Enforced rest may be to Hearts’ advantage

Kelty Hearts were without a game last weekend, with Selkirk unable to fulfil their fixture in the Lowland League.

This weekend Tam Courts’ side are back in cup action in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup first round against Dalkeith Thistle at New Central Park.

The rest has enabled Kelty to let niggles heal and Courts expects to have a full squad available.

Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion is relishing their clash with Lowland League favourites, East Kilbride at the K-Park.

“We are looking forward to what will be a very tough test. The players are in a confident mood after a good start to the season and we hope we can go to East Kilbride and put on a good showing.”

Gunnion is without Allan Leith and James Yates but is able to welcome back Lee Deans after suspension.

Crossgates Primrose came down to earth with a bump in midweek and will have to regroup as they embark on the first of three consecutive games against Bo’ness United.

DespitethedefeattoDundonald in the week Primrose will travel in confident mood and manager Alan Campbell should have a full squad to choose from.

Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts need to put their heavy defeat to Linlithgow Rose on Wednesday night behind them as they welcome Hawick Royal Albert to Ballast Park.

Hawick were relegated from the Lowland League last season so will be formidable opponents for the rookie Swifts, who are not helped by injuries picked up in midweek to Lee Duffy, Craig Morrison, Ryan Cowie and Ross Hamilton, as well as Calum Strang who broke his arm at Edinburgh United last weekend.

Oakley United earned a valuable point at Newtongrange Star in midweek on their League debut and will need to build on that as they face Lowland League side Vale of Leithen at home.

United manager Richard Fox will be without Dan Greig, Reece Kay and Ryan Lemetti, while there are doubts over Jack Cowan Lee Dawson and Jack Dawson.

Hill of Beath Hawthorn face a tough ask at home to Lowland League heavyweights Spartans at Keirs Park.

Kevin Fotheringham’s Haws took care of Dunbar United 3-1 last weekend in the Alex Jack Cup and should be in a positive frame of mind as they look to this weekend’s big game.

But Fotheringham’s squad is somewhat threadbare. With Rikki Dair, Michael Watt, Shaun Leishman and Kevin Conners all out, and Lewis Elder, Lee Reid and Calum Rarity all doubtful, the Haws boss will need to call on players from their U20s.

In the Central Taxis East of Scotland League, Dundonald Bluebell secured a morale boosting Conference B victory over Crossgates in midweek but Bonnyrigg Rose at New Dundas Park are a totally different kettle of fish.

Rose thrashed Tranent 8-1 in midweek away from home and have been in sparkling form.

Manager Jason Dair said: “It is as tough a game as we will get all season against a top notch opponent.

“We will have to be at the top of our game to stand any chance of bringing any points back to Fife.”

Dair is without Michael Dunlop and Colin Wilson due to work commitments, while Brian Ross, Jason Penman and Billy Rogerson all miss out through injury.

In Conference C St Andrews United manager Andy Brown will want a response from his side as they head to Prestonpans to take on Preston Athletic.

St Andrews were beaten 3-0 by Jeanfield Swifts on Tuesday night in their League opener so will be looking to take their first points from the trip to the Pennypit.