The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Clubs hope ties can beat the weather
Frozen pitches could see teams out of action again
With only two Scottish Junior Cup ties involving Courier Country clubs going ahead last week, the remaining 10 are keeping their fingers crossed that the weather does not intervene again.
Lochee United, however, are pessimistic about the prospects of their match with Johnstone Burgh going ahead as Thomson Park was frozen solid yesterday afternoon.
If it does get the green light, there is every chance United, who have sold defender Aaron Whitehead to Elgin City, will have a new face in their squad which is still minus keeper Mark Stewart and Kevin Buchan.
Prospects for Carnoustie’s tie with Petershill at Laing Park are brighter, though the game is still in the balance.
The Gowfers are still without Ryan Roche and Jamie Robbie. Steven Cook returns, but Ewan Buggins is on holiday.
Though some parts of the pitch are playable, Downfield’s home tie with Wishaw is also in doubt and an early morning inspection will be required.
The Spiders are again without suspended pair James Thomson and Jack Neave.
Doubtful sums up the possibility of Hill of Beath’s plum home tie with Ayrshire giants Auchinleck Talbot taking place. Everything hinges on an 8.30am pitch inspection.
Other than the suspended John McCulloch, boss Kevin Fotheringham has a full squad.
And just along the road Crossgates Primrose, who face Beith, the 2016 winners, will also have an early morning inspection.
If the game goes ahead manager Alan Campbell has the same squad available that was on duty for their impressive 4-1 win over West Calder last time out.
On a more optimistic note, Kennoway Star Hearts hope that Treaton Park will be playable for Blantyre Vics’ visit.
Apart from Liam Rolland. who is suspended, everyone is available.
For the visit of Super League leaders Linlithgow Rose, Oakley United are without suspended pair Ross Wortley and Lee Halpin, as well as Ryan Stevenson and Graeme Moore, both injured, plus Dan Greig who is working.
Forfar West End are due to welcome Shotts Bon Accord and have a squad of 17 available.
Scone Thistle will play Kilsyth Rangers who sit mid-table in the West Region’s second tier and therefore will start favourites.
But Thistle, who have a full squad available, are no strangers to bucking the odds.
Lochore Welfare’s tie at Forth Wanderers is now being played on the artificial turf at the John Cumming Stadium, Carluke.
The Fifers’ chances have been hit by half a dozen absentees. Gary Inles, Kearayn Hichs, Lewis Thomson and Adam Doig are all injured, while Ben Rolland and Dean Ewing are unavailable.