The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fed boss looks for repeat of last week
Shields targets return to winning ways as Bluebells host struggling Bo’ness
Broughty Athletic boss Jim Finlayson knows that only a repeat performance of last week’s six-goal show against Carnoustie Panmure will do today when undefeated leaders Penicuik come to Whitton Park.
The former Kirrie Thistle boss, who took over the Fed last month, said: “It will be a very hard game against a very good side and we’ll have to be as good, if not even better, than last week to take something from the game.”
Finlayson has added Brian Clark to the squad that stuck six goals past the Gowfers.
After a disappointing loss at Newtongrange and exiting the GA Cup to East Craigie last week, Lochee United are looking to get back to winning ways against Bo’ness at Thomson Park.
Having finished third last term, the Lothian side have slipped from grace this season and lie third from bottom.
The Bluebells have a good record against them, winning two of their last three meetings and drawing the other.
Bluebells boss George Shields hopes to bring in a loan player from a senior club but Mark Stewart, Kevin Buchan and Aaron Whitehead are out injured.
Hill of Beath scraped through their Fife & Lothians Cup tie at Dunbar last week and meet Carnoustie Panmure on their return to league action.
The Fifers will, however, be without Shaun Leishman, Kevin Connors, Rikki Dair and Greg Smith.
Changes are certain in the Gowfers’ side. Boss Alan McSkimming was less than impressed by his side’s 6-2 capitulation to Broughty last week, after which he bemoaned: “We were given a footballing lesson.”
With Adam Harwood, Derek Paterson injured, Paddy Conway on holiday and Luke McGeehan a 50/50 doubt, his options are limited.
McSkimming is trying to tie up a loan deal ahead of the game.
Jeanfield Swifts take on Linlithgow Rose at the Riverside Stadium.
But Swifts hopes of upsetting the third-placed visitors are dented by the absences through injury of goalkeeper Mark Mitchell, Chris Anton and Tony Holt. Richard Donavan returns to the squad.
Forfar West End host Kennoway Star Hearts in a basement battle.
Second-bottom West End are two points better off than Star Hearts, who are still without a top flight victory.
Player-boss Daryl McKenzie, who missed last week’s 5-0 cup victory over neighbours Forfar Albion, returns from injury.
The Fifers are again without Liam Craig, while Mark Partridge is unavailable and Nicky McGowan will undergo a late fitness test.