Weather could well be the big winner as clubs eye a return

JUNIOR football was due to return tomorrow but, with most pitches frozen, it is likely the festive break could be extended by a further week.

TAYPORT are keeping their fingers crossed The Canniepairt passes an inspection for their top-ofthe-table clash with LOCHEE UNITED.

Both sides are undefeated and have 100% records.

George Shields’ Bluebells side currently top the table after five matches while the Fifers have a perfect record also but have played one game less.

If the game does go ahead, Tayport will have a full squad available with the exception of Greg Whyte.

The Fifers are hoping home advantage goes in their favour but secretary John Morris acknowledges it will be difficult.

He said: “It’s always hard against Lochee and George will have them well set up as usual.

“They are the top team in the region and have got the better of us over the last three games but the last one was a close affair with Lochee just edging it by a 3-2 margin at Tayport.

“We have started our season well, though, and being the first game back after the break you just never know. We are confident we can give them a run for their money.”

Scott Webster will be an absentee for Lochee and Shields will include a trialist in his squad.

Should the match fail to beat the conditions, Shields is likely to make contingency plans and arrange a friendly on an all-weather surface.

Meanwhile, the two-week break has given CARNOUSTIE time to recover from their shock defeat by FORFAR UNITED in their last game.

The Gowfers could be on dangerous territory on their return, though, as they face a tricky contest away to North End.

The Dokens did well in their last outing against Lochee United despite going down 3-1 in new manager Ross Lunan’s first game back in charge.

Lunan will be hoping to get his first win under his belt against Phil McGuire’s side.

The Gowfers concede they face a run of tough games but have a full pool available.

BROUGHTY ATHLETIC’S clash with EAST CRAIGIE stands a better chance than most of going ahead on Whitton Park’s all-weather surface.

Broughty manager Jamie McCunnie is expecting a tough game against what he describes as a good young side who are well organised.

The Fed will have to be at their best to get a result.

McCunnie is unlikely to show many changes from the side that beat Forfar West End in their last match before the break.

Craigie will be hoping to hit back after suffering their first defeat of the season in their last outing against Tayport.

Co-manager Craig Brown is happy that he will be able to take a full-strength squad to Whitton Park.

VIOLET have met BLAIRGOWRIE on numerous occasions over the past few seasons and their clash at Davie Park should be just as eagerly fought as most of their previous contests.

Pansies boss Andy Heggie is ready to make the trip with a full-strength pool of players.

LOCHEE HARP will also be hoping their allweather pitch at Beechwood allows their match against SCONE THISTLE to get the go-ahead.

It’s been a difficult start to the season for both clubs with each of them still looking for their first point.

Despite a run of five defeats, Harp manager Jay Smart has faith in his young side and believes come the final whistle tomorrow they could have their first points on the board.

Two wins and a draw has seen Paul Marr’s DOWNFIELD make a promising start to their season and they will hope to extend their unbeaten run with a home victory against FORFAR WEST END.