Leaders expecting typical derby

There is a big derby match at Foxhall Park as Coupar Angus host leaders Blairgowrie.

Blair manager Billy McKay said: “Derby games are always close-fought affairs and I don’t expect Saturday’s game to be any different.”

The leaders have a squad of 17 available and are hopeful of adding a new signing. Coupar Angus have a full squad.

It should be an attractive game at Tulloch Park as Kinnoull take on Brechin Vics, with both sides keen to get the ball down and play football.

Alan Cameron’s Kinnoull have had a great start and sit in third place, while Charlie King’s Vics have had to cope with a long injury list and sit in a disappointing 12th place.

Kinnoull are not without their selection problems with Rhys Davies joining long-term casualties Gregg Whyte and Jordan Davidson on the sidelines. Scott Christie is working.

Cameron said: “Hopefully the game will be on as the lads have had a few weeks off so are itching to get back to playing.”

The weather has been far from kind to Paul Martin’s Newburgh but the prospects are good for this weekend’s visit of Scone Thistle to East Shore Park. Martin has a full squad available.

Derek Lawson’s Thistle have also lost out to the weather and haven’t played since losing 3-2 at Blairgowrie but the lay-off has allowed niggles to heal and Lawson is confident of having a nearly-full squad available.

There is a Fife derby scheduled for Memorial Park as fourthplaced Thornton Hibs face bottom side Lochore Welfare.

Thornton haven’t played for four weeks and, with Kirriemuir in cup action, they are looking to jump above their promotion rivals, so everybody at the club is hoping for fine weather.

Hibs boss Craig Gilbert has a full squad to choose from. It’s been a struggle for Lochore on and off the park and it doesn’t get any easier for manager Andy Healy with eight players missing.

Healy told The Courier: “Unfortunately we will be taking a severely-depleted squad to Thornton for a game against one of the best teams in the division, so it is going to be very tough.”