New managers, tough challenges for Fifers

Two Fife clubs go into tough Super League matches against the top two with new managers at the helm.

Barry Cockburn and Kevin Smith, who have left Lochgelly Albert to take charge of Glenrothes, have the unenviable task of trying to arrest Lochee United’s seven-match winning start.

That is despite the Bluebells having a lengthy injury list with seven ruled out, although Stephen McNally is fit again.

After the Glens’ comfortable 3-0 win over Brechin last week, with the exception of Scott Napier they are at full strength.

Meanwhile, bottom of the table Kennoway Star Hearts have appointed Kevin Byers as their new manager.

His first move was to bring his old team-mate Chris Templeman to assist him.

Templeman brings with him a wealth of experience to pass on to Hearts’ relatively young squad.

He finished last season with Montrose after a long career playing for many clubs.

The new management team’s first task is to try to upset the form book when second-placed Broughty Athletic are the visitors, and they should be in good spirits as they look to extend their 100% record on the road.

Tayport travel to Whitburn who are unbeaten in three home games but have drawn twice.

Connor Gray and Stewart McConnachie are still out but Kieran Conway, on the bench last week, could start.

Fourth-placed Thornton Hibs also travel to meet a side with a 100% home record, though Fauldhouse United have only played two games.

Hibs are without the suspended Ben Anthony.

Unquestionably, North End Park stages the day’s Premier North League’s outstanding game where the top two, North End and Luncarty, clash.

Both are undefeated and level on 19 points from seven matches with Dokens boss Ross Lunan reporting a fullstrength squad.

The Bleachers include two new signings – vastly experienced keeper Duncan Bruce and full-back Ryan Menzies who had a spell with Blairgowrie.

Meanwhile, Danny Dobbie is doubtful, while Richie Montgomery and Stuart Nicol are both missing.

Kinnoull host Lochee Harp and having been turned over by them on their last visit, boss Alan Cameron is wary of the threat.

Cameron already has a lengthy injury list which has been added to with Ryan Robb recovering from concussion.

Scone Thistle head to East Craigie without Willie Laing who is on holiday and the injured Martin Strachan, however Aaron McKay could return after injury.

Blairgowrie host Brechin Vics who are looking for a new manager after Phil McGuire’s departure. Blair boss Mark Brash is on holiday and it will be a late selection.

Last Saturday was not a good one for either Coupar Angus or Arbroath Vics, who meet at Foxhall Park.

The hosts had to pull out of their Scottish tie at Cumnock because they could not raise a team, but happily have a squad of 16 available this week.

Vics, meanwhile, went down 9-0 at home to Largs Thistle, so both will be trying to put these woes behind them.

In the South League Kirkcaldy YM have Pumpherston as guests and are without the suspended Darryl Anthony as they try to become the first team take a point off the runaway league leaders.

For their trip to Stoneyburn, Lochore Welfare are without Liam Valentine, Murray Fraser and Matthew Christie, but Adam Doig and Ewan Sutherland return.

Following the departure of the two co-bosses to Glenrothes, senior coach Davie Sheach is in charge of Lochgelly Albert for Armadale Thistle’s visit.

With the exception of Liam Catling, everyone is available, but the squad may include one or two trialists.

Newburgh hope to make it four home wins out of four when welcoming Harthill Royal – and also avenge the 2-1 defeat inflicted by the visitors in the East of Scotland Cup earlier in the season.

Rosyth host Livingston and are still seeking their first win at their new Fleet Ground while the visitors are winless on the road.

Mark Higgins is suspended, but Craig Anderson and Greg Pearson are added to the squad that lost at Newmains last week.