West End and Pansies do it all again as they eye Scottish progress

Super League Forfar West End, whose blushes were only spared by a stoppage-time equaliser against Violet at Glenesk last week, must be favourites to get the better of the Pansies in a Scottish Cup replay today.

That leveller was scored by debutant Jamie Montgomery and West End boss Daryl McKenzie could have another newcomer for the second meeting with the North League outfit at Strathmore Park.

Violet boss Ralph Henderson hopes to have everyone available and still harbours hopes of cup progress despite letting a two-goal lead slip.

In the other replay involving a Courier Country club, Oakley United will be looking to finish off the job against visitors Dufftown.

Only a goal three minutes into injury time earned the North Region side a second chance.

New signing Ryan Stevenson from Whitehill Welfare is added to the Oakley squad and Lee Halpin should return, but James Mcateer is injured. Super League Broughty Athletic boss Jim Finlayson put last week’s cup exit to Bathgate Thistle down to one of those days.

He said: “We battered them for most of the game only to get caught on the break.”

However, he knows that for today’s visit of title favourites Bonnyrigg Rose, they’ll have to be fully focused.

“We’ll have to work hard and keep our shape if we are to take something from the game,” he said.

With Ryan Blair and Derryn Kesson suspended, Finlayson has the same squad available.

Jeanfield Swifts host Lochee United as they target a third successive victory. Ben Blyth is available but Mark Mitchell and Chris Anton remain sidelined.

The Bluebells hope to build on their excellent win at Penicuik in their last league outing.

Boss George Shields will be without Mark Stewart, and Kevin Buchan and Aaron Whitehead remain on the injured list. On the plus side Paul Lunan returns.

Dundonald Bluebell, who are looking to keep touch with the league leaders, welcome Camelon to Moorside Park.

Included in their full-strength squad is new signing Archie Campbell, who previously played for Rangers, Morton, Clyde and Kelty Hearts.

Given their good record at Prestonfield, Hill of Beath won’t be in awe of leaders Linlithgow Rose. However, they are without Rikki Dair, Lee Reid and Lea Schiavone, while Craig Smart is doubtful. Unlike the rest of the card, this game kicks-off at 2.30pm.

Carnoustie travel to Sauchie hoping to put further daylight between them and their second from bottom hosts, on whom they currently enjoy a five-point advantage.

The Gowfers could welcome back Derek Paterson and Adam Harwood to their pool but Luke McGeehan and Ryan Roche are again missing as is the suspended Pat Martin.

Having won their last two league games, Kennoway Star Hearts will be out take another step up the table away to Newtongrange Star. They are without Chris and Matthew Gay, while Liam Craig is still injured. Premier League As they welcome fellow Fifers Glenrothes, St Andrews are looking to extend their six-match unbeaten run to maintain their promotion challenge. Rhory Mooney is Saints’ only absentee.

The Glens are again without Craig Wallace, Conor Schiavone and Sean Simpson and also have doubts over Darren Ormiston and Calum Kinnes.

Following last week’s disappointing draw at Glenrothes, Tayport return to the Cannipairt with Dalkeith as their guests.

Kieron Conway is suspended and Marc Ogg is also out while Jamie Mackie is doubtful.

As a result, both boss Charlie King and his assistant Daryn Smith have had to make themselves available.

After the disappointing Scottish Cup exit at Cumbernauld’s hands last week, Thornton will be hoping to bounce back at home to Blackburn United. But that won’t be easy against a side on the fringes of the promotion race.

Last week’s home defeat to St Andrews means Kirrie Thistle remain in the drop zone and visitors Bathgate Thistle, given their cup win over Super League Broughty last week, are unlikely to be in charitable mood.

Of concern to the Westview management team must be that Thistle have taken just three points from the last seven league outings, scoring only twice.

Downfield couldn’t have a harder task than a trip to promotion favourites Musselburgh.

The Lothian side are undefeated and won the first meeting at Downfield Park 3-1. The Spiders travel with a full strength squad.