Kirrie boss preparing his troops for another stiff test

Leaders Kirrie Thistle defeated Harp 3-1 in their first meeting but boss Jim Finlayson rated it as one of their toughest games this season.

And with Beechwood now the venue, the Westview boss, who has a full squad, is taking nothing for granted.

Harp are without suspended pair Connaire Connelly and Liam Roddy, while keeper Peter Garty is injured. In addition, Mark Kelly, Joe Colquhoun, Darryl Gowans and Gordon Ramsay all face late fitness tests.

Joint-leaders Thornton Hibs are away to Arbroath Vics and, with 10 wins from their 11 away games, will be firm favourites to extend that run.

Vics are still without Lee Jones, Scott Donald and Connor Gray.

Kinnoull and Coupar Angus meet at Tulloch Park and the Perth side are without injured duo Mark McDonald and Tom Whyte. Joe Sturrock is a doubt for the visitors who are without Nathan Ireland and John Casey.

In-form East Craigie and Luncarty clash at Craigie Park and a tight contest looks in prospect.

Darren Kelly is a Bleachers doubt, while the Shipbuilders are strengthened by Andy McDonald and Garry Welsh returning.

Blairgowrie welcome North End, but they are again without Greg Donald and Danny Millar as well as Robbie Hood and Gordon Pirie.

Dokens boss Ross Lunan could again be without Euan McIlvenny and Robbie George as he tries to maintain his threematch winning streak since taking over.

Newburgh will eye their trip to lowly Lochore Welfare as a chance to post their first win of the year.

Brechin Vics host bottom-of-the-table Forfar Albion, though only goal difference separates them. Vics, with two games in hand, will hope to open a gap.

In the North Region, Montrose Roselea travel to Aberdeen to face Sunnybank in the second of their Archibald Cup league section matches.

This could be a dress rehearsal for the Angus side’s first play-off match, though their hosts can still win the Division One East title.

For the trip, Roselea have a host of injury problems. Calum and Scott Watson, Jo Aitken, Lloyd Hester, Liam Campbell and Aaron Thomson are all sidelined so they may have to rely on a couple of trialists to complete the squad.

Young keeper Kade McCormack will continue to deputise for Ross Mcleod who is on holiday.