The only way is up for Pansies

IN the Premier League, Violet’s position for the second half of the campaign is quite clear.

The Pansies must start picking up wins if they are to avoid dropping back to the North League.

With only two victories from 14 matches, the omens don’t look good for the Glenesk club, and they couldn’t have picked a tougher start to the new year with a visit from league leaders Forfar West End.

Manager Ralph Henderson’s selection problems are set to continue, however, with no fewer than five players missing.

Craig Batchelor, Barry Wilson, Aaron Kane and Dale Hart are all out injured, while Kevin Scott is unavailable.

West End are without the injured quartet of Calum Walls, Liam Godfrey, Matt Reynolds and Craig Stephen. On the plus side, they have re-signed striker Kieran Crichton from their U/19 team.

Tayport face a big task in the second half of the season in their bid to push for promotion.

The Canniepairt side currently sit in fifth position but, crucially, there is an 11-point gap between them and leaders Forfar West End.

John Ovenstone’s side can’t afford many slip-ups in the remainder of their games if they are to mount a challenge and a home win over Bathgate tomorrow is vital.

Player/boss Ovenstone returns from suspension but Pavel Ostrovskis starts a one-match ban.

Sergio Alvarez has restarted training and could be in the squad but Kieran Conway, who picked up a stress fracture in a friendly against East Craigie, is sidelined.

Downfield will be looking for a repeat of a successful first half of the season as they kick off the year with a trip to Fife to face Kennoway.

Manager Paul Marr is in the fortunate position of being able to name a full-strength pool.

St Andrews host Armadale Thistle in a vital relegation battle.

Saints are just one place off the drop zone and four points better off than their opponents.

However, with the Lothian side having two games in hand, it really is a game the Fifers — without a win since August — can ill-afford to lose.

St Andrews are without Scott Mayne.