Another wipeout for Tayside teams

IT was another blank day for junior clubs as the wintry conditions wiped out all fixtures in the area.

In fact only two games involving East Region clubs survived.

Both were in the Scottish Cup, with Bonnyrigg’s efforts to get their pitch playable paying off when they beat Newtongrange 5-2 in a local derby.

There wasn’t such good news for Dunbar, however, who travelled to Ayrshire and were thrashed 6-2 by Irvine Meadow.

The postponement of their Scottish tie against East Kilbride Thistle was particularly frustrating for Lochee United, who spent time and effort putting covers down.

However, the weather was the winner and the efforts of committee members and sponsors was in vain.

Meanwhile, while most of the country is shivering following the icy blasts of the last few weeks, Lochee boss George Shields has no such problems.

He is currently enjoying a break in Australia where he met up with an old mate, Jimmy “Minto” Murray in Sydney.

Thomson Park was never far from George’s mind, however, and he presented Jimmy, who was once on Rangers’ books and hails from the Hilltown, with a Lochee strip and a bottle of their 125th anniversary limited addition whisky.

With training facilities scarce, many clubs had to have an afternoon off on Saturday.

However, there was no such luxury for Lochee Harp players, with manager Michael Gormley putting them through a tough session on Broughty beach.

Carnoustie tried to fix up an-all weather surface but were unsuccessful and spent the afternoon in the gym instead.

Lochee fans Down Under! Lochee United boss George Shields (left) is currently on holiday in Sydney, Australia where he met up with Dundonian Jimmy Murray, who originally came from the Hilltown (see more below).