Jeanfield hope to see off Whitehill again in preliminary round

Three Courier Country junior sides are involved in the preliminary round of the Scottish Cup today.

Jeanfield Swifts have been struggling of late in the Premier Division but the Perth side will be confident of taking their place in the draw for the first round as they host Whitehill Welfare at Riverside.

The two sides met at the end of July in the league when Swifts won 4-0 and a repeat of that game would be a major boost to Ross Gunnion’s troops.

Burntisland Shipyard’s unbeaten run in the EOSL First Division Conference B came to an end last weekend but they will hope to bounce back as they welcome Conference A side Dalkeith Thistle.

Dundonald Bluebell are looking forward to their cup tie against Penicuik Athletic at Moorside Park. Boss Kevin Fotheringham will be without their longterm casualties as well as Scott Gilfillan, Liam Craig and Stuart Cargill.

In the East of Scotland League Premier Division Hill of Beath recorded an excellent 2-0 victory over Musselburgh Athletic last week and are on their travels once again this afternoon as they visit Beechwood Park to take on Sauchie Juniors.

Daniel Watt returns from suspension and Haws should have a full squad available.

In First Division Conference A The Fleet Grounds hosts another Fife derby as Rosyth welcome high-flying Kirkcaldy & Dysart.

Kirkcaldy took the points when the two sides met at Alex Penman Park on the opening day of the season.

Kirkcaldy are without Tyler Mckenzie and Stuart Walton through suspension while Robert Wilson is unavailable, but Kieran Johnston, Lewis Ross, Chris Price and Dylan Hunter all return.

Barry Cockburn didn’t have the best of starts to his new job at St Andrews United as his side went down 2-1 at home to Tweedmouth Rangers last weekend and will be looking for an improvement against another of the Conference A strugglers in Arniston Rangers, once again at Clayton Caravan Park Recreation Park.

In Conference B Lochore Welfare have the chance to right the wrongs of last week’s loss to Kinnoull when they host Edinburgh South at Central Park.

Lochgelly Albert have had something of a resurgence since they were thrashed 6-0 at home by Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts and have won three Conference B games on the bounce including an incredible 5-4 win over Hawick Royal Albert United last weekend.

As a result of being the form team, Albert will expect to take the points from the visit of strugglers Newburgh to Purves Park and should have a full squad available.

Oakley United face a tough trip in the Alex Jack Cup to take on Bo’ness Athletic at Newtown Park, particularly when you consider the eight players missing through injury.

Luncarty manager Robbie Holden has at least nine players missing for the trip to Edinburgh United in the second round.

As a result, Holden has signed Gavin Anderson and Duncan Bruce for the game. The Perthshire side have had a decent start but not had it all their own way in what is an incredibly tight Conference B, so a break for cup action will be something of a blessing.

Glenrothes are another side with a reduced squad for their tie at home to Conference A leaders Leith Athletic at Warout.

Glens co-manager John Martin is going to call on a few of the U20s for the game as six of the first team squad are missing through injury..

Kinnoull take on Premier Division opponents in the shape of Crossgates Primrose. The Perth side also have a lengthy injury list and manager Alan Cameron will have to make a few late calls – unlike Primrose boss Alan Campbell who has a pretty much full squad at his disposal.