Dokens begin search as gaffer Lunan quits

NORTH End are in the hunt for a new manager following the shock resignation of Ross Lunan.

Lunan, who quit the club because of work commitments, was in his third season as manager having guided the club to promotion last season.

This season the Dokens have done well in the Super League, going 10 games undefeated, although that came to a halt with crushing defeats in their last two fixtures.

It’s not ideal preparation for tomorrow’s home Scottish Cup tie against Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.

The visitors play in the Premiership but it’s fair to say they are having a nightmare season, sitting bottom of the table on three points with only one win from 13 matches.

Their cup form, though, has been more impressive, beating Pumpherston 2-1 in the second round and following that with a 2-0 victory over Burghead.

Lochee United are no strangers to awkward-looking away ties and, after reaching the semi-final stage for the last two seasons, a trip to Neilston should hold no fears.

Having seen off Hall Russell and Hermes in the last two rounds, the Bluebells now journey west to take on the West Championship League side who currently sit fourth in their table with 24 points from 12 matches.

A measure of the standard the Bluebells will be facing might be gauged from the last round when their opponents struggled to beat Brechin Vics 2-0.

Prior to that, they needed two games and a penalty shootout win before overcoming Forth Wanderers in round two.

That said, boss George Shields will be guarded against complacency but, as usual, he has had reports on his opponents and is quietly confident.

Lochee will be without Craig Smith and John Sinclair but Scott Webster and Scott McComiskie return.

Broughty Athletic are also westbound to take on Cambuslang Rangers, conquerors of East Craigie in the last round.

By all accounts, Cambuslang were worth their 2-1 win over the Shipbuilders and they were even more emphatic winners in round two when they beat Harthill 7-0.

They also play in the Championship league, sitting in 12th position with 11 points from 14 games.

The Fed shouldn’t be short on confidence, though, having scored five goals in each of their last three matches.

Manager Jamie McCunnie is unlikely to make many changes but adds Marc Scott to his squad.

Lochee United’s Alan Tulleth watches as his effort just edges wide of the Forfar WE post last week. Lochee won 2-0.