Hibs target another scalp and place in last 16 of Scottish Cup

After last week’s postponement, Thornton Hibs are keeping their fingers crossed that their Macron Scottish Junior Cup home tie with Renfrew goes ahead at the second time of asking.

Hibs boss Craig Gilbert believes beating the 2001 winners to reach the last-16 would be a “fantastic achievement” for the club.

But having already knocked out West Region Premiership opposition in Kirkintilloch after a terrific 3-1 win in the last round they seem eminently capable of taking another scalp.

Especially as their opponents prop up the Premiership table.

There are two DJ Laing East Region Cup ties scheduled.

In the second round, Kennoway Star Hearts host Downfield.

Apart from long-term injury victim Liam Rolland, Star have everyone else available as they look to repeat their 2-0 victory in September’s league clash at the same venue.

And as they look to avenge that defeat, The Spiders are at full strength.

Two Thornton Property East Region League Cup ties have been switched due to waterlogged pitches.

Tayport were due to meet Lochee Harp at Downfield Park, but this game will now take place at the Canniepairt.

Port have added Harris Kay to their squad, the versatile 18-year-old midfielder having been signed from Cowdenbeath.

Boss Stevie Kay has other irons in the fire to bring in further new faces, though unlikely in time for this weekend.

Dayle Robertson, Connor Gray and Craig Sturrock are all missing and Kay is sweating on the fitness of two others, both of whom will require late fitness tests.

The other tie that has been switched is North End’s match with Blairgowrie which now goes ahead at Davie Park.

Blair returned to winning ways last week with a fine win at East Craigie and will be looking for a repeat against the North League leaders.

Other than the injured Rudi Brown, Blair have a full squad.

Lochore Welfare, who welcome Livingston United, are without David Byrne and Liam Thomson as they look to improve on being held to a 2-2 draw on their opponent’s league visit.

For the visit of West Calder, Rosyth hope to have a full squad as they aim to put their 7-1 defeat at Kinnoull in their opening group game behind them.

That leaves just three league fixtures, one in each division.

Super League

Second from top Broughty Athletic head to second from bottom Glenrothes aiming to cut the gap on the leaders, Lochee United, who are otherwise engaged, to a single point.

And with a 5-1 win over their Fife hosts in the Whitton Park clash, the Fed look a good bet to do just that.

North League

In the North League, Kinnoull meet Luncarty at Tulloch Park in a top of the table Perthshire derby.

The hosts, in fifth place, are on the fringe of the promotion race, while a win for the visitors would take them up to joint second with Scone.

After last week’s cup exit to St Roch’s, Bally Whytock is still a Bleachers absentee, while there will be a late decision on Stuart Nicol’s injury.

Meantime, Kinnoull boss Alan Cameron is sweating on the fitness of three of his squad and will make a late selection, though he reckons at least one of the trio will be available.

South League

The sole South League fixture sees bottom of the table Lochgelly Albert entertain Kirkcaldy YM.

Berts boss Andy Healy has the same squad available as last week when the 5-0 home defeat to Bathgate Thistle was their fifth straight league loss.

YM have Callum Geddes and Chris Price returning after holiday, but Donald Hyslop and Ross Ogden are out injured.

And as they look for the win that would see them jump four places, boss Craig Ness hopes to have a new face in his squad.