The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Finlayson relishes clash with Gowfers
Broughty emerge from hibernation to welcome first foots Carnoustie
Broughty Athletic have Carnoustie Panmure as their first foots.
The Fed’s only action since their last league fixture almost two months ago has been a couple of friendlies against Violet.
Fed gaffer Jim Finlayson was happy with what he saw in the second of those last Tuesday when his side ran out 5-0 winners.
He said: “Matches against Carnoustie are always keenly-contested affairs especially as they badly need the points.”
Only change to the Fed squad following the departure of Iain Ross is the inclusion of goalkeeper Chris Mcpherson, who was assisting Harp on the coaching side and played for 45 minutes against Violet.
The Gowfers will be looking for revenge for the 6-2 defeat the Fed inflicted on them in the first meeting, especially as a nine-game winless run has seen them slip into the play-off place.
Apart from Jamie Robbie, manager Alan Mcskimming should have a full pool available.
Prospects for Lochee United’s visit to Keirs Park look good. Opponents Hill of Beath will have a new face in the squad after signing midfielder Paul Allan from Dunfermline Athletic yesterday.
The Bluebells are desperate to see competitive action with next week’s Scottish Cup tie against East Kilbride in mind. Manager George Shields is without Kevin Buchan and Bryan Deasley.
Forfar West End welcome Newtongrange and the bottom-of-the-table hosts badly need a win after last week’s 8-0 mauling at Broxburn.
Long-term casualty Matt Ramsay is the only absentee.
Disappointed by consecutive defeats to Thornton Hibs and Dunbar, St Andrews boss Craig Morrison is looking for his side to make the most of back to back home games in the Premier League, starting with Blackburn United today.
Tayport’s win over Kirrie Thistle last week kept them in the promotion frame, and they will need a repeat of that success when they face another Thistle this week at Bathgate.
Port are without Gregor Anderson due to work commitments as well as the recently-departed Spanish duo of Dani Sanches and Sergio Alvarez, who have returned to Tenerife.
Dalkeith Thistle this week announced their intention to follow Kelty Hearts’ lead and join the East of Scotland League next season. That will, of course, impact the relegation issue with four clubs normally going down.
On the plus side, Kirrie Thistle got back on the goal trail at Tayport last week, but, despite scoring twice, they still lost. Thistle are six points from safety and desperately need to take something from the visit of Musselburgh, but, as they are the unbeaten league leaders, that will be easier said than done.