Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lochee pin sights on a capital return
LOCHEE United head to the capital tomorrow for a meeting with Edinburgh University in the first round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.
The Uni outfit are certainly not treating Lochee lightly, having watched them in their last two games against North End and Harthill.
Bluebells manager George Shields has also done his homework on his Lowland League opponents.
While Shields would admit his men haven’t fired on all cylinders in their last two matches, he is quietly confident they can get a result.
Edinburgh have struggled for results i n their l eague, which is currently headed by Bonnyrigg Rose.
A solitary victory over bottom club Vale of Leithen is their only success in eight matches, so, if results are anything to go by, Shields has every reason to be confident.
What is a bit concerning is the goals Lochee have shipped in their last two matches. On that score, the Bluebells boss will be relieved regular central defensive pairing Garry Kenneth and Danny Millar are set for a return after missing the Harthill game.
Striker Kevin Milne hobbled off with an ankle injury last week but he is expected to have recovered, which leaves Bryan Deasley and Connor Birse as the only absentees.
Meanwhile, Carnoustie make a return visit to Kirrie, this time in the league, and will be looking for a repeat of their 1-0 victory in the Quest Engineering Cup last week.
Manager Phil McGuire has a full squad available.
Having shipped 19 goals, Thistle have the leakiest defence in the league and boss Darren Scott will hope they can finally register their first home win of the campaign.
With victories over Lochee United and Broughty Athletic in their last two matches, North End should be full of confidence for their trip to Luncarty.
Brownlands Park has never been a particularly happy hunting ground for the Dokens, however, and manager Ross Lunan will be demanding a repeat of the last two performances.
After two successive defeats, Bleachers boss Jon Kelly is quietly confident his team can return to winning ways.
He is boosted by striker Robbie Holden’s return but bruised ribs make Richie Montgomery a doubt.