Luncarty face tough test of credentials

Premier League leaders Luncarty at home to third-place East Craigie is game of the day.

Just three points separate the two sides, and the Shipbuilders will travel full of confidence after last week’s defeat of Carnoustie.

Stuart Nicol and Bally Whytock return for the Bleachers, but Ollie Saffry and Kyle Mitchell require late fitness checks.

East Craigie skipper Jim Malone could return after an 11-week absence, which leaves Robert Smith and Ewan Faulkner as the only definite absentees.

Marcos Rojas, missing last week due to a hamstring injury, is a doubt.

The Shipbuilders have placed Nik Mann on the transfer list at his own request. Interested clubs should contact Jake Paterson on 07773 582908.

Kinnoull boss Alan Cameron should have a full squad for the visit of basement boys Coupar Angus.

Though the visitors are pointless, Cameron is aware of their marked improvement in recent outings.

The visitors are boosted by the return of midfield duo Michael Malone and Darren Spence.

Blairgowrie head to Dundee Violet without Gordon Norrie, Gary Axworthy and Darren Neave, all injured, while Robbie Hood is working.

Scone Thistle are guests of Arbroath Vics and welcome back Max Avolio, Martin Strachan, Willie Laing and Stephen Moon after missing last week, but Kevin Sinclair and Ross Mitchell are doubtful.

Convincing winners last week, Tayport will fancy their Super League chances away to Carnoustie Panmure, who were left licking their wounds after a 4-2 defeat to Premier League East Craigie last week.

With Stewart McConnachie and Jamie Mackie still unavailable, boss Charlie King has the same squad.

There is a big derby at Memorial Park where Thornton Hibs and Glenrothes clash.

With Craig Gilbert’s side sitting third and the visitors down in eighth, Hibs must be favourites.

Glens new boss Barry Cockburn calls it a massive fixture and his side’s hopes aren’t helped by the absence of two key men.

Skipper Aidan Anderson is still out and so is Connor Schiavone.

Bottom of the table Kennoway Star Hearts also face a vital fixture away to Fauldhouse United.

Their hosts are just four points ahead with a game more played, so it is one that Hearts badly need to win.

The new managerial team of Kevin Byers and Chris Templeman must have been hugely encouraged by steering the side to their first points of the season with last week’s 2-1 win at Whitburn.

Forfar West End face a daunting task away to leaders Lochee United.

The Bluebells have a perfect 10 from their 10 games played, underlining the magnitude of Daryl McKenzie’s men’s task.

And that is despite having a depleted squad most weeks.

Indeed, boss George Shields only had one outfield substitute last week and, with Reece Ritchie, Logan Davie, Kevin Buchan, Kieran McWalter and Danny Millar still sidelined, the manager’s options are still limited.

After three successive defeats in the South League, Kirkcaldy YM have gone off the boil, so boss Craig Ness will be hoping they can return to winning ways at West Calder.

The hosts have drawn all four home games this season and lost 6-5 at Rosyth last week.

But with Daryll Anthony, Callum Geddes and Ross Ogden all unavailable, they have a slightly depleted squad.

Meanwhile, Rosyth will look to build on last week’s success at Armadale.

Although the hosts sit second, they have lost three of their five home games.

Apart from Mark Higgins, Recs have a full squad.

Newburgh head to managerless Lochore Welfare hoping for a repeat of the battling qualities on show in their penalty shoot-out cup success at Lochgelly Albert last week.

They’ll be hoping to avenge a 2-1 home defeat last May. On current form, the Burgh will start favourites.

Coach David Sheach’s stint as Lochgelly interim manager is set to continue for a few more weeks as the club are delaying making a permanent appointment.

For the trip to Harthill, Sheach will welcome the return of Pat Armour, Hamish Munro and Callum Bissett, but Liam Catling is still out.