Promotion in sight, but West End stay focused

Forfar West End know that promotion is in their hands and if they win their remaining five games then they will reach the top flight for the first time.

Manager Daryl McKenzie is not getting ahead of himself, however, and admits that there are plenty of good sides in the league and it is one game at a time, starting with this weekend’s tough trip to Arniston Rangers.

McKenzie takes a full squad to Arniston minus Scott Fullerton, who has left the club.

Violet boss Ralph Henderson knows that his side need to pull off something of a miracle if they are to remain in the Premier League.

Violet make the trip to Fife to take on Glenrothes at Warout and will be looking for a repeat of the last time the sides met at Glenesk Park, when Violet won 6-1.

Henderson is without Barry Wilson, Ciaran Conway and Aaron Kane through injury.

Glens manager Willie Campbell has the same squad available that beat Downfield last weekend, although he hopes to be able to add a new face to the pool.

It’s a big local derby for both sides – but for different reasons – as Kennoway Star Hearts take on St Andrews United at Treaton Park.

Saints are desperate for points to move away from danger at the bottom of the table, while Kennoway will be looking to keep the pressure on West End and Sauchie following last weekend’s win over the favourites for promotion.

Saints boss Craig Morrison is without Scott Orrock and Lee Duffy, while Eck Davidson expects his Kennoway squad to be unchanged.

With last week’s defeat by Arniston finally putting pay to any lingering hopes of promotion for Tayport, it’s a disappointed side that make the trip to Tranent.

Manager John Ovenstone won’t let heads drop, though, as he is confident that his side could still win some silverware in the GA Engineering Cup.

Tayport will be without the suspended Sergio Alvarez but will otherwise have a similar squad available to that which lost last weekend.

EAST OF SCOTLAND CUP