’Port have sights on a strong finish

IN the Premier League, Tayport make the trip to Dalkeith with three points a must if they still harbour any hopes of promotion.

Manager John Ovenstone will be hoping last week’s deserved win over Carnoustie has given them a boost to kick on and finish the season strongly.

Daniel Sanchez is definitely out and one or two others are nursing knocks following the bruising encounter with the Gowfers. On the plus side, Stuart Walton returns now he is free of suspension.

It’s also crunch time for Violet, who face a vital match against Armadale at Glenesk.

The Lothian side are third bottom of the league and, although they are five points clear, the Pansies have three games in hand.

If Ralph Henderson’s side are to escape the drop, it’s a game you feel they must win but they will go into the clash without a number of key players.

Barry Wilson, Ciaran Conway and Aaron Kane are ruled out with injuries, while Craig Batchelor, Connor McLeod, Chris Tawse and George Duncan are all unavailable.

Second-placed Forfar West End hope to extend their fine home form at Downfield’s expense.

Manager Daryl McKenzie is still without long-term casualties Matt Ramsey and Liam Godfrey.

The Spiders will travel to Strathmore Park with confidence boosted following last week’s hard-won point against Bathgate.

They will also feel they have a score to settle with West End, who were 2-0 winners when they last met.

Downfield have everyone available apart from Mark Bannon, who is ruled out with a knee injury.

Though admitting St Andrews played poorly last week when being hit for six by Sauchie, boss Craig Morrison took some comfort that was against everyone’s title favourites.

At the same time, he acknowledges just how big a game the visit of second-bottom Whitburn is given they have six games in hand to claw back the present nine-point disparity between the sides.