Riveting spectacle in store as Shipbuilders welcome Gowfers

IT’S a bit early in the season to be talking about title deciders but the result in tomorrow’s top-of-thetable clash between East Craigie and Carnoustie could be vital come the end of the season.

The Shipbuilders currently lead by nine points but the Gowfers have three games in hand and Craigie’s only league defeat this season came at Laing Park, although the home side’s 5-2 win was shrouded in controversy.

The Gowfers went in to a two-goal lead but the Shipbuilders fought back to level only for it to go horribly wrong for them in a drama-packed finale.

During the final minutes the Shipbuilders had two players red carded and the Gowfers scored three times to take the points.

Since that defeat Craigie have gone 19 matches unbeaten and the Gowfers acknowledge they are at the top on merit but still feel there is a long way to go and nothing will be settled tomorrow regardless of the result.

The Gowfers are in the happy position of having a full pool available but the Shipbuilders will be without Sean Reekie and Rory Faulkner through injury and Lewis Fraser faces a late fitness test.

Lochee United, the other main contenders, have a free week but will be keeping an anxious eye on the Craigie Park result.

Broughty Athletic play hosts to Blairgowrie and although the Berrypickers have improved in recent times, Broughty will be favourites to pick up the points and repeat their win when they met earlier in the season.

The Fed name the same squad as last week for their postponed match against Forfar WE.

It was a hard-fought 1-1 draw when Tayport last played Forfar United at Guthrie Park and they will be hoping for a better result this time when they meet at the Canniepairt.

The Fifers were dealt a blow this week when club captain Greg Whyte announced he was forced to retire from the game due to injury.

The club say he will be sorely missed and they wish him well in the future.

For this week’s encounter, Jim Malone is still out and Ryan Paterson is suspended.

After losing their last six matches Violet are keen to get back in the winning way but they won’t get it easy against North End at Glenesk.

And a further handicap for the Pansies is the loss of four players through suspension after a recent spate of red cards, but Andy Heggie remains positive and is confident the tide will soon turn in their favour.

The Dokens are unbeaten in their last three meetings of the clubs and they will be looking to bounce back after last week’s Scottish Cup defeat at Largs.

After their outstanding win over Violet last week Harp travel to Downfield Park where they will be looking to take advantage of the Spiders’ poor performance against Letham last Saturday.

The Beechwood side will also be looking to complete the double after narrowly winning 2-1 when they met earlier in the season.

After last week’s postponement, St James look forward to a trip to Coupar Angus and they will be fairly confident of picking up the points after beating the Foxhall Park club 6-0 when they last met.

TOMORROW’S FIXTURES (KOs 1.30pm unless stated) Arbroath Vics v Kirriemuir Thistle.

Coupar Angus v St James.

Downfield v Lochee Harp.

East Craigie v Carnoustie Panmure.

Violet v North End.

Forfar West End v Letham.

Scone Thistle v Brechin Vics.

Broughty Athletic v Blairgowrie (2.30pm). Tayport v Forfar United (2.30pm).