The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Bluebells put cup dreams aside for now
Lochee United facing stiff test from Broxburn
Lochee United will put all thoughts of their forthcoming Scottish Cup semifinal with Auchinleck Talbot behind them for their first meeting of the season with third-placed Broxburn at Thomson Park.
The visitors have lost only twice this season. Both were away where they have only won three times in nine attempts.
The Bluebells are again without Paddy Deane, Kevin Buchan and Michael McIlvennie.
Fifth-placed Dundonald Bluebell entertain bottom club Forfar Albion.
Well as the Fifers have done this term, last week’s defeat at Camelon – new manager Jason Dair’s first in charge – was their third consecutive reversal.
They are without the suspended Stuart Walton but Gregg Meikle and Brodie Gray return. West End’s only absentees are long-term casualties Craig Bell and Mark Ramsay.
Broughty Athletic welcome Hill of Beath Hawthorn to Whitton Park looking to make it back-to-back wins after their 2-0 victory at Newtongrange Star.
The Fed have a couple of injury worries but hope both will be available.
After losing out to Premier League Arniston Rangers in the Fife and Lothians Cup last week, Haws will be looking to bounce back.
The Fifers are without Lee Reid, who has gone on loan to Lochore Welfare, while Lewis Elder is out and Shaun Leishman is doubtful.
Though idle last week, Carnoustie Panmure slipped into the bottom three after Jeanfield’s surprise win over Penicuik, so they will be desperate to get the better of fellow strugglers Kennoway Star Hearts at Laing Park.
Luke McGeehan is the only absentee, though boss Alan McSkimming is missing following a knee op earlier this week.
The Fife visitors are in danger of becoming detached at the bottom.
They are six points adrift of the Gowfers, who have played two games less, and the absence of Liam Rolland, Ross Mutch and player manager Craig Johnstone hardly helps their cause.
After last week’s tremendous win to topple Penicuik from top spot, Jeanfield Swifts have the same squad of 18 available for today’s trip to Bo’ness United.
That win hoisted the Perth outfit out of the drop zone to within two points of today’s hosts, but, having played two more games, taking something from this game would boost survival prospects.
Courier Country’s form team in the Premier League are Thornton Hibs, who are looking to extend an undefeated run of seven matches at Whitburn.
Testimony to their fine form came last week with a 5-3 win at Fauldhouse United, who are favourites to go up with Musselburgh.
Following last week’s disappointment of going out of the GA Cup at Hermes, Tayport travel to Dalkeith.
Having won the first meeting of the season 4-0, hopes will be high of completing a double. However, Jamie Mackie, Connor Gray and Dale Reid are ruled out, while Gary Sutherland is doubtful. On the plus side Stewart McConnachie and Ryan Suttie return.
Seven points from their last three outings has put some light between Downfield and the drop zone. But they cannot afford to relax away to an Arniston side that are second bottom but only four points shy of Paul Marr’s men.
Given that their hosts are unbeaten in their last eight matches –which started with a 2-2 draw at Downfield – and defeated Super League Hill of Beath last week, the Spiders will have to be wary.
Calvin Colquhoun and Phil Hagan are both out and Charlie Cargill is a doubt.
Last week’s 7-2 hiding from relegation-threatened Whitburn left St Andrews boss Craig Morrison fuming. Pulling no punches, he said: “It was an absolutely disgraceful performance and wholly unacceptable.”
He is looking for his side to put those wrongs right as they welcome Tranent to Barnetts Park.
Glenrothes are also just above the bottom three. Last week’s draw with leaders Musselburgh will have given them bags of confidence, however, for the visit of another of the promotion favourites, Fauldhouse United.
The Glens are further boosted by the return of Graeme Walker following an injury lay-off, but Jack Small is injured and Dion Gear’s absence leaves boss Willie Campbell with a goalkeeping problem.
Three points from last week’s game at Bathgate took bottom club Kirrie Thistle within touching distance of the four teams immediately above them and boss Chris Kettles will be looking for the side to build on that.
They couldn’t have a tougher task this afternoon when they visit Musselburgh, though the runaway league leaders’ only league defeat came at Westview.