Lothian pair fight for title as Haws go hunting for point

The East of Scotland League Premier Division title could be decided this afternoon but sadly both protagonists are Lothian clubs – Tranent and Penicuik Athletic.

Tranent are two points clear and this afternoon face Linlithgow Rose, but Penicuik travel to face already-relegated Camelon, so the race is likely to go to the final game.

At the other end of the table, the Haws still need a point to make mathematically sure that they will remain in the Premier Division.

However, with Tynecastle at home to Dunbar United on the last day, it is likely that the fourth club to be relegated will come from that meeting.

Blackburn United welcome Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts. Swifts had a great start to the season but now sit in mid-table with 11 wins, 11 draws and 10 defeats but will be hoping to finish with two wins.

The Fife side are likely to have the same squad that beat Tynecastle 2-0 two weeks ago.

Hill of Beath face strugglers Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale, who sit three points adrift in the last relegation position.

Haws’ 6-1 win at Tynecastle last weekend did them the power of good, leaving them all but mathematically safe, and they will be reasonably relaxed going into the game. Hill of Beath manager Jason Dair is expected to have a full squad available.

Crossgates Primrose could put the pressure on Dunbar United as Alan Campbell’s side travel to New Countess Park to face the Seasiders.

Dundonald Bluebell can fully relax after beating Dunbar United 2-1 last week, a result that confirmed that Kevin Fotheringham’s side stay in the Premier Division.

As a result, the Bluebell boss is likely to make a couple of changes to give game time to those who have missed out of late.

The only concerns are Lewis McKenzie and Scott Durie who will both need fitness tests before the game.

Kennoway Star Hearts got themselves back in the hunt for a top seven place with their 8-0 demolition of Craigroyston last week and they go into their clash against title-chasing Haddington in a positive mood.

A blow for Hearts is the absence of last week’s four-goal hero Jason Watson, who is on holiday, but otherwise Ally Griffin has a full squad available.

St Andrews United, already relegated to Division Two, have already got one eye on building for next season and manager Barry Cockburn is likely to try a few things in the last three games, starting at home against Coldstream.

Cockburn should have a full squad available but is likely to shake things up.

Thornton Hibs need points from their last three games to secure their First Division place but could certainly do without a trip to take on title-chasing Leith Athletic at Peffermill. Hibs boss Craig Gilbert has a few injury concerns and will need to make a late selection.

Conference B leaders Oakley take on Lochore Welfare, who are still not assured of a top seven finish.

Both sides should have full squads available.

Title rivals Glenrothes, who were held 1-1 by Stirling University last week, host Peebles Rovers at Warout Stadium.

Lochgelly Albert will look to bounce back from their defeat at Kinnoull 10 days ago as they travel to the capital to take on Easthouses Lily at Newbattle.

Burntisland Shipyard are another side in the battle for the top seven and they sit in the important seventh position, three points ahead of Heriot-Watt University.

Shippy haven’t had a game for more than a fortnight and that has allowed injuries to heal so they should have a reasonably full and fit squad available.

Newburgh face a difficult trip to take on Stirling University.