A case for the defence at Brownlands Park

Jon Kelly will warn his defensive players to be on their toes when Luncarty welcome Carnoustie Panmure.

The Bleachers boss has highlighted the offensive threat of the North Super League leaders, who sit seven points clear at the summit.

Luncarty defeated Panmure in the DJ Laing East Region Cup earlier in the season but have lost out twice on league duty.

Ahead of tomorrow, Kelly said:“They have been close games. They are going well at the top of the league and there is no getting away from that.

“But we always feel we can trouble them. They are very strong offensively so we need to be at the top of our game at the back.

“But I genuinely think they can be got at up the other end. We’ve got players that can hurt them.

“Coming into this season we knew it was going to be difficult. It’s all about surviving and seeing where we can finish in the league.”

Luncarty’s game with Forfar West End was called off last week due to a frozen pitch but confidence remains high after a recent win against Scone.

“We needed a win because it’s been a difficult time with injuries and not picking up victories,”Kelly added.

“There is a lot more confidence around the place again. When you get players back you’re hoping to build a bit of momentum.

“But we couldn’t get the game on last week. We couldn’t even get a friendly arranged and that was disappointing, but every team has to deal with it.”

Providing a squad update, Kelly said:

“We’ve had Stuart Nicol, Kieran Donald and Robbie Holden back.

“On the other hand we still have Callum Kirkaldy out injured. Chris Anton is back in light training so we’ll see what he’s like for the weekend.”

Scone Thistle, who had their match away at Carnoustie postponed last week due to a frozen pitch, travel to Kirriemuir Thistle on league business tomorrow.

The Jags remain well-placed in the division, sitting sixth and level on points with Dundee North End.