Tough semi-final test for Port away to Kirrie

The GA Engineering Cup semi-finals are an all-Tayside affair with the opportunities for upsets in both.

Certainly, Tayport are on a sticky wicket at Kirrie Thistle.

The Westview side have lost only three times all season – once in the league and to two Premier League clubs in knockout competitions.

Given one was to Bonnyrigg Rose, who are playing in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup this afternoon, will act as warning to John Ovenstone’s side.

Thistle boss Jim Finlayson, who has a full squad, believes the opportunity of reaching a major final will spur on his players.

The Fifers will be without the cup-tied Gary Sutherland as well as Kieran Conway because of illness and player-manager Ovenstone, who is suspended.

Meanwhile Broughty Athletic will be red-hot favourites to progress against Violet at Glenesk.

The Pansies hopes of Premier League survival are slim, but they have shown good form in making it to the last four, notably with a 1-0 win away to North Region side Hall Russell.

Fed boss Keith Gibson will therefore be guarding against any complacency.

Broughty enjoyed a 3-1 win at Hill of Beath in midweek from which there were no fresh injuries and the experienced Jamie Winter is added to the squad.

It is quite a different story for the Dokens. Boss Ralph Henderson, as seems to have been the case all season, has a host of selection headaches.

Barry Wilson, Ciaran Conway, Aaron Kane, Chris Tawse and Connor McLeod are all out injured while Lawrie Mitchell and Gary Robertson are cup-tied.

Just to add to the selection problems he faces, Gavin Hood and Kevin Scott are suspended while Scott Tovey is unavailable.