The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Lochgelly host Bluebells in cup
United without five key men against unbeaten Fife hosts
by Peter Rundo Lochee United, fresh from thrilling exploits at Bonnyrigg last week, head to Fife to meet Lochgelly Albert in the DJ Laing East of Scotland Cup today.
Though favourites to progress, the Bluebells are missing several key players, with Bryan Deasley and keeper Mark Stewart joining Kevin Buchan and Craig Smith on the injured list.
However, their unbeaten Fife hosts cannot be taken for granted as they are one of the promotion contenders in the South League.
The Berts include two newcomers in their squad having just signed goalkeeper Ryan Couser, previously with Lochore Welfare, and striker Ewan Henderson, formerly with Thornton Hibs.
Jeanfield Swifts meet Kennoway Star Hearts in an all-Super League clash in Perth.
The Fifers may prop up the table and still be without a league win, but they did hold their hosts to a draw at Treaton Park last month.
Swifts’ squad is strengthened by the arrival of defender Jamie Reid, who returns to his former club after a spell at Luncarty.
Lee Deans, Tony Holt, Scott Mollison and James Yeats are all available again, but injury rules out Fraser Mills, Mark Duigan and Chris Anton.
The visitors’ squad is unchanged from the one hit for six by Bo’ness last week.
Despite all their injury problems last week, Hill of Beath were only edged out by Super League leaders Penicuik courtesy of the game’s only goal.
Although Haws are only marginally better placed for the visit of Arbroath Vics, it would still be a major surprise if they didn’t advance. Russell Grierson may be fit enough for the bench and boss Kevin Fotheringham hopes to have signed a new player in time for kick-off.
Meanwhile, the Ogilvy Park visitors head south on the back of a disappointing defeat to Brechin Vics – their first of the season.
Dundonald Bluebell have fellow Fifers Newburgh as their guests and the Super League hosts have everyone available.
Newburgh boss Alan Fortune has added another two experienced heads to his squad this week, with Kieran Foy and Callum Connolly the latest arrivals.
Connolly has played for Greig Park Rangers and Kennoway previously as did Foy who was most recently with Methilhill Rovers.
For the second week running St Andrews United have high-flying Musselburgh as visitors.
Saints are without five regulars as they try to reverse last week’s 3-0 defeat.
The missing quintet are Rhory Mooney, Michael Fleming, Stuart McDonald Aiden Hendry and Ben Anthony, leaving Craig Morrison very grateful league points aren’t up for grabs.
There is another all-Premier affair at Whitburn where Thornton Hibs will hope they can repeat last month’s 3-0 league win at Memorial Park.
Meanwhile, Glen roth es have a tough tie at Super League Camelon to negotiate.
The Glens are still struggling with the absence of several key players as they look to cause an upset.
However, Callum Kinnes is back for the first time this season, while Ryan McDonald and Stephen King also return. New signing Graeme Walker is back in training but not ready to make an appearance.
South League Rosyth await North counterparts Coupar Angus. Recs are without keeper Quinn Franklin, while the Perthshire visitors include new signing Stuart Hill, a defender from Newburgh.
Kirkcaldy YM have strengthened their squad this week with three new signings as they host much-improved Lochore Welfare.
Super League Broxburn is a hard enough place to go when you are at full strength but Oakley head there almost certain to be without any strikers.
Lee Halpin is injured and Lee Celentano is on the verge of a move. In addition, Graeme Moore is unavailable so it will be a big ask for Lee Richardson’s team to cause an upset.
Scone Thistle expect to have two new signings from the senior ranks in their squad to face Premier League Blackburn United at Farquharson Park.
Their identities have yet to be revealed, but with the returns of Fraser McDonald, Jamie Ayton and Ross Mitchell, Thistle are in good shape for this testing tie.
Kinnoull also face Premier opposition when they take on Haddington ,who sit third in the table. Tulloch Park gaffer Alan Cameron has personnel problems
with seven unavailable and will delay his selection.
Blairgowrie welcome a Harthill Royal side that has only returned to the junior ranks after two years in abeyance.
The Berrypickers are expected to go through but are without Keir Riley and Darren Neave and the injured Greg McDonald.
Luncarty also should advance against visitors Stoneyburn who regularly figure in the lower reaches of the South League.
The Bleachers are without Richard Doig, Darren Kelly and Dale Smart.
Carnoustie Panmure travel to West Calder today eyeing a fifth straight victory, while Broughty Athletic play host to East Craigie.
North End face Bonnyrigg Rose and after a return to form last week at Coupar Angus, hope to make a fist of things against the Super League title favourites.
Violet welcome Bo’ness and hope to atone for the disappointing defeat to Luncarty last week.
Kirrie boss Jim Finlayson is well aware that Harp could be a potential banana skin when they meet at Westview, while Forfar West End head to Armadale and Forfar Albion host Crossgates Primrose.
Tayport are left idle with their tie at the Canniepairt having to be rearranged due to Linlithgow Rose’s William Hill Scottish Cup clash at Banks o’ Dee,