game to invite several of his former team-mates back to Mosset Park.

The next day Forres will play away from home for the only time in pre-season as they travel to Dufftown, who return to the junior fold this season under the co-management of ex Can-Cans’ Fraser Bremner and Steven Rattray.

They have already turned towards their former club, with experienced midfielder Martin McMullan looking set to join up at Westburn Park, while moves have been made to take current Forres deputy keeper Sean McIntosh on loan.

Forres conclude their pre-season schedule with home games against junior sides Deveronside and Hermes, who took part in the Scottish Cup last season after winning the North SuperLeague the previous campaign.

With a bye into the second round of the AJG Parcels North of Scotland Cup, Mechanics will have no unforeseen competitive action prior to the start of their league campaign at home to Rothes on 3rd August.

Forres Mechanics’ full pre-season schedule 2013-14

Saturday, July 6: Ross County (H) 3pm; Tuesday, July 9: Inverness Caledonian Thistle (H) 7.30pm; Friday, July 19: Elgin City - Ryan Green Testimonial Match (H) 7.30pm; Saturday, July 20: Dufftown (A) 3pm; Tuesday, July 23: Deveronside (H) 7.45pm; Saturday, July 27: Hermes (H) 3pm;