NAIRN County manager Les Fridge claims picking up maximum points from their Christmas derby double-header against Forres Mechanics is not vital in their hunt for the title.
The Can Cans sit five points ahead of Fridge's team with two games in hand, and host Nairn tomorrow (Friday), before the reverse fixture seven nights later.
But the Wee County boss is refusing to believe that anything less than six points could see their title challenge come to an end before the new year.
He said: "I wouldn't say these are vital games in terms of closing the gap. Forres beat us twice last season, home and away, and we still finished above them in the table.
"I think winning both matches will be a tall order. Forres are top of the league for good reason and have been getting some great results."
Despite their opponents not having played since November, in a victory away to Fort William, Fridge is keen to play down his side's chances of slashing the Forres lead.
He said: "We will go into Friday's game as underdogs, against a home team many will choose as favourites."
Nairn's last two fixtures, including last Saturday's Station Park tie against Huntly, fell victim to poor weather. Fridge admits facing the league leaders after an extended break adds to the pressure.
He said: "To go into a local derby is tough after not playing for two weeks, but we know both sets of fans will be looking forward to it. However, we need to keep focused and approach the game like any other.
"We trained on Saturday and will do again this week and hope that the players will be raring to go, having been out of action for a couple of weeks.
"Not many games have been on recently, so most teams are in the same position as us and we have got used to games being postponed over the last few seasons.
"It gives the players a chance to shake off injuries, which can be helpful at this point of the season."
Fridge is fretting over the fitness of Gregg Main, who is suffering from an injury to his knee, and forward Scott Houston may also be unable to make the match.
Improved temperatures are giving managers across the league reason to be upbeat about games going ahead this weekend, and the tie at Mosset Park is not currently in doubt.
