Blair must avoid a relegation drop

Jan 23 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

TOMORROW the fixtures are all in the respective league competitions.

Bankfoot, after their Redwood Cup win last week, return to the task of chasing central league points when they entertain Newburgh at Coronation Park.

The Fifers had an encouraging start to their league campaign, but in their recent league encounters their form has slumped quite dramatically, only last week they were thrashed to the tune of 6–1 by Lochore Welfare who aren’t one of the league’s more notable sides.

Bankies are currently two points behind the Fifers in the league table but they have the valuable asset of having three games in hand.

If Bankies take the points from tomorrow’s game, it would see them leapfrog over Newburgh in the league table.

Taking the three points form this game could be the catalyst that will fire them towards their goal which is to greatly improve their league status in comparison to previous seasons.

There’s both good and bad news from the Bankies camp.

First the good news, Jim Weir returns to the squad after injury.

The bad news is that forward John Mitchell is out with damaged ankle ligaments and Scott McCabe is suspended.

Bankies will have a pool of 16 or 17 to choose from which will include a trialist.

Kinnoull and Blairgowrie are both engaged in the premier league.

Kinnoull are away to Oakley. This game was first scheduled for November 29 but was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

The Fifers, at that point in time, only had three points to their credit and were anchored at the foot of the league table since then however they have had a resurgence and are unbeaten in their last four league outings from which they have taken eight points.

They have moved a few places up the table and now have a total of 11 points.

Kinnoull’s confidence was given a boost after their excellent win over super league side Hill o’ Beath in the Redwood Cup.

They travel to Blairwood Park quietly confident they can win this encounter and complete a double over their hosts whom they beat 3–0 in the first league game of the season at Tulloch Park.

Blairgowrie have Dundonald Bluebell as their guests at Davie Park and this can certainly be termed as a six pointer as both teams are heavily involved in the relegation zone of the league table where they certainly don’t want to be.

Blairgowrie trail all but one team with the number of league games they have played so far which is eight in total. Those games in hand are a valuable asset providing there are points secured from them and tomorrow’s game is a prime example.

Blair are three points and two places behind Dundonald in the league table but they have played two fewer games and if they win it could see them climb two places up the table.

Dundonald recently appointed Colin Downie as their new manager. Colin is very experienced and his first actions was to make three new signings and they have seen an improvement in their results.

Coupar Angus are away to Arbroath SC in the north league. They are one step above their opponents in the league table but they have a five point advantage.

Coupar had a convincing win against Forfar Albion in the Redwood Cup last week and they have the same squad available for the visit to Seaton Park plus Jazz Rusznica returns. Co-managers Dave Martin and Derek Grier have a squad of 18 available for this game.

Luncarty are away to St Andrews which is a tough assignment for them as the Saints who haven’t lost a league game so far are being quoted as the favourites to win the league championship.

The Bleachers will certainly have to produce one of the season’s major shocks if they are to get a favourable result from this trip to Recreation Park.

Manager Barry Malcolm despite the odds stacked against his team taking anything from this game remains upbeat. He has two players missing for this game striker Fraser Simpson (hamstring) and Kyle Warner. Kyle has a fractured bone in his leg and will be sidelined for at least six weeks.

The Bleachers goalkeeper Craig Houston is in the doubtful category with a back injury. Barry Malcolm assessed his chances of getting the all clear at 50/50. They have another experienced keeper standing by should Craig not make it. Back in the squad after injury is Dougie Jay. Barry Malcolm expects to have a squad of 16 available.

Scone Thistle take on Thornton Hibs at their Memorial Ground.

The Hibs had their Scottish Cup run brought to an end last week when they lost to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy which was a disappointment for them. The Hibs will now be focussing their attention on the race for the championship as they are still in with an outside chance of being in at the death of the championship race.

Scone will be going all out to put a spoke in their wheel and improve their own position in the league table.

Scone boss Derek Adam could have a goalkeeping problem with both keeper’s injured. Steve McKinnie is ruled out with a hamstring injury and David Winton has an ankle injury but may have a late fitness test. Derek brackets a new man for this position just in case. Striker Alan Cameron is still out with a leg injury and Scott McManus is unavailable. It will be a late selection from the Scone boss.

Jeanfield Swifts will meet Arbroath Vics in a friendly at their Riverside Stadium. New signing Chris Dodd could make his debut in this game which will kick off at 2pm.

TOMORROW’S fixtures: Bukta Teamwear.co Leagues: Premier League – Blairgowrie v Dundonald Bluebell; Oakley United v Kinnoull.

Central League – Bankfoot Athletic v Newburgh; St Andrews v Luncarty; Thornton Hibs v Scone Thistle.

North League – Arbroath SC v Coupar Angus. Kick offs – 1.45pm.

Friendly – Jeanfield Swifts v Arbroath Vics (kick off 2pm).