Clubs hope it’s third time lucky for ties

After two postponements, it is fingers and toes crossed by the eight Courier Country clubs with outstanding third round ties that it will be third time lucky.

Lochee United received a boost ahead of their home tie with Johnstone Burgh with the signing of former Carnoustie Panmure player Michael McIlravey.

A versatile player, he was on the books at Dundee and Arbroath before he signed on at Laing Park – where he left last season, so is therefore available this afternoon.

Another new face in the squad is Jamie Reid who has joined the Bluebells from Elgin City and also had spells with Dundee, Stenhousemuir, Montrose and Arbroath. However, Mark Stewart and Kevin Buchan are absent.

Covers partly protect the vulnerable parts of Thomson Park, but the tie is still in the balance.

The other tie in the City of Discovery is at Downfield where Wishaw are due.

The Spiders will be without three key players. In addition to defenders Jack Neave and James Thomson, who are both suspended, Calvin Colquhoun is out after breaking an arm.

The delay in Carnoustie’s home tie against Petershill being played has strengthened Alan McSkimming’s hand.

He now has Steven Cook and Ewan Buggins available, but Ryan Roche and Jamie Robbie are still sidelined.

Laing Park was playable yesterday but, like all today’s games, overnight conditions will decide its fate.

In an effort to get the tie against Auchinleck Talbot on, Hill of Beath have put down protective covers in some parts of Keirs Park. However, it may have been too late and a 9am pitch inspection will decide whether the tie goes ahead.

If it does beat the elements, Haws are without Rikki Dair and Calum Adamson, but add new signing Daniel Watson from Berwick Rangers, with boss Kevin Fotheringham highly hopeful of having another new signing in his squad.

Meanwhile, just down the road, Crossgates Primrose await 2106 winners Beith.

And Humbug Park bossAlan Campbell last night added attacking midfielder Wes Lockwood to his squad. He returned to Scotland this summer after completing a football scholarship in the USA and, having been recommended to the club and impressing at training, has agreed to join the Fifers.

Scone Thistle, who face Kilsyth Rangers, are only missing Fraser McDonald and Ben Moffat.

With Strathmore Park unplayable in midweek, Forfar West End are pessimistic about their tie with Shotts Bon Accord being on with an 8.30am pitch inspection in place.

If it does go ahead, West End expect to have a full squad available

Unfortunately, the chances of Oakley’s tie with Linlithgow Rose going ahead appear remote with the pitch unplayable yesterday.

In the one replay, Lochore Welfare will hope to finish the job off at home to Forth after coming so close to winning it at the first time of asking.

Boss Andy Healy adds Ben Rolland and Dean Ewing to last week’s squad.