Nairn County warned on Strathspey Thistle’s ‘false position’ ahead of Highland League clash
Brian MacLeod is warning Nairn County’s players to beware a Strathspey Thistle side sitting “in a false position” at the foot of the Highland League.
Even prior to Ryan Esson’s arrival as manager and subsequent squad strengthening, Wee County boss MacLeod felt the Grantown on Spey team was better than their rock bottom placing suggested.
Since then, the former Caley Thistle goalkeeper and coach has drafted in several quality signings including players MacLeod has worked closely with in past roles.
As Nairn try to reboot their season in only their second competitive match since Ross Tokely quit as manager on January 18, MacLeod is keen to hammer home the message to his players that Saturday’s test will not be one to take lightly.
Recalling Nairn’s 3-3 draw at home to the Jags earlier in the season, MacLeod said: “They probably should have won. It was 3-3 and they were the better team that day, I thought - they gave us a really good game.
“Even then, I was actually really surprised at where they were in the league, going by that performance.
“I’ve watched them once or twice since and they have been unlucky. They are probably in a false league position.
“They are behind by a couple of games as well, so still very much in with a chance of avoiding the bottom place.”
Strathspey will be fighting for their lives, while Nairn just want to kick-start their season again and finish strongly.
To that end, MacLeod has put the players through some keen fitness work with only one outing - a 3-1 victory over Lossiemouth - since January 18.
His players' attitude will be crucial to Saturday’s outcome, he feels.
“Strathspey have some really good players, dangerous players, players I know well,” MacLeod said.
“Guys like Paul Brindle and Liam Shewan, among others, give them some good Highland League experience and have just signed Sam Morrison from Buckie.
“On paper, we’re playing the team at the bottom of the league, but it definitely won’t be an easy game.
“We need to go there on Saturday and make sure our mindset and mentality is right. If we do that, we’ll have a good chance.”