Gowfers are ‘ready for the challenges’

TWO matches stand out this weekend in the Super League.

One is the meeting between Luncarty and Carnoustie, and the other is the clash between Lochee United and Broughty Athletic at Thomson Park.

A single point separates the top four but Lochee and Luncarty have a game in hand and either could replace the Gowfers as leaders tomorrow depending on the outcome of both matches.

Carnoustie’s unbeaten start to the season ended last week when they were beaten by Lochee.

They won’t find it easy against a Luncarty side who caused a stir on the opening day of the season when they beat the Bluebells and have proved, with their results so far, that result was no flash in the pan.

Gowfers manager Phil McGuire was disappointed with the Lochee result.

However, he acknowledged the Bluebells are the benchmark for other clubs.

He said: “After their remarkable achievement last season, Lochee United will, undoubtedly, be up there again this season.

“But I believe we have a squad who are improving all the time and, while there will be lows as well as highs, we are ready for the challenges ahead.”

McGuire was without a number of players against Lochee but Bailey Steel, Sam Simpson, Pat Martin and Jake Mair are expected back for the trip to Luncarty.

There are doubts, however, over Paul McLennan and Jamie Winter, who both face fitness tests.

The Bleachers expect to have Jack Parr back from injury.

With Jamie McCunnie back in the dugout, Broughty Athletic have looked impressive in their last two matches and are looking forward to their clash with last season’s champions Lochee United.

The Bluebells held the upper hand in their meetings last season with a win at Whitton Park and a draw in the final match, which confirmed they would go through the season undefeated.

After the shock opening-day defeat at Luncarty, George Shields’ Lochee side have regained the winning mentality and, with a full pool available for the first time this season, will go into the game with confidence.

After their impressive win over Tayport, not surprisingly Fed boss McCunnie names the same pool.

Meanwhile, Downfield play host to struggling Forfar West End.

With wins in their last two matches, Paul Marr’s Spiders will be confident they can pick up another three points.

West End manager Daryl McKenzie hasn’t named his squad.

Action from last week’s game between Carnoustie (red) and Lochee United at Laing Park. The Bluebells won 4-2.