Bluebells will now focus on title push

NOW they are out of both the senior and junior Scottish Cups, Lochee United can concentrate on getting back to basics and that means defending the league title they won last year.

The Bluebells breezed through last season undefeated on their way to the title but they are not finding it quite so easy this term.

They face real challenges from Broughty Athletic and current leaders Carnoustie.

George Shields’ Lochee side are 13 points behind the Gowfers but have four games in hand and, with no Scottish Cup commitments to distract them, are determined to hold on to their crown.

Shields was disappointed with last week’s cup defeat by Neilston and could show changes to his starting XI for tomorrow’s visit to Downfield.

It will be no easy task for Shields’ men against a side who are undefeated in their last three matches.

The Bluebells hope to have Greg Kirk back in their squad.

Spiders boss Paul Marr is unlikely to show changes from the side who beat Forfar West End last week.

In-form Broughty Athletic play host to Kirrie Thistle.

After last week’s thrashing of Tayport, Jamie McCunnie’s outfit will be confident of adding another three points to keep them in touch with the leaders.

Ross McCord remains a doubt but Brad Smith is set for a return.

Meanwhile, the Fed won’t be too disappointed with the fifth-round draw in the Scottish Cup which handed them a home tie against St Roch’s. Carnoustie entertain Scone Thistle. The Gowfers were both frustrated and happy with last week’s 2-2 draw with Luncarty. They felt they could have won the game but, in the end, were happy to pick up a point after Gordon McDonald’s late equaliser.

The Gowfers were 6-0 winners when the teams met at Laing Park earlier in the season.

Boss Phil McGuire has a full squad available and will make sure his men don’t treat their opponents lightly.

Scone are without the injured trio of Lee Maloney, Martin Strachan and Aaron McKay and expect to have a squad of 16/17.

Second-bottom Forfar West End desperately need to take something from North End’s visit.

The hosts list the same squad that was on duty for last week’s narrow defeat at Downfield.

The Dokens, meanwhile, will be keen to bounce back from last week’s Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Kirkintilloch Rob Roy.

Lochee United hope to have Greg Kirk (left) back in their squad for tomorrow’s home game against Downfield.