Cup pass for Bluebells as rivals are forced to forfeit

Lochee United are through to the fourth round of the Scottish Junior Cup without kicking a ball.

After four postponements and with Thomson Park now playable, today’s tie with Johnstone Burgh was all set to go ahead.

But yesterday their opponents dropped a bombshell by advising the Bluebells that they could not raise a team and have therefore been thrown out of the competition.

Secretary Larry Duncan explained: “They phoned to say they couldn’t raise a team and would we consider delaying the tie until January 6.

“That wasn’t acceptable to us, nor the SJFA who ruled they must forfeit the tie.”

So Lochee United are through to the last 32 where they will meet the winners of Thorniewood United or East Kilbride Thistle at Thomson Park on January 20.

Meanwhile, despite milder weather forecast, Carnoustie Panmure’s home third round tie with Petershill is in danger of a fifth postponement.

Laing Park is currently 85-90% frozen and there will be a pitch inspection at 8.45 this morning

It would be a blessing in disguise for the Gowfers as last weekend’s postponement has caused major problems for boss Alan Mcskimming.

Clubs in the region were asked if they wanted games scheduled for the 23rd and 30th and all but three or four clubs said ‘no thank you’. However, with the majority of games being postponed four times the SJFA ruled that outstanding ties must be played this weekend, or if necessary, on the 30th.

As a result Mcskimming will be without at least four players who are away if the tie goes ahead.

Jamie Robbie is unavailable, but Ryan Roche might return, albeit only on the bench.

The three big games in Fife look like going ahead at the fifth time of asking.

Hill of Beath face the huge challenge of trying to oust the record 11-time winners Auchinleck Talbot to decide who will be away to Cumnock in round four.

Their task is hardly helped by the absence of Calum Adamson and Greg Smith, while Rikki Dair is doubtful.

Michael Perrie has been placed on the transfer list. Any inquiries should be made to manager Kevin Fotheringham on 07891110232

Crossgates Primrose also have Ayrshire guests with a big reputation in the shape of Beith, who won the cup last year. The winners are away to Jeanfield Swifts in the next round.

In addition to suspended pair Ross Wortley and Lee Halpin, Oakley are also without Kevin Gollan, but do welcome back Barry Allan for the visit of Super League leaders Linlithgow.

Scone Thistle are hopeful their tie with Kilsyth Rangers will go ahead but expect to be missing several players because of the delay. The winners will host either Carnoustie or Petershill.

Downfield manager Paul Marr delays his selection for the tie against Wishaw after a midweek friendly against Forfar Albion.

Definitely missing are suspended pair Jack Neave and James Thomson.

Whoever progresses at Downfield Park will meet the winners of the one replay taking place, between Lochore Welfare and Forth.

The Fifers now have home advantage and welcome back Ben Rolland, Dean Ewing and Gary Ingles.

Tayport took on Kelty Hearts in a friendly at New Central Park on Thursday and the hosts, who are storming their way to the East of Scotland title, ran out 4-0 winners.

On target for the Fifers were Jordan Sheerin, who scored twice, Stephen Husband and Errol Douglas.

Broughty Athletic beat Violet 5-3 in a friendly at the GA Stadium in midweek with Kieran Mcwalter netting a double.

Stephen Mcnally, left, who has signed a two-year extension to his contract at Lochee United, with club secretary Marc Stanton.