THE second round of the Image Printers Cup makes up most of the East of Scotland football card this weekend, writes John Slorance.
Hoping to create a good image in their respective ties are Gala Fairydean, Selkirk, Vale of Leithen, Kelso United and Hawick Royal Albert.
Fairydean take on Edinburgh City at Netherdale and Gala manager Garry Fraser told TheSouthern: “It’s good to get a cup tie and get a break from the pressures of the league.
“Although we are at home Edinburgh City will be the favourites as they are a premier division club, but this suits us just fine.
“It was great to get a win against Selkirk last Saturday as points are always hard to get in derby games like this. We only played in stages though and I will be looking for more against City. We have players coming back, so it will be a stronger squad this week.”
Vale of Leithen line up against Gretna 2008 at Victoria Park. Three points separate the two sides in the East of Scotland premier table.
Selkirk are also at home in hosting Heriot Watt University.
The Yarrow Park outfit have had more than their share of team problems by having their side weakened due to players being missing for various reasons.
Hoping to be in the squad to face the students is Jason Inglis, who has been out of action for three weeks because of injury.
Inglis, an influential figure in the Souters’ line-up, said: “I have been training this week so hopefully I will be fit for the Heriot Watt game. There are other players coming back as well, so we could have a good strong squad for Saturday.
“This would be a change as we have been struggling these past weeks in having guys out for all sorts of things. You can’t really make this an excuse for the bad results we have been having though. I can’t really figure out how things have been going wrong as we are a good side and proved this when we beat premier side Civil Service Strollers in a cup match.”
Selkirk have Bryan Tait suspended and Euan Pritchard is doubtful.
Kelso United have a formidable task on their hands – travelling to Edinburgh to meet Spartans. Chairman Mike Tait commented: “This will be the first time Kelso have played Spartans for quite a while. It will be a difficult game for us as Spartans are a class side, but it is a game we are looking forward to.”
Hawick Royal Albert tangle with Easthouses Lily away from home while, in the East of Scotland first division, Peebles Rovers face Leith Athletic.