Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lochee have their cup clash covered
IF local forecasts are accurate, a resumption of action for junior clubs looks much brighter this week.
Lochee United are confident their Scottish tie against East Kilbride Thistle will go ahead unless there is a dramatic deterioration in conditions.
They had the pitch protected but lifted the covers on Wednesday and reported the surface in perfect condition underneath.
Lochee’s opponents will be looking to end an 11-year hoodoo when they head to Thomson Park.
Despite winning the trophy in 1983, the last time they reached the last 16 of the competition was in 2007.
The Bluebells will be without Kevin Buchan and Bryan Deasley.
Carnoustie head to face a Kilsyth side who might just have other priorities.
They haven’t picked up a single league point since early November and find themselves close to the relegation zone in the West Super League First Division.
The Gowfers won’t be fooled, though, and manager Alan McSkimming will have his troops warned against complacency.
They have a full pool available apart from Ryan Roche.
Downfield will try for a fifth time to get their third-round replay against Wishaw played.
Neither side has tasted match action since they last met on December 23 and the outcome could well be decided on who gets out the blocks quickest.
The Spiders certainly did that in the first tie with two goals i n the opening 10 minutes but, unfortunately, they couldn’t hold on to their lead.
They are once again likely to be without Ross Gallagher.
Forfar West End and Jeanfield Swifts both face former Scottish Junior Cup winners in their fourth-round ties.
Jeanfield entertain Beith, who lifted the trophy only two years ago, so, even with Swifts’ decent record in the Scottish, this is a tough tie for which they expect to have a full squad.
For the their trip to Kilbirnie, West End boss Daryl McKenzie includes two new loan signings from Montrose in his squad of 18.
They are forward Ryan Ferguson and midfielder Danny Cavanagh.