SWIFTS FROZEN OUT AS FROST TAKES HOLD ACROSS THE COUNTY

Jeanfield Swifts were frozen out of Scottish Junior Cup action at the weekend.

The Perth squad were set for a clash with North Region side Hermes but the game, due to take place at the Riverside, failed a Saturday morning pitch inspection.

Temperatures plummeted during the night leaving ground staff with no option but to postpone the tie. It was a similar sight at Junior grounds across Scotland.

Manager Ross Gunnion knows there will be disruption to the fixture card at this time of year.

“It was very disappointing to have the game called off as we had prepared well last week and were looking forward to a game,”he told the Perthshire Advertiser.

“Unfortunately at this time of year you have to expect a little disruption in the schedule and you just need to manage it as best we can. We took the opportunity to get some fitness work done so it wasn’t a complete loss.

“The important thing when the weather is like this is to maintain focus, as it can change for the better just as quick as it changes for the worse.”

The Riverside pitch has always been kept in good condition and Gunnion is grateful for that.

He said:“Our pitch is well looked after by Ian Armit and our committee so if there is a chance of the weather improving we’ll be in with a better chance than most of playing.

“For now, all we can do is continue to train hard and maintain our focus.”

Luncarty

Luncarty manager Jon Kelly admits his players were gutted to have Saturday afternoon’s Scottish Junior Cup clash with Rosyth called off.

The Bleachers were fired up for their third round test at home but, like most games across the country, overnight frost took its toll on the park.

Kelly will now put his squad through their paces this week in preparation for the fixture getting played this weekend.

“It’s always disappointing when you are geared up and ready to go in a big cup tie. The lads were gutted to say the least,”said Luncarty boss Kelly.

“We trained instead on Saturday and we will get them working even harder through the week so they are ready to go this weekend again, weather permitting.

“We will focus on trying to get out of the blocks sharp when the game kicks-off and will look to go right at Rosyth from the first whistle.

“We are all very determined to give it our all.”

Scone Thistle

The fixture card was frozen out on Saturday afternoon but Scone Thistle’s away Scottish Junior Cup trip to face Penicuik managed to beat the weather.

And the Jags gave an impressive account of themselves, despite exiting the competition after a narrow 2-0 defeat to their Super League opponents.

Home goals from Ryan McCulloch and Kevin Lough did the damage but Thistle had their chances and could well have forced a replay.

Scone pressed in the second half and substitute Max Avolio twice tested the Penicuik keeper before midfielder Craig Mitchell then watched a towering header squeeze agonisingly wide of the post.

Striker Abi Njie would go close to netting a leveller in the latter stages when his curled attempt was saved well. But the home squad would secure the victory in the 87th minute.

Penicuik manager Johnny Harvey praised the efforts of Scone after the game.

Speaking to Penicuik TV, he said:“I was really impressed with them and they were really well organised with two nice banks of four.

“They frustrated us at times and worked extremely hard off the ball. I think they will go on and have a decent season.

“All credit to Scone, I thought in the second half they had a right go at us and gave us a couple of scary moments. I wish them all the best for the season.”

North Division

Kinnoull’s North Division league game with East Craigie, due to be played at Tulloch Park, was called off on Saturday due to a frozen pitch.

The region’s east Perthshire teams were also frozen out. Blairgowrie’s game at Arbroath Vics and Coupar’s match at Newburgh were called off.