Dokens hope to beat flu bug, then Blair

MANAGER Andy Heggie is hoping a flu bug sweeping through the club clears up in time before North End’s big home North League clash with Blairgowrie.

It’s a match the Dokens must win if they still harbour any hopes of staying in the promotion race.

Apart from the flu victims, Ryan Winter is definitely out while Bradie Heggie faces a late fitness test.

Blair boss Billy Mackay has the same squad available which includes new signing John Black, a midfielder from Carnoustie, who showed up well on his debut last week.

Well-placed in the promotion stakes, Kirrie Thistle have Lochee Harp as visitors.

Thistle boss Jim Finlayson was disappointed that conceding two daft early goals led to their 4-1 loss to Hill of Beath in the Scottish Cup last week but he was encouraged by the second-half performance.

Therefore, with the same squad available, he is unlikely to make too many changes.

This will be free-scoring Harp’s toughest test in some time. Manager Michael Gormley is expecting a tough examination but is much better placed team wise than he has been for a number of weeks.

Darryl Gowans returns after missing last week due to work commitments, leaving James Cochrane as the only player unavailable for the trip to Westview Park.