Stewart leads Dokens after Heggie’s departure

Despite a 7-0 win over Arbroath Vics last week, North End have parted company with manager Andy Heggie.

For the trip to Newburgh, captain and senior player Michael Stewart is in charge of team matters.

Ross Sievewright and Willie Johnstone are doubts for the Dokens who were 5-3 winners in the first meeting.

Without a game for five weeks, Coupar Angus are desperate the visit of title-chasing Kirrie Thistle goes ahead.

Both sides are at full strength with Thistle boss Jim Finlayson wary of opponents who had been in good form.

Leaders Scone Thistle head to East Craigie in what promises to be a close encounter.

Thistle striker Abi Njie is still sidelined, but Craig Mitchell returns. The Shipbuilders have a full squad, though Graeme McLeish is doubtful.

Thornton Hibs have only dropped three points from nine games on the road and must be odds-on favourites to win at lowly Forfar Albion

After their Scottish exit, Luncarty face a Perthshire derby when Kinnoull visit Brownlands.

Goalkeeper Duncan Bruce is a Bleachers doubt while the visitors are without Liam Woolley as well as Robbie Norrie and Greg Fleming.

Arbroath Vics have Harp as visitors but are without Kellon Lyons, Mark Fotheringham and Lee Jones.

Apart from Liam Roddy, the Beechwood side are at full strength.

Bottom-of-the-table Lochore Welfare showed plenty of spirit when losing to leaders Scone Thistle last week and boss Andy Healy hopes that will bring them some joy at home to Brechin Vics who only hold a threepoint advantage over them.

Vics expect to have a full squad bar Douglas Crowe.

Though not at their best recently, Blairgowrie host Whitburn in the DJ Laing Cup third round and with their Premier opponents not setting the heather on fire either, an upset is possible. The cup-tied John Black is Blair’s only absentee.

In the North Region, Montrose Roselea entertain Islavale in their promotion quest.

With four games remaining they are looking to close the six-point gap on leaders Spey Valley who have played one game more.

Roselea welcome back David Beedie, Scott Watson, Jack Dalgarno and Jo Reoch but Chris Milne is on the doubtful list and Liam Campbell will be out for at least a couple of weeks.