Hearts add three signings as cup business beckons

Lowland League leaders Kelty Hearts take a break from points-gathering when they host Whitehill Welfare in the third round of the Football Nation Qualifying Cup.

During the past week, boss Barry Ferguson has made three signings.

Finn Graham was signed from Arbroath on the eve of last week’s match with EduSport which was followed by the return of defender Sean O’Neill from Dundonald Bluebell. Jamie Devlin from Tranent was the latest to put pen to paper.

It is Hearts’ first home game for a month and as Whitehill are bottom of the table, it would be a major surprise if Ferguson’s side don’t progress.

Although Jeanfield Swifts have signed brothers Fraser and Scott Smith from Broughty Athletic, they won’t have their services for the Football Nation Qualifying Cup second round tie away to Civil Service Strollers.

They, and Scott Mollison, are in Belfast with Scotland’s Futsal squad.

It promises to be a real test for Ross Gunnion’s side against a team in mid-table of the Lowland League.

Oakley are also in second round action and could hardly have had a tougher tie than away to Bonnyrigg Rose.

Their hosts are unbeaten and are the runway leaders of Conference B.

Meanwhile, St Andrews United meet Camelon in a third round tie at Barnetts Park.

Such is manager Andy Brown’s frustration at his shot-shy Saints, he is contemplating playing himself up front to solve the lack of goals.

Hill of Beath play host to Edinburgh United in the Preliminary round of the Central Taxis League Cup.

Unfortunately, the Haws are without Lewis Elder and Michael Watt, while Rikki Dair and Jake Mitchell are in the doubtful category.

There are a couple of league games involving Courier Country clubs and both are in Conference B.

After their bright showing and only going down by the odd goal in three last week, Crossgates must fancy their chances against a Dunipace side that have only won two and lost the other eight league games.

Meanwhile, second from bottom Burntisland are at home to Lothian Thistle HV.

Although the visitors ran Kelty close to the East of Scotland title last season, they are a pale imitation of last season’s side.

East of Scotland League

Although they have no fixture this weekend, Dundonald Bluebell have been busy in the transfer market.

The Moorside club have completed a transfer arrangement with Kelty Hearts that sees Sean O’Neill return to New Central Park.

The deal includes Chris Gay joining Bluebell permanently and Ross Mutch joining on loan until the end of the season.