Spiders look good for consolidation

AS clubs enjoy a two-week break, it’s a time for Premier League managers to reflect on the season so far.

While some will be happy, others will be looking for improvement in the second half of the season.

Downfield have to be happy with their performance so far, with the Spiders investment in quality players paying off after being promoted last season.

Paul Marr’s side have made a positive impact in the league and taking 21 points from 13 games is a good indicator they are more than capable of holding their own at a higher level.

They made no secret of the fact that consolidating their position in the league was their main priority and they look well on the way to doing that with a top-six finish not being an unrealistic target.

Tayport’s bid to make a quick return to the Super League after being relegated last season hasn’t been without its difficulties.

It will take a strong finish to the second half of the season if they are to mount a serious challenge.

The Fifers have a fairly-youthful squad, so it’s perhaps not surprising results have been up and down.

However, manager John Ovenstone sees this as the way forward for the club and will stick with the policy of giving young players like Kieran Conway, Grant Paterson and Liam Ross their chance to establish themselves in the side.

The Fifers won’t be far away but promotion may be just a season too soon for their young squad.

Violet finish the year as the bottom club in the table and it will take a monumental effort if the Pansies are to avoid relegation. The Glenesk club have been hard hit by injuries, particularly the long-term variety with players like Barry Wilson, who was a regular last season, likely to be out for months.

Manager Scott Lindsay was hampered by a series of niggling injuries and, after a run of defeats, resigned after a 7-0 defeat at Haddington in mid-October.

Coach Ralph Henderson was appointed as his replacement and initial results were promising.

They beat Blairgowrie in the Scottish Cup and followed this with their first league win of the season against Glenrothes.

They then went to Armadale where they won 2-1.

However, reality has kicked in since and losing their last two matches means the second half of the season looks like being a real struggle to avoid the drop back to the North League.

Lochee Harp have received new kit, sponsored by Sean McMahon of Hawkhill Brewery.