ROSS County fans are hardly short of things to talk about these days,

but even their Scottish Cup adventures and introduction to the Scottish

League may be forgotten this afternoon as the Dingwall side host the

Highland League's match of the day.

The visit of Cove Rangers highlights the contrasting fortunes of two

clubs who were tipped as title challengers.

Cove narrowly lost two cup finals and failed to capitalise on a

powerful league position last season. After that triple blow to morale,

the 4-1 Scottish Cup defeat by East Stirlingshire this month was a

further setback. Cove's captain Dave Morland is back in contention for

today's game, while County expect defender Johnston Bellshaw to be back

to full fitness.

Lossiemouth travel to Inverness Thistle without player-assistant

manager Steve Kew. Ex-Kilmarnock midfielder Lee O'Brien makes his debut

for Elgin at home to Fraserburgh, while Brora Rangers player-manager

Kevin Bremner has a shin injury and misses the game with Buckie Thistle.

Forres will seek revenge at Clach for three previous defeats, Keith

seek a first win in five games at Fort William, and Caley go to

Deveronvale.

In the North Cup, Nairn County go to Rothes for a first-round replay.