Smart’s return will boost chances of progress against three-times cup winners

The first round of the Scottish Cup sees 11 Courier Country clubs in action.

Lochee Harp have a plum tie with the visit of Super League Bo’ness, but given Harp’s habit of rising to the occasion a shock might just be on the cards.

Although the three-times cup winners defeated Violet 7-0 recently in the East of Scotland, they have won just two of their eight league games.

The return of Jay Smart from suspension is a boost, but Josh Perera and Mark Kelly are definitely out while Lloyd Young, Ryan McKillen and James Cochrane are nursing knocks.

Across the water, Tayport host Cumbernauld United who play in the West Super First Division.

Boss Charlie King views it as a huge game due to the club’s outstanding reputation in this competition.

Though there are a few niggly injuries, Gregor Anderson is the only definite absentee and King is highly hopeful of having a new signing in his squad.

Defensive problems confront Hill of Beath boss Kevin Fotheringham as they await the visit of New Elgin.

Definitely out are Rikki Dair, Mikey Lee, Darrin Wright, Kevin Connors, Rory Harrower, and Greg Smith with Russell Grierson a doubt.

Despite six of them being defenders, it is hard to imagine Haws won’t progress against a North Region side beaten 11-0 at home by Banks O’Dee last week.

For their second game in charge, Kirrie Thistle co-bosses Chris Kettles and Ralph Brand face a difficult assignment away to Rutherglen Glencairn.

Their hosts are in mid-table of the second tier of the West Region, so Thistle cannot afford to miss chances as they did last week when losing 2-0 at home to Bathgate.

Meanwhile, Glenrothes have a huge task away to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy who are second in the West Region’s top