Howe and Strathie to do battle for place in semi-finals

Howe of Fife and Strathmore have somehow avoided each other so far this season, but tomorrow’s National League Cup quarter-final should make up for lost time.

The clubs’ first league meeting was postponed due to the weather, meaning they will face each other in this cup meeting and two league matches in the space of a month.

For Strathie, this game comes well-timed as they find their feet in National League Three.

Last week’s solid win over Caithness was their third in four and lifted them to mid-table with 28 points, pretty much assured of retaining their status for next season.

Howe helped themselves to 83 points against the struggling Cumnock last week and are assembling their usual formidable record at Duffus Park. With the weather set fair at last, it should be a cracker tomorrow.

Having stormed back to form with a handsome win at Gordonians last week, Kirkcaldy will be looking to do the same as they make up their game in hand on some of their promotion rivals away to bottom club Whitecraigs.

The Newton Mearns club gave it their all before falling to Glasgow Accies last week, but the Blues should be seeking another full five-pointer, which would bring them up alongside leaders GHK on 51 points.

The rearranged game at Beveridge Park with the merged Glasgow clubs still awaits, but this is a tight race with six clubs involved for two promotion places.

Orkney’s crushing win at Blairgowrie underlined their position as runaway leaders of Caledonia Division One, with second place Ellon due on the islands tomorrow.

Dunfermline are third with a game in hand on Ellon, and have a home fixture against Alloa.

Both Dundee Uni Medics and Panmure had the abacus rattling merrily in their huge wins last week, but Caledonia Two Midlands is still firmly in the control of Carnoustie HSFP, whose only loss so far was on the opening day of the season to Kirkcaldy II.

This week, Carnoustie are away to Kinross, Panmure are at Beveridge Park and DUMS host Madras at Forthill.

Dunfermline IIS’ win over Bannockburn in Caley Midland Three last week put them atop that division, while in Division Four, Stobswell could go into a clear lead at the top if they beat Aberfeldy at home.