Birse absent but Lochee confident

LOCHEE United are forced to travel in the Scottish Cup tomorrow but their trip north to face Aberdeen East End should hold no fears for the Bluebells.

Their opponents are one of the lesser lights in the North Region and play in the First Division where they currently sit in third position with four wins and a draw from seven starts.

Even though they have lost their last two matches, the Bluebells should still be too strong for their opponents.

Thomson Park gaffer George Shields has a full pool available apart from Connor Birse, who remains on the injured list.

Tayport head to Lanarkshire to face Blantyre Vics, who play in the Super League First Division.

’Port manager John Ovenstone is looking for an improvement on last week’s performance which saw their unbeaten run ended by Glenrothes.

He said: “Blantyre will be a difficult game for us but, hopefully, we can bounce back from the Glenrothes defeat.”

Ovenstone will have to watch the game from the dugout as he is still suspended while Sergio Alvarez and Alan Tulleth face late fitness tests.

Coupar boss Logan McConachie, for the first time in some weeks, expects to have his full squad available for the home tie against Forth Wanderers.

Arbroath Vics have one or two players nursing knocks for the visit of Whitburn.

Forfar Albion have a tough call at home to South League leaders Blackburn United.