Forfarshire are taking nothing for granted

Forfarshire skipper Umair Mohammed is hoping there are no aviation issues as he dashes back from Corfu for today’s crucial clash with Stew-Mel.

On the back of last week’s stunning triumph over pacesetters Grange, the Broughty Ferry brigade aim to dodge any banana skins thrown down by the struggling Edinburgh outfit at Forthill.

Mohammed said: “No opponents can be taken lightly, including sides like Stew-Mel at the lower end of the table.

“It should be a great surface, so the better team on the day will come out with the result they want.”

Only hapless Glenrothes are between Stew-Mel and the basement, but spokesman Kenny Crichton insisted a single win can turn around their season, even at this advanced stage.

This afternoon Arbroath are visitors to Gilvenbank, and Crichton stated: “Obviously our task to stay in this league is becoming tougher, especially with inconsistent player availability.

“Skipper Safyaan Sharif is back and we really believe that one victory could make all the difference to our fortunes.”

Arbroath are minus captain Marc Petrie, Fraser Burnett and overseas amateur Hayden Laing.

Petrie said: “Glenrothes are a much better team than their position suggests and the boys will be wary of the threat they pose.”

Elsewhere, Grange will bid to get back on the winning trail by accounting for Watsonians at Myreside.

Second-placed Heriot’s are also on capital derby duty at Carlton, while RHC Lions welcome Aberdeenshire.

In the NorthEast Championship the Falkland bandwagon keeps on rolling. Having secured a place in the quarter-finals of the British Village Cup, the Fifers return to league business this afternoon at Mannofield.

Last weekend was a memorable one at Scroggie Park. Not only did they surge clear at the top of the Perthshire and Strathmore Union top grade, they also hammered East Ardsley from Yorkshire to reach the last eight of the UK-wide tournament.

It remains to be seen if they can emulate Freuchie by winning in the final at Lord’s but, on current evidence, who would bet against them?

Their next opponents are Folkton and Flexion, based at Scarborough.

The showdown takes place at Scroggie Park a week tomorrow.

Until then the focus of skipper Stuart Campbell and his men will be on bolstering their league drive.

There are other intriguing fixtures in the Union today.

Having gained a welcome but rare win last week, Arbroath’s second stringers entertain Strathmore, but with the first Xl weakened yet again it could be a tall order for the Lichties to repeat their feat.

Forfarshire’s back-up men are at Dundee HSFP, while Meigle welcome Gordonians.

Perth Doocot have home advantage against StoneywoodDyce, who are the chief challengers to Falkland.