Jeanfield duo on futsal duty for Hermes game
Fixtures set to get the go-ahead after two weeks off
Jeanfield Swifts will be missing two key players for this weekend’s Scottish Junior Cup clash with Hermes.
If the Riverside pitch gets the green light, which it’s expected to do, then Scott Mollison and Fraser Smith will be absent from the team-sheet.
The pair have been selected to represent Scotland at the inaugural Home Nations Futsal tournament in Wales this weekend.
Manager Ross Gunnion is delighted for the duo and insists he would never stand in the way of opportunity like this.
“We are without Scott and Fraser due to their selection for the Scottish Futsal squad. We as a club are committed to providing players with the best opportunity to play at the highest level,” Gunnion said.
“It’s a testament to the work we’re doing that two of our players are selected at national level so soon after bringing futsal under our community club banner.
“The unfortunate situation is we are without two important players for the weekend.
“We previously asked the Junior FA about some dispensation for releasing our players to play for the national team but this was not looked on favourably.
“Hopefully somewhere down the line there will be a discussion Fraser Smith will miss this weekend’s Jeanfield game due to playing futsal for Scotland
on that side of things.”
This Saturday’s fixture with Hermes has already been called off twice, which has been frustrating. Gunnion would be in favour of a break over Christmas, but he believes wholesale changes aren’t required.
The Swifts boss said: “The pitch is looking in good condition and providing the temperatures don’t plummet we should be fine this weekend.
“On the weather front and the winter break debate, I think the two weeks at Christmas should be shut down without a doubt. But beyond that I’m not a great
believer in changing much.
“I’ve seen games called off in August and September for flooding so it’s just something we need to work around.”
Luncarty v Rosyth
Luncarty manager Jon Kelly is hoping it’s third time lucky for their Scottish Junior Cup clash with Rosyth.
The Brownlands Park pitch has been frozen solid in the past couple of weeks but the game should get the green light this weekend.
“I am pretty confident that the game will go ahead this Saturday as the weather has been much better this week,” said Bleachers boss Kelly.
“We have a few players with work and family commitments so it will be a late selection in terms of our starting 11.
“But we will be looking to have a right go at Rosyth with no excuses with the team we put out.”
Striker Paddy Deane and Neil Ritchie are both confirmed as absent for Saturday’s game.
Kick-off at Brownlands Park is 1.45pm.
Coupar v Blairgowrie
It’s east Perthshire derby time again this weekend as Blairgowrie make the short journey to take on Coupar Angus.
Foxhall Park manager Logan McConachie is a big fan of the fixture and hopes to spring a surprise on current North Division league leaders Blair.
“We’re all really looking forward to it,” McConachie said. “We’re a different team from the last time we played them and the guys felt they were really unlucky to get nothing from the game.
“This is a proper rivalry and there is always excitement locally for this fixture, so I’m just hoping it goes ahead.
“The way we’ve played in the last few games has been excellent, we’ve changed our game plan to be a little more dynamic and I think most teams will struggle to contain us now.
“Let’s just hope the ground thaws in time for the pitch inspection on Saturday morning.”
Blair will enter the game as favourites but manager Billy Mackay will be warning his players not to be complacent.
It will be a strong Davie Park squad with Gordon Pirie back available and midfielder Gary Axworthy set to play after recovering from an ankle injury.
Greg McDonald and Danny Millar remain sidelined.
Kick-off at Foxhall Park is 1.45pm.
Kinnoull v Brechin Vics
Kinnoull will attempt to play Brechin Vics in the North Division this weekend - with the game switched to Tulloch Park.
Alan Cameron’s men will be looking to maintain their title challenge and will be expected to do so in Perth on Saturday.
The Noull squad has had a couple of weeks away from competitive action due to frozen pitches and should be able to field a strong squad.
Kick-off at Tulloch Park is 1.45pm.
NewburghvSconeThistle
Scone Thistle manager Derek Lawson expects to travel to Newburgh with a near full squad this weekend.
The North Division clash presents an opportunity for Thistle to keep in touch with those near the summit of the table.
While Gary Fergus remains out with injury, Scott Lafferty returns to the team.
Kick-off in Newburgh is at 1.45pm.