The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Harp hope to spring shock on Bo’ness
Smart’s return will boost chances of progress against three-times cup winners
The first round of the Scottish Cup sees 11 Courier Country clubs in action.
Lochee Harp have a plum tie with the visit of Super League Bo’ness, but given Harp’s habit of rising to the occasion a shock might just be on the cards.
Although the three-times cup winners defeated Violet 7-0 recently in the East of Scotland, they have won just two of their eight league games.
The return of Jay Smart from suspension is a boost, but Josh Perera and Mark Kelly are definitely out while Lloyd Young, Ryan McKillen and James Cochrane are nursing knocks.
Across the water, Tayport host Cumbernauld United who play in the West Super First Division.
Boss Charlie King views it as a huge game due to the club’s outstanding reputation in this competition.
Though there are a few niggly injuries, Gregor Anderson is the only definite absentee and King is highly hopeful of having a new signing in his squad.
Defensive problems confront Hill of Beath boss Kevin Fotheringham as they await the visit of New Elgin.
Definitely out are Rikki Dair, Mikey Lee, Darrin Wright, Kevin Connors, Rory Harrower, and Greg Smith with Russell Grierson a doubt.
Despite six of them being defenders, it is hard to imagine Haws won’t progress against a North Region side beaten 11-0 at home by Banks O’Dee last week.
For their second game in charge, Kirrie Thistle co-bosses Chris Kettles and Ralph Brand face a difficult assignment away to Rutherglen Glencairn.
Their hosts are in mid-table of the second tier of the West Region, so Thistle cannot afford to miss chances as they did last week when losing 2-0 at home to Bathgate.
Meanwhile, Glenrothes have a huge task away to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy who are second in the West Region’s top flight. Their is cause isn’t helped by Aiden Anderson and Ryan McDonald both missing, whist Sean Simpson and Lee Celentano are really struggling with injuries and Jamie Gay is also likely to miss out.
Meanwhile Scott Napier, who has yet to play this season, has started light training but is unlikely to be risked.
There is an all-Premier League affair at Arniston where St Andrews are the visitors.
With Saints riding high and Rangers without a win, complacency is something boss Craig Morrison will have to guard against.
In addition to Rhory Mooney, Darryl Falconer and Paul Quinn are also absentees.
Thornton Hibs have Ellon United as their guests and will have high hopes of taking the scalp of the North Region Super League side.
In the only tie in which one Courier Country club is guaranteed progression, Rosyth host Dundee East Craigie.
The South League side have hit the goal trail with 14 in their last two games, so it should be an exciting contest against the Shipbuilders who only lost for the first time last week
With veteran defender Mark McCulloch available again, Recs are at full strength.
The visitors are without Mark Ferrie, who is getting married, while Sean Reekie will also be missing.
Kirkcaldy YM travel to meet Aberdeen University in the hope of finally posting their first win of the season. GA Engineering Cup
Carnoustie face North League side Scone Thistle at Laing Park and the Gowfers will be favourites to bounce back from last week’s league defeat from Camelon.
The Gowfers are strengthened by Steven Cook’s return from holiday, but Adam Harwood is suspended and Luke McGeehan joins Ryan Roche and Liam Scott on the sidelines through injury.
Thistle will be on similar lines to the side that defeated Lochore Welfare, but have skipper Willie Laing and Fraser McDonald available again.
In the other preliminary tie, Blairgowrie meet Premier League side Downfield at Davie Park in a Preliminary tie hoping to create an upset. Player-boss Mark Brash welcomes back Keir Riley but Gary Axworthy is on holiday.
The Spiders are without suspended goalkeeper Darren Clarkson and defender James Thomson.
In the first round, Jeanfield Swifts host North League Side Arbroath Vics and must be rated favourites to progress.
However, the injured trio of Chris Anton, Fraser Mills and Mark Duigan are still sidelined while Lee Deans is on holiday. For a variety of reasons, Arbroath Vics are missing several squad members.
For the second week running, Coupar Angus and Luncarty meet at Foxhall Park, having shared four goals in the league.
Coupar pair Stuart Banks and Alex Gibb suffered knocks in that game and face late fitness tests.
Luncarty will also make a late decision
on several players who are returning from injury, but Calum Kirkcaldy, Steve McAllister and player-boss Jon Kelly are all available.
Super League LocheeUnitedwelcomeKennowayand a Bluebells win could see them go top. Their visitors, promoted last season, are still seeking a first top flight win.
Boss George Shields is hopeful Reece Ritchie and Craig Smith recover from injury, but Kevin Buchan and Mark Stewart are still injured and Danny Millar is unavailable.
The only change to the visitors’ squad is the return of Ross Brewster.
Fifth-placed Dundonald Bluebell must fancy their chances of victory at home to Sauchie. Their only doubt is Mark Forbes whiledefenderCraigWedderburnissetto return.
After a watching brief last week against linlithgow, Jim Finlayson takes charge of Broughty Athletic for the first time with the visit of Newtongrange.
Though not particularly impressed by the manner of a fourth successive defeat, he is in a happier frame of mind after a week’s training.
“We have had two good sessions and I was very pleased with the lads’ reaction and hopefully we can get back to winning ways,” he said.
The Fed have placed Brian Clark on the transfer list. Interested parties to contact Sean Donaldson on 07756 391869.
Forfar West End host Camelon and, buoyed by last week’s excellent away win at Sauchie, Darryl McKenzie will be hoping his side can post back-to back victories. His squad will be along similar lines and note this game kicks-off at 2pm.
North League
Leaders Violet are away to Newburgh looking for a victory that would stretch their lead to five points – but they are without Jonny McBride, Mitchell Hay and Kit Bremner, while Ross McLeary and Bradie Heggie are doubtful.
Newburgh boss Alan Fortune knows an improved performance will be required to the one that saw off Forfar Albion last week.
Kinnoull are the only Perthshire side in league action away to Lochore Welfare.
Boss Alan Cameron has the same squad available as last week when they ended East Craigie’s undefeated run.
The Fife hosts are without club captain James Adam, Logan Donaldson and Kearayn Hicks.
There is an Angus derby at Victoria Park where Brechin Vics meet Forfar Albion. Vics will have high hopes of securing a third win of the season against their neighbours.
South League
Lochgelly Albert welcome league leaders Edinburgh United to Gardiners Park. John Duffy returns to Berts’ squad but Scott Murray starts a three match suspension.
Easthouses Lily are Oakley’s visitors and boss Lee Richardson will be without Graeme Moore and Booklyn Mair.
Crossgates Primrose are away to Stoneyburn.