Kinnoull boss guards against complacency for Newburgh trip

North League

After going top last week, Kinnoull make the short trip to Newburgh and will be expected to maintain pole position with a victory.

Alan Cameron is not taking anything for granted, however, against a side that until last week’s 6-1 home defeat to Scone had shown vastly improved form.

Indeed, the Noul manager is anticipating a close contest against a side managed by Paul Martin, a onetime colleague of the Tulloch Park boss.

Luncarty – Perthshire’s sole survivors in the Scottish Cup – have a tough test away to second-placed Thornton Hibs.

The Bleachers add Neil Ritchie, Gerry Kelly and Richard Donovan to the squad that overcame Rosyth last week.

The Fifers were 4-1 winners over bottom club Lochore last week to make it five wins out of their last six league outings.

Surprisingly held to a draw at Coupar Angus last week, Blairgowrie will be desperate to get back to winning ways but that won’t be easy away to North End.

Boss Billy Mackay, whose side were knocked off top spot, has the same squad available, including new signing John Black, a midfielder from Carnoustie Panmure who showed up well on his debut last week.

Dokens boss Andy Heggie is hoping a flu bug sweeping through the club clears up in time.

Victory is vital for the home side if promotion hopes are to remain realistic Other than possible flu victims, Ryan Winter is definitely out while Bradie Heggie faces a late fitness test.

After exiting the Scottish Cup last week, Kirrie Thistle – handily placed just three points off the top and with a game in hand – resume their promotion quest with a visit from Lochee Harp.

Though the Beechwood side are in the bottom half of the table, Thistle boss Jim Finlayson – who has the same squad available – feels they are a better side than their position suggests and won’t be underestimating them.

The visitors, who beat Arbroath Vics 3-2 last Saturday, are better placed than they have been for several weeks. Darryl Gowans’ return means James Cochrane is their only unavailable player.

Scone Thistle must be rated firm favourites at home to second bottom Forfar Albion, especially as they have the same squad available that hit Newburgh for six last week.

Albion, whose match was postponed last Saturday, are on a poor run of form, having picked up just one point and shipped 33 goals in their last seven outings.

Brechin Vics are without five of their squad – Ryan Milne, Sam Woods, Arnie McKay Matt Johnston and Blair Stephen – for the visit of East Craigie.

Veteran striker Paul Tosh returns to manager Charlie King’s squad of 15. Without a game last week due to the weather, the Shipbuilders are at full strength.

Arbroath Vics welcome Coupar Angus and Lee Jones is the hosts’ only absentee,

Chris Liversedge returns to the Foxhall outfit’s squad, while fullback Jake Tulloch, who made an impressive debut against Blair last week, is again included.

South League

Fourth-placed Lochgelly Albert meet Kirkcaldy YM in a Fife derby and will be expected to maintain their push for promotion at home to the only side in the division still to taste victory.

The first meeting between the sides this season ended in stalemate, one of five draws in which the YM have been involved.

Oakley will surely end a run of two successive defeats when they entertain bottom side Stoneyburn.

The Blairwood side have a few players carrying knocks from Wednesday’s friendly against Jeanfield, but welcome back top scorer Lee Celentano and Kevin Goodwin. Meanwhile Connor Duiry has left the club.

Crossgates Primrose are on a fine run of form, so a trip to third-placed Dunbar United should hold no fears – even if the hosts do boast a 100% home record.

Rosyth – who host Edinburgh United – have added five new faces in recent weeks and there were encouraging signs in the 3-2 Scottish Cup defeat at Luncarty.

There was a further boost following this week’s 4-2 friendly defeat against Super League leaders Kelty Hearts.

Scott Gilfillan and Stevie Slimmins return, but John Duffy has left the club.