Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lochee’s big chance to rein-in Carnoustie
T H E big ga me l oca l ly is the Super League clash at Thomson Pa rk bet wee n Lochee United and Carnoustie.
Lochee are the only side to beat the Gowfers in the league this season, winning 4-2 at Laing Park when the pair met back in August.
Since then, Carnoustie have gone 15 games unbeaten while the Bluebells, after going through a sticky spell, have re-captured the form that saw them go through the whole of last season undefeated.
It promises to be a cracking game and a vital one for both clubs.
At the moment, the Bluebells trail their opponents by 11 points but have three games in hand.
Should George Shields’ side complete the double, it would potentially blow the title race wide open.
A win for Carnoustie, on the other hand, would strengthen their position at the top and, with seven games to play, would make them firm favourites to go on and clinch the title.
On the team front, the Gowfers are better placed with a full pool available, apart from the suspended Ryan Roche.
Lochee will be without Craig Smith and Garry Kenneth through injury, while striker Scott McComiskie is suspended.
On the plus side, Andy Ballantyne and keeper Josh Gorton are both available.
North End travel to Kirrie Thistle and manager Tony McAulay will welcome Kieran Sturrock back to the squad.
The sides drew 0-0 when they met earlier in the season and McAulay is expecting another close game.
Thistle are still without Hibs loanee defender Dino Leddie but Ryan Kerrigan is set to return.
Forfar West End welcome Luncarty and, with home advantage, will be hoping for a repeat of their resounding 3-0 victory in the first meeting between the sides.
West End welcome back Callum Walls and Dale Riddell after injury to give them a squad of 18.
In addition to extending his winning start to four games as Luncarty boss, Robbie Holden hopes to avenge that earlier defeat.
New signing Lee Deans, who had an impressive debut last week, is included in the Bleachers squad but skipper Stuart Nicol is suspended.
Due to Broughty’s re-arranged Macron Scottish Junior Cup tie, Scone Thistle have no fixture but it gives manager Paul Martin, who was appointed this week, a chance to run the rule over the squad. Previously, he was a coach at Kinnoull.