Kelty need repeat victory to keep in touch at the top

Lowland League

A 2-0 victory over Galafairydean Rovers in late October ensured Barry Ferguson’s reign at Kelty Hearts got off to the perfect start and he will be looking to complete the double at Netherdale this afternoon.

Nothing less than three points will do if Kelty are to have any chance of catching leaders East Kilbride who have an 11-point advantage from the same number of games played.

East of Scotland League Conference A

Second-placed Hill of Beath’s visit to leaders Penicuik could be a season-defining fixture.

The hosts have a fivepoint advantage over Haws but with a game more played. Indeed, the Fifers are the only team to have taken Cuikie’s scalp, winning 2-1.

Although not 100% match fit after injury, boss Kevin Fotheringham includes Rikki Dair and Lewis Elder in his squad, leaving Greg Smith as his only absentee for this hugely important fixture.

Meanwhile, Oakley, after last week’s win over Tweedmouth Rangers, are still without Callum Runciman and Daniel Kelly for the trip to Leith Athletic.

The first meeting finished 1-1 but the Fifers will be hoping to close the 11-point advantage their hosts currently boast.

Conference B

Crossgates Primrose are enjoying a good first campaign, sitting fifth in the table, but they face the daunting task of trying to become only the second side to deny Bonnyrigg Rose victory.

The league leaders have won all bar one of their 17 games with the 3-3 draw with Dundonald Bluebell denting a 100% record. However, Primrose ran them close at New Dundas Park, only losing by the odd goal in three, so will hope that with home advantage they can upset the odds.

Second-placed Dundonald head to Dalkeith Thistle for what looks a close encounter, given the Bluebell only shaded the first meeting thanks to the only goal.

Goalkeeper James Lennox is unavailable, so former Ballingry, Glenrothes, Thornton and East Fife keeper James Roberts is added to the squad which also sees Craig Wedderburn and Liam McDaid return.

Second from bottom Burntisland host Dunipace, the team immediately above but who have 10 points more.

The Fifers can take little solace from the first game which they lost 5-0.

Conference C

Jeanfield Swifts – second from top – head to leaders Broxburn for a crunch clash with a fullstrength squad.

The hosts may have a nine point advantage but Swifts have three games in hand and were 2-0 winners in the first meeting.

St Andrews host Edinburgh United and hope to go one better than the 2-2 draw in the first meeting.

Saints are still without Andy McDonald and Nik Rendall and are awaiting confirmation of Jason Penman’s availability after his dismissal for two yellow cards last week.

Inverkeithing Hillend Swifts welcome Camelon and are looking to avenge the 6-2 defeat at Carmuirs Park in November.

East of Scotland games Conference A

Dunbar Utd v Arniston Rangers, Hawick Royal Albert v Easthouses Lily MW, Musselburgh Ath v Newtongrange Star, Penicuik Ath v Hill of Beath Hawthorn, Tweedmouth Rangers v Peebles Rovers, Leith Ath v Oakley United Conference B

Bo’ness Utd v Eyemouth Utd, Burntisland Shipyard v Dunipace, Crossgates Primrose v Bonnyrigg Rose, Dalkeith Thistle v Dundonald Bluebell, Haddington Athletic v Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale, Sauchie Juniors v Tynecastle Conference C

Broxburn Ath v Jeanfield Swifts’ Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts v Camelon, Linlithgow Rose v Ormiston, St Andrews Utd v Edinburgh Utd, Stirling University (EOSFL) v Craigroyston, Heriot Watt University v Preston Athletic.