Clubs chasing place in draw for last 16

Normal service should be resumed after the weather-disrupted start to the year, with the fourth round of the Junior Cup having been delayed for a week, writes Peter Rundo.

Five Courier Country clubs are bidding to reach the last 16 with Downfield hoping their three-times postponed third round tie at Wishaw gets the green light.

Heavy rain was forecast early this morning, though, and that could put this and other games in jeopardy.

Lochee United’s tie with East Kilbride is in doubt, though in this case an unexpectedly heavy overnight frost yesterday left Thomson Park frozen.

Prospects are not bright which is frustrating after Bluebells officials were confident the game would go ahead. A pitch inspection is planned for 9am.

East Kilbride are looking to end an 11-year hoodoo. They won the trophy in 1983, but have failed to reach the last 16 since 2007.

The visitors have a full squad, but the Bluebells will be without striking duo Kevin Buchan and Bryan Deasley.

Jeanfield Swifts are the only other local team with home advantage, but have called an 8am pitch inspection.

They are due to face Beith, one of the leading lights in West Region.

If it goes ahead, Swifts player/boss Ross Gunnion has a full squad available.

Carnoustie Panmure travel to Kilsyth Rangers, past winners on two occasions but now struggling to avoid the drop from the West’s second tier and pointless since early November.

Gowfers gaffer Alan Mcskimming, who has everyone available except Ryan Roche, will be ensuring there is no complacency in the camp.

For their trip to Kilbirnie Ladeside – another side to have lifted the trophy twice – West End boss Daryl Mckenzie includes two new loan signings from Montrose in his squad of 18.

They are forward Ryan Ferguson and midfielder Danny Cavanagh.

Kennoway Star Hearts head to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy who have contested five finals, winning three times.

The last of these may have been more than 40 years ago, but they are a midtable side in the West’s Premier Super League and therefore present a major test for Hearts, who are second bottom of the East Super League.

Acting gaffer Craig Johnstone is out as is the suspended Mark Partridge.

Wishaw and Downfield will make another attempt to resolve their replay after the sides drew 2-2 just before Christmas.

Apart from Ross Gallacher, the Spiders should be at full strength for the away trip.