Tough tests await in East Region Cup

The attention of Perthshire’s Junior football teams turns to the DJ Laing East Region Cup this weekend.

And Luncarty boss Jon Kelly is expecting his toughest test of the season so far when the Bleachers travel to take on East Craigie.

Kelly said:“East Craigie on Saturday will be as tough as gets for us.

“They have started with four wins and we know exactly what to expect when we go there.

“They are a hard-working team with quality on either wings, so we will prepare well and go there to give our all.”

Luncarty will make the trip to Dundee with confidence following last week’s 7-0 win against Forfar Albion.

“The last two Saturdays I have been very pleased with the players’attitude to keep the intensity up in games,” Kelly added.

“In the past we sometimes get ahead in games and take the foot off the pedal.

“We have been getting across to the squad in training that we must approach every game with the same attitude.

“And also that we must keep our levels up for as much as the 90 minutes as possible.

“We are getting a few players back now from injury and holidays so the squad looks much better.

“Players are now looking over their shoulder to keep their place, which is what we were missing.

“Tony Holt has come back from a knee injury and now looks like getting back to his old self, grabbing four goals on Saturday.

“This is one of the main reasons we wanted Tony in as we knew he could get us the goals we need from the midfield area.

“He is still not fully fit yet and I still expect more to come from him.”

Blairgowrie face a tough cup trip to Dundee North End, while fellow east Perthshire side Coupar Angus hit the road to play Rosyth.

Kinnoull are on home soil against Armadale Thistle and Scone Thistle head to west Lothian for a tussle with Stoneyburn.