Hearts not giving up chase for top seven

Kennoway Star Hearts still have a remote chance of making the top seven that secures a place in the East of Scotland League First Division – but they need to win both of their remaining games and hope that other results go their way.

The first of those games is today against secondplaced Leith Athletic at Treaton Park.

Craig Brand and Ross Balmer are both suspended and miss the game.

Glenrothes could still win the Conference B title but it is unlikely with the Warout Stadium outfit needing both Oakley United and Preston Athletic to lose their remaining games and Glens to win both of theirs.

It is a long shot, but Glens will be doing all they can to keep the pressure on the other two, starting as Easthouses Lily visit Warout.

Lochore Welfare still need a point to mathematically secure their First Division place following last week’s 3-1 home defeat to Burntisland Shipyard.

Heriot-Watt University are their challengers for the last place but they are six points behind with a 10-goal worse goal difference.

Welfare make the long trip to Hawick to take on Royal Albert at Albert Park.

For the second week running, Kinnoull have had their game at Tulloch Park postponed due to the opposition being unable to field a team.

Last week it was Peebles Rovers and today it is Edinburgh South who can’t manage to fulfil the fixture.

Oakley United know that a win against HeriotWatt will see them crowned Conference B champions and promoted to next season’s Premier Division – an incredible feat for Stewart Kenny and his troops.

It had looked like Preston Athletic were favourites with several games in hand but having points on the board has paid off for the Blairwood Park side.

United boss Kenny said “The game itself is huge, a win away from a league title.

“However, Heriot-Watt need to win to continue their challenge to finish in the top seven and they have already beaten us once this season.

“We will go into the game full of confidence and look to get the win in front of a big crowd.”

Reece Bernard and Mark Allan are both missing for Oakley but otherwise Kenny has a full squad to choose from.

Lochgelly Albert face Stirling University in their final home Conference B game at Purves Park.

Thornton Hibs’ League Cup Group A clash away to Tweedmouth has been postponed due to a Covid outbreak in the Fife ranks.