Dokens bid to bring down United

North End hope to continue fine start in clash with Bluebells

Game of the day in the North Super League is at North End Park where the Dokens will be out to lower Lochee United’s colours.

The Dokens have made a reasonable start to life in the Super League, having lost only twice, the last of which was a disappointing 2-1 home reversal to Scone.

And they will have been encouraged by ousting Broughty from the DJ Laing Cup.

Other than a surprise opening day defeat at Luncarty, United are back to winning ways.

Greg Kirk and Alan Tulleth, who both missed last week’s Scottish Cup win over Lothian Thistle, return, leaving injury victims Craig Smith and James Thomson the only absentees.

League leaders Carnoustie host a revitalised Downfield at Laing Park.

Undefeated in their last three outings, last week’s 6-1 East Region Cup win over Linlithgow will only further boosted the Spiders’ confidence.

The Gowfers, however, were left lamenting their performance at Luncarty which resulted in a 1-0 defeat.

Therefore manager Phil McGuire is looking for a major improvement, but does have a full squad available.

Jamie McCunnie was another disappointed boss last week after Broughty’s defeat to North End, albeit only on penalties.

And as they welcome Luncarty he intends freshening things up. Both Bryan Duell and Kieran Conway who missed last week’s cup game return, but Gregor Anderson and Derryn Kesson are missing.

Included in the Fed squad is Ryan Connelly, a striker from Cowdenbeath, who has been signed until January in an aim to get matches under his belt.

The Bleachers will be difficult opponents as they underlined with last week’s cup success over Carnoustie.

Robbie Holden is still sidelined, so boss Jon Kelly has a squad of 17 available, although Stuart Nicol and Chris Anton will require late fitness checks.

Having got his win under his belt last week against Brechin Vics in the cup, Tayport manager Chris McPherson is now setting his sights on a first three points when they welcome Scone Thistle.

Top scorer Dayle Robertson is suspended and Conor Ireland is doubtful but Jamie Gill returns from suspension.

Scone Thistle, who are hoping to notch a fourth successive win, have a full squad.

Ahead of their derby at Strathmore Park, neither Forfar West End nor Kirrie Thistle have had their troubles to seek this week.

After more than a decade in charge, West End’s player-boss Daryl McKenzie resigned. The club is inviting applications for a new manager and applications should be made in confidence to the club secretary Jamie Hart to forfarwestend1892@hotmail.com.

As an interim measure, his assistant Graeme Hart, takes charge.

Visiting boss Darren Scott is deprived, through either injury or suspension, of nine players. He hopes to make two or three signings to help plug the gaps.

South Super League Third-placed Thornton Hibs will be looking to make it three wins out of three on the road at Bathgate Thistle.

The hosts, who are only a point adrift of Hibs, will be smarting from last week’s 7-1 home defeat to Armadale in the DJ Laing Cup. Ben Anthony and Stuart Drummond are both suspended.

Lochore Welfare are still seeking their first win of the season as they prepare for a derby clash with Kennoway Star Hearts at Crosshill.

Welfare welcome back Ben Rolland, who has been working offshore, and will make his second debut for the club after his return during the summer.

Impressive wins over Pumpherston and Forfar West End in their last two outings makes the visitors favourites.

North Premier League

Craigie Park is the stage for a top-ofthe-table clash as leaders East Craigie face third-placed Arbroath Vics.

The Angus side are up against unbeaten hosts, who have dropped just two points and are averaging under six goals a game.

Calum Faulkner is the only Craigie absentee. Vics welcome back Matt Keogh, Zac Archer and Conor Gray.

Second-placed Blairgowrie are looking to extend their undefeated run to eight games against Violet at Davie Park.

With Darren Neave, Ian Plenderleith and Gordon Pirie all missing, Blair boss Mark Brash expects to have a squad of 16.

Included in Violet’s squad is new signing Jake Grady who has arrived from St Andrews United on a loan deal until January.

Another boost for Pansies boss Andy Heggie is the return of Sean Tucker, but Kieran McWilliams and Lawrie Mitchell are both suspended.

Forfar Albion suffered a blow this week with captain Lee Gallacher’s decision to give up playing due to personal circumstances.

Harp are without Darren Brown, Aaron Conway, Sam McDonald and Lewis Fyfe.

Defender Mark Kelly has been placed on the transfer list at his own request and interested clubs should contact Michael Gormley on 07958165190.

Brechin Vics host Coupar Angus and have Liam Bailey and Morgan Smith back, but Duncan Martin is still injured.

Boss Stephen Stewart adds two trialist strikers to his squad.

Coupar Angus have no fresh injuries.