West End looking for double over favourites

Forfar West End host third-placed Sauchie, but, irrespective of today’s outcome, Darryl McKenzie’s men’s hopes of promotion look to be via the play-offs.

The visitors’ only home defeat was to West End, but even completing a notable double won’t prevent the Beechwood side going up as they are just four points behind the Strathmore Park side with six games in hand.

Even victory at home to Downfield in their final game of the season is unlikely to save St Andrews from the drop.

Whitburn’s midweek win over already relegated Armadale closed the gap on Saints to five points, but with four games in hand.

However, to give themselves any hope of survival, three points are essential from the Spiders’ visit, but no wins in the last eight outings hardly brings confidence.

Saints are without the suspended Scott Orrock as well as Scott Mayne and Lee Duffy.

Downfield won the last meeting 4-2 but are without the injured trio of Mark Bannon, Jack Neave and Craig Smith, while Kevin Milne is suspended.

The Canniepairt houses an all-Fife affair with Glenrothes as Tayport’s guests.

As they look to take a further step toward sealing fourth place, Port will be without Daniel Sanchez but player/ manager John Ovenstone returns from a period of suspension.

The Glens are safe from the drop but boss Willie Campbell would surely like to see his side improve on their lamentable record on the road which has brought them only six points from 12 attempts.

However, their hopes are hit by injury with two in training this week taking their crocked tally to 10.

The return of Jack Small between the sticks is the only crumb of comfort for Campbell.

Bottom-of -the-table Violet’s hopes of a point were dashed by Tayport’s lastminute winner in midweek and the Pansies now face a trip to sixth-placed Tranent.

As ever, Glenesk gaffer Ralph Henderson is short-handed.

He is again without Barry Wilson, Ciaran Conway and Aaron Kane through injury, while Kevin Scott is suspended and Chris Tawse and Ben Middleton are unavailable.