Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Shields eyes fifth win – but Dokens pose threat
LOCHEE United will be hoping to go into 2021 leading the East Region Premiership North table with five wins in a row – but manager George Shields acknowledges they face a difficult game against North End at Thomson Park.
“Games against North End are always hard,“said the Bluebells boss,
“This one will be no exception with the North End players out to impress their new manager, but we have started well after such a long break and hope to go into the festive period with a win and make it five out of five.”
Shields will be without the injured Scott Webster but otherwise has a full pool available.
This, of course, will be a second baptism for new Dokens boss Ross Lunan.
He had a previous spell with the club and was persuaded to return after Tony McAulay’s resignation.
Lunan was disappointed his debut had to be cancelled last week after their opponents East Craigie requested a cancellation after one of their players tested positive with Covid-19.
All going well, Lunan will be in the North End dugout tomorrow and, although it is a tough one to start with, he is hoping his players rise to the occasion and get him off to a winning start.
Meanwhile East Craigie are set to return this week in what promises to be a cracker against visiting Tayport.
Both sides have maximum points after three games played and Port manager Chris McPherson is in no doubt this is likely to be their toughest game to date.
“Craigie are known to be giant-killers and this will be a tough game for us but we are playing well and the boys are looking forward to it,” said the Canniepairt gaffer.
After three solid performances McPherson is unlikely to show many changes but will make a late selection.
Carnoustie will be out to make it four wins in a row as they play hosts to Forfar United.
Gowfers boss Phil McGuire reflected on the last nine months, saying: “This has been a pretty horrible year for everyone but we are looking forward to trying to end the year on a high with three points.”
The Gowfers will be without Paddy Conway due to a hamstring injury but otherwise they have no problems.
Craigie have made a devastating start, scoring 23 goals in their three outings and while they accept this will be their toughest challenge so far, they have every reason to be confident.
Co-manager Craig Brown said: “We are just pleased to be back in action after last week’s disappointment and this will be a big test for us, but we are ready for the challenge.”
The Shipbuilders will once again be without the injured Sean Reekie.
The juniors scene enjoys a two-week break after tomorrow over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.