All eyes on Highland League kick-off for Huntly after impressive pre-season
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ALL focus is now on the Highland League after Huntly’s pre-season preparations drew to a close with a 3-0 victory over Colony Park on Saturday.
The Black and Golds travel to Mackessack Park – where they finished last season’s campaign with a victory – to take on Rothes on the season’s opening day.
Assistant manager Stefan Laird is happy with how preparation has gone for Huntly, but hopes their form continues when it really matters.
“We have had a really good pre-season with a number of different challenges,” he said. “Some teams were good in possession, some were physical and the boys did really well against them all.
“We are aware that they are just pre-season matches and we know that Rothes are going to provide a really tough challenge.
“They have always been top six or seven for the last number of years. They will be fit and organised and they’ll want to put things right after we beat them in both sides’ last competitive game.”
Kyle Dalling is a long-term absentee for the Christie Park side. There are also a number of niggles, including for Alex Thoirs, Colin Charlesworth, Andy Hunter, Angus Grant and Ryan Sewell.
Despite that, the management team are pleased with the squad.
“The manager (Allan Hale) is pleased with the condition everyone is in and is happy with the squad,” Laird said.
“The players have given Allan a really tough choice ahead of Saturday as they have all done really well.
“We have only conceded six or seven shots across the last three games, but we know they were friendlies and you can never simulate the real thing.
“Rothes will be bang at it and if we aren’t then we won’t win.”
Improving on last season’s point total – of 45 – is the aim for Huntly, who finished eighth last campaign.
“We are under no illusions about how hard it will be,” Laird added. “We did well to finish eighth and the budgets of the seven teams above us dwarf us.
“We do not have the spending power – in transfer fees or wages – that the top teams do.
“So to build on our points total would be brilliant for us. We are confident that if the boys produce then we will do well and better than last season.
“We are confident going into any game that we can compete and take points.”
Saturday’s season opener at Mackessack Park is a 3pm kick-off.
Huntly’s first home game is the following weekend against Brechin City.
