League leaders clash in cup showdown

The second round of the Macron Junior Cup dominates this afternoon’s card.

Carnoustie travel to Fauldhouse for a battle between the South and North Super League leaders, so it’s a tricky tie for the Gowfers despite their opponents being surprisingly thrashed 7-0 by Thornton last week.

Phil Maguire’s side are in good form, though, so should travel with confidence, especially as with Stephen Mcphee and Jamie Robbie returning, they are at full strength.

Broughty Athletic manager Jamie Mccunnie anticipates a very difficult tie away to Glasgow Perthshire.

He said: “Away ties in the Scottish are never easy and we must do better than last week against Downfield if we are to get a result.”

With a couple of injury concerns, Mccunnie has the same pool available.

For the second week running, Lochee United are in knockout action as they switch from the William Hill Scottish to the Macron Junior version, heading north to meet Hall Russell.

It would be a major surprise if, having reached the semi-final for the past two seasons, George Shields’ side fail to progress against hosts with only three points from four league matches.

The Bluebells are again minus injured duo Bryan Deasley and Craig Smith, while Alan Tulleth is on holiday.

Tayport face a trip to Ayrshire to meet West Region League One side Girvan.

Normally Port would be expected to advance, but with only one win all season – against Brechin Vics – Canniepairt confidence is at a low ebb.

Hindering their hopes of a moraleboosting win are the absences of Ryan Suttie, Greg Whyte and Dale Robertson.

North End welcome Whitburn and, with the Dokens in great form recently, hopes are high that they will progress.

But so too have been Whitburn with a run of four straight wins, including a 6-0 whipping away of North Premier leaders Newburgh in the first round.

Downfield also have home advantage against Greenock, who are second top of Central League Division 1, and on current form, the Spiders have a good chance.

Kirrie Thistle must be hopeful of advancing from the trip to North Region Super League strugglers Maud.

However, Thistle are without Ross Grant and Davie Millar is struggling, but boss Darren Scott hopes to have the boost of a new signing on board.

Despite last week’s defeat to Culter, Montrose Roselea could take encouragement from that showing ahead of today’s tough tie at Troon.

The hosts are fourth from bottom of the top tier of the West Region, but no visit to Ayrshire can be underestimated.

East Craigie have a full squad as they welcome Nairn St Ninians, who lie fourth in the North Region’s Super League.

In preparation for their tie at Maryhill, Forfar West End met Lowson Utd in a midweek friendly. Mike Mcilreavy was the scorer in a 1-1 draw.

Boss Derek Lawson expects to have the squad that trounced Scone Thistle last week available.

Arbroath Vics also have North Region opponents in second division leaders Islavale.

Jonathan Barstow, Michael Fotheringham and Dean Hardie all miss out, but Vics still have a strong squad of 18.

Forfar Albion host Bathgate Thistle who are mid-table in the South Super League and, therefore, formidable opponents as their recent 6-2 win over Thornton Hibs underlined.

But Albion boss Stephen Stewart can call upon a full squad.

Left reeling after their 4-0 home defeat to Forfar West End, Scone will be hoping to get back to winning ways when Harp visit Farquharson Park.

Although Harp lost last week, boss Michael Gormley was much happier with the performance which saw them narrowly edged out by East Craigie.

However, they are without suspended pair, Mark Kelly and Darren Brown,

North Premier League leaders, Blairgowrie welcome Stoneywood Parkvale and the Berrypickers – undefeated in 10 – must be fancied against the North Region First Division visitors.

Brechin Vics visit Lochore Welfare and in Andy Davie, Vics have a new manager, who with his assistant Hugh Dickson – in charge with Greg Cameron last week – bring a wealth of experience from their involvement in local youth, amateur and junior football.

In the only league match scheduled, Violet head for Foxhall Park, Coupar Angus, and Pansies manager Andy Heggie believes last week’s win at Brechin showed things are beginning to blossom as his young players gel.

However, due to several players being hit with a bug this week, he is forced into making a late selection.