Yet more fixture chaos as the big freeze hits cup

THE Scottish Cup weekend has been decimated by freezing weather conditions after seven ties were postponed yesterday. And with a further seven pitch inspections planned today, more could fall victim to the sub-zero temperatures. Hearts have again been made to wait to find out the identity of their opponents after the only outstanding first-round game between Camelon Juniors and Brora Rangers, which was due to go ahead today, was moved to Monday night. The second-round matches involving Dumbarton v Huntly, Keith v Clyde, Nairn County v Montrose, Stirling Albion v Raith Rovers, Formartine United v Annan Athletic and Morton v Dunfermline were also due to take place today but the pitches were all deemed unplayable yesterday. Pitch inspections are planned for today ahead of this afternoon’s games involving Elgin City v Ayr United, Fraserburgh v Banks O’Dee, Partick Thistle v Cowdenbeath, Buckie Thistle v Inverness, Forfar v Linlithgow Rose, Arbroath v Falkirk and Peterhead v Stenhousemuir. But it is likely that more will be called off with temperatures expected to remain low for most of today. Airdrieonians have moved back their visit of Edinburgh City to tomorrow, while Kelty Hearts have switched today’s game with Stranraer to Raith Rovers’ Stark’s Park stadium. Dundee versus Bonnyrigg, which will be shown live on the BBC, Alloa against Cove Rangers and East Fife’s clash with Tranent are all expected to take place this afternoon. The full Championship card scheduled for this Tuesday has also been disrupted, with all rearranged cup games now due to take place in midweek. As things stand, the league games involving Hearts v Dunfermline, Raith v Dundee and Morton v Arbroath will have to be rescheduled.