Thistle need one win to gain promotion

After easily defeating bottom club Forfar Albion on Wednesday, victory over Coupar Angus today will ensure that Kirrie Thistle are promoted to the Premier League.

Kirrie are sweating on the fitness of one or two key players.

Coupar Angus will be without injured pair Ross Nicholson and Joe Sturrock as well as the suspended Murray Irvine.

Luncarty’s 11-match unbeaten run will be put to the test against second-placed Thornton Hibs at Brownlands Park.

However, they drew with the Fifers in the first meeting and have the same squad available as last week.

The Fifers effectively require two wins from their remaining five games to confirm promotion.

Last week’s defeat to Kinnoull was a huge disappointment for East Craigie, but their target of finishing third is still attainable provided they win their last three matches.

They’ll be well fancied to do so away to second-bottom Lochore, who have only won once at home all season. The Shipbuilders are without Garry Welsh, Ranald Bowie and Mark Ferrie.

Last week’s excellent win at East Craigie took Kinnoull’s unbeaten run to 12 games and they’ll be expected to extend it against Arbroath Vics at Tulloch Park.

Key players, defender Greg Whyte and top scorer Rhys Davis, will require late fitness checks.

Vics are without injured trio Steve Florence, Ryan Lewis and Mark Walker and Conor Gray make the squad, which includes the returning Kyle Findlater.

Brechin Vics welcome Blairgowrie, boosted by last week’s 3-1 win at Arbroath Vics, a result that delighted manager Wayne Morrison who should have the same squad available.

Injuries and work commitments continue to plague Blairgowrie, leaving boss Billy Mackay no choice but to leave his selection until as late as possible.

Newburgh, who host Harp in their penultimate home game, are looking for a new manager after Paul Martin’s recent departure.

The club are inviting applications for the post and anyone interested should contact the committee for further information either by email at newburghjuniors@btinternet.com or on 07516 625033.

Meanwhile, coach Kurt Hurd is overseeing team matters and is without the suspended Scott Finlay.

As they look to avenge a 4-1 defeat in the first meeting, Harp are without the injured trio of keeper Darren Brown, Mark Kelly and Graeme Dailly, while Connaire Connelly and Derryn Kesson are suspended.

On a more positive note, Gordon Ramsay and James Cochrane return and boss Michael Gormley will again draft in a couple of trialists.

Stragglers Forfar Albion welcome Scone Thistle for their final home game of the campaign. Fifth-placed Thistle expect to have a full-strength squad, while the hosts have Ross McCleary suspended.

SOUTH LEAGUE