Bleachers in as the underdogs

Nov 21 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

TOMORROW’S fixtures are a real mixed bag of cup and league games.

Luncarty and Kinnoull are engaged in the East of Scotland Cup second round ties at home against premier league opponents.

Luncarty entertain Dundonald Bluebell at Brownlands Park while Kinnoull take on Musselburgh at Tulloch Park.

Luncarty go into their tie as the underdogs, as apart from the Bleachers’ league form being poor and they placed at the foot of the central league table, their opponents are in a higher league.

However, the Bleachers are no strangers when it comes to providing cup shocks as they have proved on previous outings.

The Bleachers’ new boss Barrie Malcolm has got things buzzing at Brownlands Park since his arrival and he has been delighted with the response he has had from players.

Barrie made his first signings, they are Fraser Mills, who plays in the midfield and Stuart Hall, a centre forward, both recruited from the amateur ranks and are both in the squad which should number 16 or 17 for tomorrow’s game.

Only player missing is Ross Gray who is unavailable.

Dundonald dispensed with their manager a couple of weeks ago and they have now announced his successor.

Colin Downie is the new man in charge at Moorside Park.

Colin is an experienced campaigner as he has had previous stints with Glenrothes and St Andrews in this role.

Dundonald have taken only six points from the eight league games they have played.

Kevin Bain is a key figure in their defence and has had senior experience with Dundee, Raith Rovers and Stirling Albion.

He plays at centre half. Their danger man up front is Martyn Thompson who joined them from Hill o’ Beath where he was the Haws record goal scorer.

He has rejoined the squad after being out injured.

Kinnoull have a tough assignment as they take on premier league leaders Musselburgh.

The Lothians side have taken 19 points from the eight league games they have played so far.

Kinnoull have been playing a lot of good football but haven’t been able to produce the goals which is causing Scott Brown concern.

Scott has two players in the doubtful category, midfield/forward Steve McAllister (bruised foot) and Jon Kelly (calf injury). Both will have late fitness tests. Neil McCallum and Mark Morrison are still out with injuries but Andre Tang and Jamie McKenzie return. It’s a late selection from Scott Brown.

Musselburgh have been going well but have had a few blips. Beaten at home in the Scottish Cup first round by Bo’ness and their league record was shattered when they were trounced 5–0 by Newtongrange Star, and held to a draw by Arniston Rangers in the league which was a surprise, so they can be vulnerable. Hopefully Kinnoull can find that elusive finishing touch tomorrow.

Blairgowrie are at home to north region super league side Ellon United at Davie Park in the second round of the GA Cup.

Blairgowrie will go into this cup encounter with their confidence on a high after their premier league draw against Carnoustie last week.

This was their best result of the season so far.

Blair boss Billy Mackay is confident that his team will rise to the occasion tomorrow and that they will win their way through to the next round at Ellon’s expense.

Paul Ireland, who has been out with a foot injury, and Ryan Menzies, groin strain, have returned to light training, but are not ruled out for tomorrow’s game. Definite non starter is Kevin Hirons as he is suspended. It’s a late selection from Billy Mackay.

Ellon don’t have fond memories of their last visit to Strathmore when they met Coupar Angus in the Scottish Cup in a second round replay and lost.

Ellon are currently in the lower half of the north region super league table and their form is described as patchy.

Jeanfield Swifts are the only team to have a home fixture in the central league as Bankfoot and Scone Thistle are both away.

Swifts are at home to Lochore Welfare and if they can take the three points from this game they will move into the second top place in the league table as Rosyth, St Andrews and Kirkcaldy YM, who are currently above them, are engaged on cup business tomorrow.

It’s a great chance for Swifts to become second challengers in the race for the championship.

Lochore Welfare are hovering around the middle of the table and if form is any guide Swifts should finish the day as winners.

Swifts’ manager Eddie O’Connor will have almost the same squad as last week.

Missing are Mike Waring, Nial Cassidy and Gerrard Kelly. although Gary Brock returns from injury.

Eddie expects to have a squad of 16 available.

Bankfoot have what is the most difficult fixture of the three teams with central league fixtures as they are guests of the high flying league leaders Rosyth.

The Bankies will have to buck the odds to get a favourable result from this game. They may go into this high profile encounter with three of their key defenders. Gavin McLeod is unavailable, Scott McCabe and Gary Campbell, both doubtful but may have late fitness tests. It’s a late selection from Bankies gaffer Robin Wood.

Scone Thistle are guests of Steelend Vics who’s Woodside Park has been unplayable for the last two weeks and their games have been called off. Hopefully that won’t be the case tomorrow.

Thistle boss Derek Adam expects to have his strongest squad in some weeks available. Scott Ballingall has resumed training and may be in the squad which will number 16 or 17.

Coupar Angus are away to Brechin Vics in the north league and they are looking to get back into the winning vein after last week’s defeat by Montrose Roselea.

Coupar are however well aware that the Vics are an improved side this season and they will have to be on their best behaviour if they are to come home with the three points.

Coupar have three players in the doubtful category for this game, Duncan Cocker (calf problem), Richard Wheeler (knee injury) and Derek Lomas (rib injury), they will have late fitness tests.

On the plus side they have Ali Townsley and Rab Simpson back in the squad. It’s a late selection from Coupar co-managers Dave Martin and Derek Grier.

THE funeral of Dunc Robertson, who passed away last week, took place yesterday.

Dunc was with Luncarty Juniors for just about as long as anyone can remember.

St Johnstone managing director Stewart Duff, who played and served as an official with Luncarty for 25 years, paid tribute to Dunc.

He said: “Dunc was one of the unsung heroes of the junior game. While he was a member of the committee he was much more of a hands on person and he was much happier out working on the pitch and getting it ready for match days.

Dunc also looked after the kit along with many other chores that required doing.”

Dunc retired from involvement in the active side of the club a few years ago. He still however attended many of the home games.

Dunc’s wife Helen was also involved as she worked very hard in the field of fundraising for the club.

Helen was always on hand at the home games to dispense the tea and sandwiches at the interval.

The family connection was also in evidence on the pitch as grandson John Anderson started his junior career with Luncarty.

Dunc will be sadly missed especially by Helen and their family and also by the many friends in the junior game he worked so hard for.

Perthshire Juniors

TOMORROW’S fixtures: East of Scotland Cup second round – Kinnoull v Musselburgh; Luncarty v Dundonald Bluebell.

GA Engineering Cup second round – Blairgowrie v Ellon United.

Central League – Rosyth v Bankfoot Athletic; Jeanfield Swifts v Lochore Welfare; Steelend Vics v Scone Thistle.

North League – Brechin Vics v Coupar Angus.

Kick off’s – 1.45pm except for the GA Cup which is at 1.30pm.