The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Port aim to be thorn in the side of Rose
The East of Scotland Cup tie between Tayport and Linlithgow Rose at the Canniepairt is the pick of the 10 games that involve Courier Country clubs.
It will be a true test for Port against a Rose side that, since the reappointment of manager Mark Bradley, has prospered after a couple of seasons in the doldrums by their high standards.
Indeed, they arrive as leaders of the Super League.
But Port go into the tie boosted by last week’s storming start when they sunk Dalkieth with four early goals.
However boss Charlie King has more than a few problems with which to contend, being reduced to the bare 11 players.
As a result, he and assistant Daryn Smith will be on the bench.
All the other ties are in the second round.
After struggling for much of the game in their recent narrow Junior Cup win over Armadale, Lochee United will not be complacent when they again face South League opponents in Pumpherston.
Being league leaders and unbeaten on the road, the Lothian side certainly cannot be taken lightly.
However, provided they are on the top of their game, the Bluebells should progress even without the injured trio of Mark Stewart, Aaron Whitehead and Kevin Buchan.
Facing the biggest challenge must be Kennoway Star Hearts who are away to Bonnyrigg Rose.
Hearts will be hoping their confidence hasn’t been too badly dented after last week’s heavy defeat at Newtongrange Star, just as they appeared to be finding their feet in the top flight.
They are boosted by the return of Chris and Matthew Gay, but in jury rules out Liam Craig and player/interim boss Craig Johnstone.
Meanwhile, still smarting from their disastrous Scottish exit at Thorniewood’s hands, Dundonald Bluebell will be out to ensure there is no repeat when they take on Blackburn United at Moorside Park.
But given the visitors sit fourth in the Premier League, complacency in a full strength Bluebell squad is unlikely.
Ahead of their home tie with Dalkeith, Forfar West End have signed defender Mark McDonald from the amateur ranks. He previously played for Kinnoull.
While he is in the squad to face the Premier League visitors, Craig Bell is ruled out through injury.
East Craigie and Newtongrange Star meet again just two weeks after the Lothian side edged the Shipbuilders out of the Scottish by the odd goal in three.
This time, with the Super League side having ground advantage, it will be even tougher for the Craigie Park outfit.
Certainly there will have to be a marked improvement on last week’s poor performance in the 4-1 home defeat to Harp.
The suspended James Malone is the Shipbuilders’ only absentee.
North League leaders Luncarty have it all to do away to Fauldhouse United, currently riding high in the Premier League.
Their hosts are in second place, having lost just one of their 12 league games.
Bleachers player/boss Jon Kelly has a number of injuries, including himself, so delays his selection.
On paper Crossgates Primrose have an even tougher task away to Premier League pacesetters Musselburgh Athletic who have dropped just two points from their 12 league games.
Primrose head south boosted by last week’s 3-1 win away to South League leaders Edinburgh United and the signing of Graeme Nutt from St Andrews United.
Coupar Angus are also at home to Premier League opposition, taking on Dunbar United.
The Foxhall Park outfit welcome back Stuart Banks but Joe Sturrock remains sidelined.
Finally, Oakley United have a whole host of problems for the visit of midtable Premier Division Tranent.
Barry Allan, Craig Moffat, Graeme Moore, James Mcateer and Tony Doubleday are all unavailable, while Jon Tully has been transferred to Hawick.