Ex-gowfer Hearn returns for Spiders

The match of the day in the Mcbookie.com Midlands League is at Downfield Park, where third-placed Downfield take on a Carnoustie Panmure side that are playing catch up following Scottish Junior Cup exploits.

The Gowfers were comfortable winners last week against Kirriemuir Thistle and manager Phil Mcguire is unlikely to deviate massively from that starting XI, although a few players have been under the weather during the week.

Downfield welcome back former Carnoustie man Bruce Hearn after suspension and he joins the same squad that were on duty last week for the comfortable 4-0 win at Tayport.

Leaders Dundee North End will be confident of taking another three points at home to Scone Thistle to maintain their position at the top of the table.

Broughty Athletic sit in second place and will be confident of taking all three points from the visit of Coupar Angus to the Quest Arena. Ruari Henry was sent off last week and he is the only change to the Broughty squad as they look to keep up the pressure on North End.

It’s an Angus derby at Victoria Park as Brechin Vics welcome Arbroath Vics. Steven Smith, Douglas Crowe and Ben Mooney are all missing for the hosts while,

Arbroath hope to be able to welcome back goalkeeper Arran Lyall as well as Jack Whitton and striker Scott Milne but forward Lewis Sivewright has returned to parent club Carnoustie Panmure.

Tayport are without the suspended Niklas Edwards and Jamie Hume, Darren Brown, Kieron Sturrock and Ross Mcdonald for the trip to Blairgowrie. Defender Jim Malone has left the club for a two-year stint in Australia.

Dundee St James have a number of injury concerns and continue to be without the suspended Pat Smith as they host Letham.

Forfar United welcome Dundee East Craigie, who are four points behind the leaders with two games in hand. Both sides are expected to name full squads.

Dundee Violet face the tough task of a trip to Westview Park to take on a Kirrie Thistle side, smarting from a 3-0 defeat at Carnoustie Panmure last week.

It’s the first Lochee derby of the season as United host Harp at Thomson Park. United began life after George Shields with an emphatic 7-0 win at Letham. Both sides will be missing several players.

Montrose Roselea are looking to make progress in the Quest Precision Engineering Cup as they welcome Banchory St Ternan to Links Park for a first round clash.