Blair out to stop rot after three successive defeats

Blairgowrie are in real danger of falling away from the North League promotion battle after their third defeat on the bounce last weekend at home to Thornton Hibs.

Manager Billy McKay refused to make excuses for the defeat and admitted his side didn’t perform and got exactly what they deserved.

This weekend Blair are at home once again, this time against Dundee East Craigie who drew 0-0 at Luncarty last time out.

McKay has been hit by injuries once again and his side go in to the game with a threadbare squad.

East Craigie have doubts over Ranald Bowie and James Malone, with the duo rated as no better than 50/50 for the game.

There is an attractive-looking encounter at Beechwood Park as Lochee Harp host Kinnoull.

Kinnoull looked to have fallen away from the challenge at the top but Blairgowrie’s run of defeats has brought the Perth side back in to it.

Both sides go in to the game with full squads available.

Newburgh take on Brechin Vics at East Shore Park in a clash that both sides will be looking as a chance to get back to winning ways.

Paul Martin’s side were scheduled to have a blank week anyway last weekend and will be looking to take all three points from the game after they went down 3-2 at Arbroath Vics two weeks ago after leading 2-0. Scott Finlay is back for Burgh following suspension.

Scone Thistle received a boost during the week as Willie Young’s appeal against a red card was upheld and he is available for the visit of Lochore Welfare.

The Fife side have been much improved under Andy Healy but have yet to receive the points that their performances have deserved.

Scone boss Derek Lawson is without Craig Mitchell and Scott Lafferty while Abi Njie has dislocated his shoulder. Kenny Hynd is however, available and comes in.

Lochore expect to have the same squad available that were beaten by Kinnoull last weekend.

Thornton Hibs manager Craig Gilbert is far too experienced to take the visit of Coupar Angus to Memorial Park for granted.

The Angus men have won their last five away games and have improved beyond all recognition under the stewardship of Logan McConachie.

With Kirriemuir in GA Cup action, a victory for Hibs will lift the Fifers back to the top of the table.

Rosyth face a very tough ask as they take on South League league leaders Blackburn United at New Murrayfield Park.

United are not only four points clear, they have lost just two games at home since November 2014 in the league.

Rosyth are without Mark McCulloch for the game but are otherwise at full strength.

Crossgates Primrose were hit by a break-in at Humbug Park during the week but are determined to bounce back starting this weekend with victory of West Calder United.

The visitors are without the suspended David Love for the game while Crossgates expect to be at full strength.

New Signing Jon Tully is expected to make his debut for Oakley United as they visit struggling Kirkcaldy YM in a Fife Derby.

United boss Lee Richardson is without Tony Doubleday, Cammy Smith and Ross Colquhoun for the game. YM are just three points off the bottom of the table and have played four more games than Stoneyburn.