Thornton’s cup clash with Renfrew to be played at Stark’s Park

Macron Scottish Junior Cup 4th Round

After the first two attempts to play Renfrew in the Scottish at Memorial Park were washed out, Thornton Hibs have switched the tie to Stark’s Park to ensure it goes ahead.

In view of the obvious financial implication, the club is hugely grateful to their home kit sponsor (GI Joinery) for sponsoring the game and to Norrie Dursley for sponsoring the match ball.

A blow for Hibs is that Max Coleman and Shaun Keatings are suspended.

Thorntons Property East Region League Cup

After winning the first group game at the Canniepairt 3-2, Tayport will be going all out to prevent Downfield completing the double at Downfield Park.

Last week, however, Port boss Stevie Kay saw his side claim a confidence-boosting first win, beating Harp 4-1.

Kay is still without injured pair Struan Christie and Craig Sturrock with another two being unavailable, whereas the Spiders are at full strength.

Section F is a tight group and for hosts Luncarty, having lost at East Craigie, it is win or bust for Jon Kelly’s side.

It all points to being tight affair, the teams having drawn in the league clash at Brownlands Park.

Bally Whytock could return for the Perthshire side after a two-month absence due to a knee injury, but a calf injury rules out Stuart Nicol.

Letting a two-goal lead slip at Violet last week means the Shipbuilders are without a win in three outings but will be on the same lines again.

A 3-1 defeat at Fauldhouse means today’s return is a must-win game for Glenrothes.

After last week’s match with Broughty was postponed, it’s fingers crossed that the pitch is playable this week.

Rosyth will hope to prove they are much better than the 7-1 defeat to Kinnoull indicates in the first meeting.

Results since prove that, having advanced to the last 16 of the Scottish and defeated West Calder 4-0 in their second group game last week.

Mark Higgins returns to give then a full squad, but striker Tam Hampson is rated 50-50 due to illness.

Kinnoull, so narrowly beaten by Luncarty last week in the league, have a full squad for the trip south.

Last week’s 3-1 win over Kirkcaldy YM ended a run of 13 games without a win and, having lost their two previous League Cup ties, only a win at home to Pumpherston will keep Lochgelly Albert’s qualifying hopes alive.

However, with the runaway South League leaders as visitors, who hit the Berts for six in the first meeting, it appears an uphill battle for Andy Healy’s men.

The same squad that ended their dismal run is available again.

In another Fife derby, Lochore Welfare host Kirkcaldy YM. The Crosshill men won the first group meeting at Denfield Park 2-0 and have a full squad which now includes new signing Scott Renton. Having drawn with Livingston, YM must win to stay in contention of qualifying. They are without Ewan Henderson and Kyle Fenton but Ryan Couser returns.

North League

Following the resignation of Tom Stevenson and his management team last week, winless Coupar Angus have moved quickly to fill the void by appointing Kevin Lawson as manager.

Previously manager of Sidlaw Albion Amateurs, he has brought two experienced coaches with him as they try to end the Foxhall outfit’s losing streak.

Not that they’ll find that easy at Blairgowrie who, with Gordon Pirie and Robbie Hood missing due to work commitments, still have a strong squad of 18 available.

Scone Thistle welcome Lochee Harp hoping to maintain their promotion challenge. The suspended Max Avalio is Thistle’s only absentee. With several players doubtful, Harp boss Michael Gormley will make a late selection.

Premier League South Fifth-placed Newburgh welcome thirdplaced Armadale Thistle in the Premier League. The Fifers are seeking revenge for the first meeting at Volunteer Park, hoping their fine home form enables them to redress the balance after that 5-1 defeat.

Scottish Cup fifth round draw – Girvan v Clydebank, Craigmark Burtonian v Lochee Utd, Kilwinning Rangers v Thornton Hibs or Renfrew, Largs Thistle v St Rochs, Cambuslang Rangers v Troon, Rossvale v Hurlford United, Blantyre or Auchinleck Talbot v Rutherglen Glencairn, Pollok v Rosyth. Games to be played on January 26.