Bluebells without key quartet for visit to Blair

The Thorntons Property League Cup dominates this afternoon’s card with 11 ties involving Courier Country sides.

Neither Blairgowrie nor Lochee United, who meet at Davie Park, will be at full strength.

Just when Lochee’s injury crisis seemed to be easing, boss George Shields finds himself minus the services of Kevin Buchan, Danny Millar and Bryan Deasley, while Connor Birse is suspended.

The odds against Mark Brash’s side are racked up by also having key men missing. Despite that it would still be a major surprise if the visitors’ unbeaten record were to end.

Anything other than a comfortable win for Broughty Athletic over North League strugglers Coupar Angus would be something of a shock.

Fed manager Jamie McCunnie will probably make a few changes to his starting line-up in order to give some players much needed game time.

It is unlikely to be so clear cut for Carnoustie when they welcome Scone Thistle.

After last week’s big win over Brechin Vics, Thistle will travel with more than just hope that they can give a good account of themselves.

The hosts are without Ryan Roche, Jamie Winter and Jake Mair, leaving boss Phil McGuire to make a late selection.

Luncarty welcome Violet with the hosts looking to get back on the rails after last week’s defeat to North End, so the Pansies will find things a great deal tougher after easing their way to a comfortable win over Coupar Angus.

Glenesk gaffer John Dunn could take this opportunity to field some of his younger players to give them some game time.

As they welcome tenants Harp, Downfield are high on confidence after last week’s win at Tayport, especially as they have a full squad.

Jay Smart, goalkeeper Darren Brown and Josh McLaughlin all return but Ryan McKillen is on holiday.

In an all-Angus affair, Forfar West End welcome Brechin Vics with the hosts favourites after the visitors crashed 7-1 at Scone last week.

West End expect to have the same squad of 18 that shared the points with Kirrie Thistle last weekend.

West End have loaned Matty Ramsay to Dundee Violet for a month to aid his comeback from injury.

Brechin Vics will hope to atone for their poor performance and are only without the services of Steven Barclay.

Super League

Tayport are still manager-less after the departure of Charlie King so Grant Paterson and Jamie Mackie remain in temporary charge for the visit of Thornton Hibs.

Port don’t have their troubles to seek. In addition to suspended pair Kris Rollo and Stephen Duffy, they are also without injured pair Stewart McConnachie and Luke O’Brien.

With Thornton third in the table they will undoubtedly be a threat to the hosts’ 100% home league record.

With a win and a draw in their last two league outings, Kirrie Thistle hope to continue points-gathering at home to Fauldhouse United.

Boss Chris Kettle hopes to make a new signing but his hand is already strengthened by the return of Darren Scott, Davie Millar and Ben Starkey.

Premier League North

Both North End and East Craigie will be expected to win to maintain their promotion challenges.

For their trip to Arbroath Vics, league leaders North End aren’t likely to show too many changes following last week’s defeat to Lochee United in the League Cup. Vics, third from bottom, are minus Lewis Quinn and Danny Duggan.

Although odds-on favourites, the Shipbuilders won’t be counting their chickens at Guthrie Park.

Too often in the past they have found it hard going against Forfar Albion and with the hosts having shown markedly improved form of late, the visitors will be taking nothing for granted.

North Region

Montrose Roselea look to extend their unbeaten run to six games against Dufftown at Links Park as they attempt to reach the Inter-Regional stage of the Signature Signs Cup.

Player-boss James Collier is without the injured Lloyd Hester and Murray Soutar while loan signing Kane Hester is unavailable.