Gavin McLeod joins Luncarty from Bankfoot Juniors

Dec 4 2009 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

TOMORROW there’s a full programme of fixtures in the respective league competitions down to be played tomorrow.

Kinnoull, who lead the premier league, entertain Arniston Rangers at Tulloch Park who are just a couple of points behind their hosts in the league table, so form wise there’s not a lot between them and a closely encounter could be in prospect.

Kinnoull manager Scott Brown has, for quite a few seasons, tried to get Chris Webster on board at Tulloch Park and this week his persistence finally paid off when he agreed terms with Tayport for the player’s transfer which has now been completed.

Chris Webster stays in Perth but has played most of his junior football playing with Carnoustie and Tayport. He plays in a midfield/forward role and is quite adept at taking a chance if it comes his way.

Scott Brown said of him: "Chris will add pace to our attack and this coupled to his ability to take a chance will no doubt prove to be an asset for us." Asked if the player would make his debut against Arniston, Brown said: "Chris has been nursing a hamstring injury and would have to be considered in the doubtful category he is likely to have a late fitness test."

There are also doubts about Jon Kelly, ankle injury and Chris Anton, knee injury, they are likely to have late tests, while Neil Gardiner has been down with a virus and it’s a case of wait and see if he is fit enough to be considered. Steve McAllister has missed the last three games with an ankle injury returned to training but is still doubtful, he too will no doubt be in the queue for a fitness test. On the plus side Gary Sweeney unavailable last week returns. It’s a late selection from Scott Brown for this crucial encounter.

Jeanfield Swifts have also completed a transfer deal. They have secured the services of Gordon Bryce from Thornton Hibs. The business was all done and dusted in time to allow Gordon to play in the game against Newburgh. Gordon is a central defender and he had a very impressive debut and will certainly be a valuable addition to manager McDowell’s squad.

Swifts have emerged as Oakley’s main challengers in the race for the championship. They are only a couple of points adrift from the Fifers at the top of the table and Murray McDowell is determined that Swifts will maintain this challenge and overtake Oakley in the process and it will be no surprise if there are one or two more new recruits to assist him in his efforts to achieve his target.

Tomorrow Swifts entertain Lochore Welfare at the Riverside and they must surely be the favourites as the Welfare are 10 points behind Swifts in the league table. They are however an unpredictable side as just a couple of weeks ago they visited Oakley and inflicted on them their first defeat, then last week they lost at home to Crossgates, this was their first win.

Swifts have two doubts for this game, Mike Gow, back injury, while the player boss has a hamstring problem. They may have late fitness tests. Swifts expect to have a squad of at least 17 available.

Scone Thistle are unbeaten in the four league games they have played at home. Tomorrow they have their toughest test to date when they take on the league leaders Oakley at the RDM ground and what a boost it would be for Derek Adam, his back room staff and the players if they were to take something from this game. The Thistle gaffer is quietly confident they can do just that and overturn the odds in the process. Apart from the Thistle and their fans, Jeanfield would obviously be delighted if the Thistle were to get a favourable result.

Derek Adam has made a new signing he is Iain Wilkie. Iain is well known in the junior game having started his career with Scone he went on to play with Carnoustie, Tayport, Jeanfield and Kinnoull.

Iain is an accomplished central defender although he is very versatile and can play in a number of other positions and he is in the squad for tomorrow’s game. Scone will be without Bob Nairn who is sidelined with a groin injury and in the doubtful category is midfielder Keith Dewar he has a bruised foot and is likely to have a late test. Derek Adam expects to choose from 16 or 17.

This is Oakley’s second sojourn into the big county in the space of a week. Last Saturday they were at Luncarty and went on to score 10 goals. Their danger men are Charlie Scarbourgh and Ewan Gray who both had hat-tricks.

Bankfoot are at home to Steelend Vics who are an improved side at least so far on last season. There’s not a lot between them and the Bankies and with the game at Coronation Park the odds would certainly appear to be in the Bankies favour.

Bankies Boss Ian Duff is however having to contend with a hefty injury list. DannyDobbie is still out with damaged ankle ligaments while Barry Ward is sidelined with a groin injury and there are the long term victims Scott McCabe, Neil McDougal and Brad McKerchar. His problems don’t end there as Jamie McAinsh is suspended, Mike Lindsay is unavailable and there’s a question mark at David Fyfe who has a groin injury. He will probably have a fitness test. This leaves a pool of 14 or 15 but Ian may call in a couple of trialists. It wil be a late selection from the Bankies.

Luncarty are away to Rosyth and they include their new signing in this squad he isGavin McLeoad who has joined them from Bankfoot and he is a versatile defender. Out of the equation are Craig McPhail, groin injury and Dean Howie, leg injury. Still doubtful is Noel Meechan who missed last weeks game with a foot injury. He may have a late test. Manager Jock Pearson expects to choose from 16 or 17.

Blairgowrie are at home to Carnoustie in the premier league and this should be an entertaining encounter. The Gowfers after a sticky period have returned to form with four wins from their last five league games.

Blair went down last week to St Andrews in their league match and this has consigned them to the second bottom place in the league table.

Blair, unfortunately, are still without Mark Christison, hamstring injury and he is now joined on the sidelines by Barry McLean and Kris McKaig, groin problem. Scott Barry is unavailable and there’s a doubt about Darren Neave who has a groin strain. Blair boss said it will be a late selection and he may have a couple of trialists.

The Coupar Angus pitch is very doubtful so the match against North league leaders Broughty Athletic has been switched to Whitton Park.

Coupar will unfortunately be without Adrian Kelly who fractured his ankle last week and is expected to be out for around three months.

Still missing is striker Duncan McLean who has a fractured hand and is likely to continue on the sidelines for at least another three weeks.

Despite losing home advantage, Coupar are hoping to maintain the momentum after winning their first home match last week. Their boss Barry Britton knows full well his team will have to buck the odds to do so.

However, he said: "We are playing with much more confidence now and looking forward to the game and hopefully a favourable result."

Jeanfield Swifts played a friendly against super league side Kelty Hearts on the Kinross all weather pitch during the week. The game finished all square at 1–1. John Anderson scored from the penalty spot for Jeanfield.

Kinnoull will allow their young fullback Fraser McKinlay to move on and all enquiries should be directed to chairman Chris Jones at 07940814370.