Broughty boost squad for trip to take on Mariners

Broughty Athletic travel to Camelon in good heart buoyed by last week’s 4-1 success over Bo’ness that arrested a run of three straight defeats.

Their hosts sit immediately below them in eighth place and, although they trail the Fed by four points, they have played two games less.

In the first meeting this season, Broughty lost 2-1 and, as the Mariners did the double over the Whitton Park side last term, the Fed are overdue a result.

Former Dundee United and Cowdenbeath player Jordan Garden has joined Broughty and goes straight into a squad missing only the suspended Kieran Mcwalter.

Kennoway Star Hearts, who have signed striker Ross Mutch from East Fife, were hit for six last week by Camelon and face another tough test from third-placed Dundonald Bluebell.

Nathan Doig is still a Hearts absentee and Scott Young and Ross Brewster are both struggling.

Striker Calum Smith is back in the visitors’ fold after coming off the transfer list, but Barry Sibanda is out through injury and Adam Moffat is suspended. With doubts over several others, there will be a roll call this morning.

Hill of Beath head to Penicuik, who are second, and Haws will be looking for revenge for the 1-0 defeat they suffered at Keirs Park.

The Fifers have Rikki Dair, Rory Harrower and Lee Reid missing.

In the Premier League, St Andrews United head to Haddington knowing nothing but victory will do if their promotion hopes are to remain viable.

Their Lothian hosts only trail them by two points and have five games in hand.

Boss Craig Morrison is without the suspended Scott Mayne while Scott Lawrie is a doubt.

Thornton Hibs will be hoping to resume league action for the first time since before Christmas when they host a Dalkeith Thistle outfit smarting from last week’s 5-0 defeat by Downfield.

Craig Gilbert’s men will also be looking for revenge after a 3-0 defeat earlier in the season to extend their unbeaten run to five games.

A pitch inspection will be held this morning.

Glenrothes are away to promotion contenders Fauldhouse United.

Glens boss Willie Campbell is without unavailable pair Dion Gear and Gavin Moffat and Craig Kinnes will be assessed after the injury he picked up last week.

On a brighter note, Craig Wallace returns after being sidelined for a spell.

A terrific win at Dalkeith was not only a real confidence-booster for Downfield going into their home game with Dunbar, but also hoisted them four places up from bottom spot.

There will be no complacency, though, given they were beaten by the Seasiders in the first meeting this term.

The Spiders are without Calvin Colquhoun and Phil Hagan.