Blair Yule reckons Cove Rangers can make a statement of intent by beating Buckie Thistle.
Cove head to Victoria Park on Saturday to take on the Jags in a Highland League title showdown.
Buckie are second in the table, while Cove are third.
The Aberdeen side are two points behind Thistle and five behind table toppers Brora Rangers, however, the Cattachs have played 22 games, two more than Buckie and three more than Cove.
If John Sheran’s men could triumph on Christmas Eve it would leave them in an excellent position heading into 2017.
Midfielder Yule insists the Highland League champions will be going all out for victory to try to damage Buckie’s title hopes.
He said: “We’re going up there to win and nothing else.
“We’re going for the league as it is, so we want to win up there because they are one of the other challengers for the league title.
“Although, it’s far from over regardless of the result at the weekend, but it would be good to win.”
Cove are in good form. Before last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fraserburgh at Bellslea they had won their previous three matches.
There was a feeling of disappoint surrounding the Broch stalemate because Buckie lost at Forres.
Yule said: “It was disappointing we hit the post and had chances when we were 2-1 up.
“It was definitely two points dropped for us.
“But with the way results went last weekend a point at Fraserburgh might turn out to be a good result.
“They always make it difficult for you and never give in, so a point isn’t a disaster.”
The pair have met twice already this term with Buckie the winners on both occasions.
The first encounter was in the league at Christie Park in August with Graeme Stewart’s side triumphing 3-2.
The second match was in the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup final in November at the Haughs.
Cove were 2-0 up but Buckie recovered to 2-2 and held on to win on penalties after having to play most of extra-time with nine men.
Yule, who scored the opening goal in the final, will be using the pain of that loss to spur himself on at the weekend.
“We’ve played well in both games,” he said.
“The cup defeat was painful and we will use it as motivation. We’re not going for revenge, we’re just looking to go and do our own thing and try to win.”
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