The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Shire eye derby joy with title in reach
There are two derbies in the North-East Championship tomorrow with Aberdeenshire looking to clinch the title.
In the penultimate round of fixtures, league leaders Shire tackle Huntly, who are fifth, at Castle Park.
Aberdeenshire suffered their first defeat of the campaign last weekend against second-placed Stoneywood-Dyce.
But David Gamblen’s side are still clear at the top of the division having won 95.2% of possible points available to them (357 out of 375).
Stoneywood-Dyce are on 88.31% (287 out of 325) and face Gordonians, who are seventh, at People’s Park tomorrow.
After beating Shire last Sunday, Ewan Davidson’s charges haven’t given up hope of pipping their city rivals to the title.
Stoneywood-Dyce must keep winning, however. If they lose against Gordonians and Aberdeenshire beat Huntly, Shire will be champions and will have the opportunity to return to the Eastern Premier League through a play-off.
Meanwhile, in the Grades, the top four in Grade One are all still in with a chance of winning the title as the season nears its climax.
Tomorrow, the top two – Master Blasters Aberdeen and Gordonians – meet in a clash with could have a huge bearing on who becomes champions.
Master Blasters lead the way on 93.06% ahead of their visit to Countesswells, with Gordonians on 89.56%.
Third-placed Bon Accord (88.97%) face Aberdeen Grammar (eighth) at Harlaw and fourth-placed Knight Riders (86.67%) tackle Crescent (sixth) at Groats Road.
In the other Grade One fixtures, Mannofield are at home to Inverurie while Cults visit ninthplaced Banchory.