Primrose travel to Sauchie with hopes still high

Crossgates Primrose were favourites to finish bottom of Section C in the East of Scotland Qualifying League but, with two draws from very tough games at home to Linlithgow Rose and away to Penicuik Athletic, they are in with a good chance of qualifying for the next stage.

Today they face Sauchie at Beechwood Park and they can travel in a positive frame of mind, although they do have a few injury issues.

Mark Higgins and Douglas Swan are definitely out, while there is a doubt over Mark McKenzie.

Manager Alan Campbell does, however, have Mark Wilkie and Scott Lawrie available after suspension.

In Section F Hill of Beath entertain Stirling University EOS at Keirs Park knowing that progression in the competition is in their own hands.

They sit in second place on three points, above Inverkeithing on goal difference, and with Swifts facing Bonnyrigg Rose at New Dundas Park, Kevin Fotheringham’s Haws know that three points will see them through to the preliminary round.

Fotheringham is without Rory Harrower, who was sent off last weekend, while Lee Reid and Greig Smith are injured.

Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts face the difficult task of trying to take something from their game against unbeaten Bonnyrigg, although they will make the trip with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Manager Lee Richardson is relishing the chance to visit former junior giants Rose as his young side will learn and benefit from the experience.

Richardson is without both Lee Duffy and Craig Morrison through injury and has doubts over a couple more but will be able to bolster his squad by adding a couple of the under-20 squad.

Dundonald Bluebell face Craigroyston in Section G at Moorside Park knowing that they are already out of the competition after two defeats in their opening games against Broxburn Athletic and Newtongrange Star.

The irony is that manager Jason Dair will probably have his strongest squad so far with the return of Derek Wallace, Mark Forbes, Colin Wilson and Scott Durie as well as being able to add new signing Brian Ross.

Craig Wedderburn, Lewis McKenzie and Stuart Walton remain unavailable due to injury.

Burntisland Shipyard and Preston Athletic are both out of the competition and they contest a dead rubber in Section H at Ballast Park.

The big game in Section I is at Blairwood Park, where Oakley United take on Bo’ness United with the Fife side knowing that a point will see them progress.

Richard Fox’s side will be without Joe Dawson, who picked up a knock in midweek, and Ty McLean who is working.

Jeanfield know that they will finish top of the section with a point but will expect to take all three from their game against Leith Athletic at Riverside Stadium.

In Section J, St Andrews United know that they are already through but will avoid the preliminary round if they take a point against Peebles Rovers at Peffermill.