Familiar opposition face up to cup clash

Luncarty take a break from their Premier League North campaign for the Signature Signs Cup but, ironically, face league rivals Violet at Brownlands Park.

Bleachers boss Jonny Kelly expects to have a full squad available with the return of Stuart Nicol.

Violet make the trip to Perthshire on the back of a 6-1 win over Brechin Vics and manager John Dunn is hoping his side can repeat that form.

The two sides met in the East Region Cup, drawing 2-2 in normal time. Dunn expects to have a full squad available

There is an all-Super League clash in the second round as Lochee United face Tayport at Thomson Park.

United recently beat Tayport 2-0 in the Super League so will go in to the game as favourites to reach the festive break unbeaten.

However, confidence is high at the Canniepairt under new boss Stevie Kay and the visitors will fancy their chances.

United will continue to be without Kevin Buchan, Craig Smith and Alan Tulleth, while Tayport will be missing Struan Christie.

Thornton Hibs have a potentially tough afternoon as they face in-form Bathgate Thistle at the Memorial Park in the Fife and Lothian Cup.

Hibs enjoyed an impressive 2-0 win at home to Renfrew in the Scottish Junior Cup, which was “rewarded” with a trip to take on Kilwinning Rangers in the last 16. Boss Craig Gilbert will be without Sean Keatings as he completes his suspension.

Carnoustie Panmure have the chance to kick-start their Super League season as they welcome Kennoway Star Hearts to Whitton Park.

Carnoustie enjoyed a comfortable 7-1 win over Arbroath Vics in the League Cup last week and manager Phil McGuire will want his side to repeat that against a Hearts side the Gowfers beat 4-2 at Treaton Park back in August.

Kennoway went down 4-1 last weekend at Whitburn but Kevin Byers should have a number of players who missed that game back in the squad.

Bottom-placed Kirrie Thistle make the trip to Fife to take on Glenrothes at Warout Stadium on the back of a morale-boosting 4-1 win at Strathmore Park against Forfar West End.

Glens have been idle for the last two weeks due to a waterlogged pitch so it is no surprise they go in to the game with a full squad available.

In the Premier League North, Arbroath Vics will be up against it as they entertain Alan Cameron’s Kinnoull at Ogilvy Park. Dean Hardie and Lewis Quinn should return but Daniel Duggan is suspended.

Kinnoull have been boosted during the week, agreeing new contracts with Greg and Tom Whyte, Adam Frydychowicz and Fraser Wilson and travel to Arbroath with a full compliment of players available.

League leaders North End are on familiar territory as they face a Blairgowrie side they have beaten twice already.

Coupar Angus have to be praised for continuing through a season that has been a nightmare and this weekend they face East Craigie at home. Once again Coupar Angus will have a full squad available with a number of trialists.

Forfar Albion are not the pushovers they were but Scone Thistle will still fancy their chances of taking full points from Albion’s visit to Farquharson Park. Thistle continue to be without Max Avolio through suspension while Arron McKay is doubtful through injury.

Lochgelly Albert sit bottom of the Premier League South and face a difficult afternoon as they travel to Volunteer Park to take on second-placed Armadale Thistle.

Albert expect to have the same squad available that was heavily beaten by leaders Pumpherston in the League Cup.

Kirkcaldy YM have been a little inconsistent of late after a good start to the season, last week’s League Cup clash with Lochore Welfare being postponed just before kick-off not helping matters.

This weekend, Craig Ness’s side take on West Calder United at Denfield Park with a full squad available and will be looking to get back to winning ways.

As mentioned, Lochore’s game with Kirkcaldy was postponed last weekend so injuries have been given a chance to heal and a full squad is available – but it will be all hands on deck as Welfare face runaway leaders Pumpherston at Central Park.

Rosyth were disappointed with the way they followed up success in the Scottish Junior Cup with a heavy 5-0 defeat to Kinnoull at the Fleet Grounds and the Fifers will be looking for a definite response as they welcome Newburgh.

Rosyth go in to the game with a full squad, as do the visitors, who have struggled on the road.