Harp problems as leaders check in

LOCHEE Harp have a few selection worries ahead of their clash with North League leaders Blairgowrie at Beechwood tomorrow.

Manager Michael Gormley will be without Sam McDonald, Connor McLeod and James Cochrane, while Joe Colquhoun is struggling with a hamstring injury.

Blair will start favourites to maintain their 100% record on the road against a Harp side who have won only twice in seven attempts.

After their Scottish Cup defeat by Bathgate last week, East Craigie should get back in the winning way with a victory over bottom-of-the-table Lochore.

The Shipbuilders have a clean bill of health and are able to name a full-strength squad.

Kinnoull are at full strength, bar Jordan Davidson, for the visit of Forfar Albion. In addition, Tulloch Park boss Alan Cameron hopes to have a new signing on board. Much improved as Albion are this season, they are without a win on their travels, so anything other than a home win seems unlikely.

Brechin Vics don’t have their problems to seek for the visit of Luncarty. No less than six players are unavailable — Sam Wood, Colin Lawson, Jordan Rausch, Douglas Crowe, Paul Tosh and Connor Mtchell.

With only 14 players at his disposal, boss Charlie King may call on a couple of trialists.

Following successive home defeats, Luncarty are desperate to get back into a winning vein but are without both Bally Whytock and Richard Doig. On the credit side, central defender Neil Ritchie returns. The Bleachers will field a trialist keeper as regular No 1 Craig Houston is injured.

Westview Park stages the battle of the Thistles with Kirrie hosting Scone. The home side’s squad is unchanged from last week but Fraser Mills and Craig Mitchell are unavailable for the visitors while Gary Fergus will require a late test on his hamstring injury.

All eyes will be on North End to see if they can continue their scoring spree at home to Newburgh.

The eight scored at Elgin last Saturday brings their total goals scored to 30 in their last five games and few would bet against them adding to that total against the Fifers, who have one of the poorest defensive records in the league.

Manager Andy Heggie will, however, be without Ryan Winter (groin strain), Martin Strachan (shoulder injury) and Ryan Shaw (chest infection).

Newburgh are still looking for that elusive first win.

Added to their squad is defender Frankie Lannen, who was signed from Broughty Athletic this week.

East Craigie JFC committee and management team — back, from left — Kris Ward (coach), Jake Stephenson, (secretary), Ade Shearer (president), Willie Lawson (treasurer), Barry Goodwin, (goalkeeper coach). Front — co-managers Sean Wilkie and Craig Brown.