Battle of the Bluebells can be real classic

Dundonald go seeking revenge over Lochee after earlier 3-1 defeat

Courier Country’s top two teams, Dundonald Bluebell and Lochee United, will battle it out at Moorside Park today.

The Fifers occupy second place in the Super League, while the Tayside Bluebells are seven points worse off in sixth place, but with two games in hand.

The Tayside team took the honours last time with a 3-1 victory, so Stevie Kay’s men will be going all out for revenge.

And they have an excellent home record, winning seven of their nine home games, but George Shields’ side have only lost twice on the road, so it is shaping up to be a classic contest.

Dundonald have suffered a blow this week with Greig Meikle having walked out on the club, while they are also without the injured Barry Sibanda.

Lochee, so unlucky not to take something from last week’s game with leaders Bonnyrigg Rose, are minus the services of Paddy Deane, Kevin Buchan and Mark Stewart, but Shields is hopeful of having a new face in his squad.

Broughty Athletic are at home to Bo’ness United and have announced defender Jamie McCunnie is in charge at Whitton Park for the remainder of the season.

The former Dundee United player will take charge for a second time this season, having taken over from Keith Gibson for eight games until Jim Finlayson was appointed.

McCunnie is assisted by former Fed player Iain Mcleod.

McCunnie’s second spell in charge didn’t get off to a flying start as the Fed went down 4-0 to high flying Broxburn at Albyn Park last week.

The interim boss has a full squad as he looks to arrest a run of four straight defeats.

Hill of Beath host Newtongrange Star hoping for a repeat of their 4-2 win the last time the sides met.

Boss Kevin Fotheringham is delighted that Rikki Dair and Calum Adamson are fit again but Lee Reid is still sidelined, while Kevin Connors, Charlie Denton, Rory Harrower and Greig Smith are all missing.

Midfielder Aaron Hay has been placed on the transfer list. All inquiries to manager Kevin Fotheringham

With a place in the last 16 in the Scottish Cup in the bag, Carnoustie play host to Linlithgow.

Rose have suffered just two defeats in their 14 league outings, so the Gowfers’ three-match unbeaten run could come under threat.

Ryan Roche is still sidelined, while defender Adam Harwood is a major doubt.

After their exits from the Scottish, both Jeanfield Swifts and Forfar West End resume their battle to beat the drop.

Swifts’ match at Sauchie Juniors is a must win game, given they have slipped to third from bottom. How important a win would be is clear given their hosts are just two points better off with the same number of games played.

Player-boss Ross Gunnion expects the team to be along the same lines as the one beaten 6-2 by Beith last week.

Bottom of the table Forfar West End face a much harder task away to unbeaten leaders Bonnyrigg Rose

Gary and Dale Robertson are added to the squad that exited the Scottish at Kilbirnie Ladeside by the odd goal.

Three points are a must for Kennoway Star Hearts at Camelon if the gap between them and the play-off place isn’t to become a chasm.

Hearts have Mark Partridge back from suspension but Nathan Doig faces a late fitness test.

Premier League

Next up for Tayport in their promotion bid is a visit from Arniston Rangers.

The sides drew 1-1 in the first meeting and the Lothian side must not be underestimated. They won for the first time a fortnight ago and followed it up with a 2-0 win at Tranent last week.

After picking up a knock against Brechin Vics last week, Alan Tulleth is a fitness doubt, while Gregor Anderson is unavailable and Martin Strachan has been transferred back to former club Scone Thistle.

Marc Ogg has been made available for transfer. All inquiries to Kevin Hart on 07449672298

St Andrews and Kirrie Thistle meet at Barnetts Park and both desperately need the three points – for totally contrasting reasons.

Saints, who are at full strength, are out to maintain their promotion ambitions while the visitors require full marks in their quest to avoid the drop.

In the St Andrews dugout for the first time will be Craig Winter after his appointment as assistant manager.

This match, at Thistle’s request, now kicks-off at 2.30pm.

Last week’s cup win at Blackburn was the perfect boost for Glenrothes before they face league leaders Musselburgh at Warout.

Ryan McDonald returns to the Glens squad but they will be without Dion Gear and Craig Wallace.

Warout gaffer Willie Campbell had hoped to include a new signing but it failed to materialise after a last-minute hitch.

Ahead of their trip to fourth-placed Fauldhouse, Thornton Hibs have signed experienced defender Michael Lee on an 18-month contract.

Downfield badly need the three points from their trip to Dalkeith.

The Spiders are missing midfielder Calvin Colquhoun – out for several weeks following a serious facial injury against Camelon last week – and Marc O’Leary.

Note this match has a 1.30pm start.