Gala Fairydean are hoping, wishing and praying that their away clash with Duns goes ahead on Saturday, writes John Slorance.
Due to the holiday break and matches being postponed, the Fairies have not played a league match since late November.
Taking up this story, manager Fraser Lothian told TheSouthern: “We have played four friendly games in the past two weeks, but have never had a league or cup match since well before Christmas.
“It’s been a long time, so we are ready for Saturday’s match against Duns and, indeed, we are raring to go.
“I watched Duns play Craigroyston last Saturday. Craigie had two players sent off and the Dingers won 5-0.
“I was impressed with them and they looked a good side, so it will be a difficult game for us.”
Fairydean have Craig McBride ruled out due to a knee injury.
Extremely disappointed to see his side edged out 2-1 by Eyemouth United at the weekend, Peebles Rovers manager Stuart Robertson is hoping his side will have better fortunes in their Shielfield Park meeting with Berwick Rangers Reserves.
He told us: “A bad refereeing decision cost us a point in the Eyemouth game. We didn’t deserve to lose as we had played very well and I am gutted for the players as they had put such a lot into the match. If we show the same effort and commitment against Berwick, we will get a win, though.”
Gary Knox and Peter Connachan return for Rovers.
Bottom of the table Hawick Royal Albert include new signings Graham Burnett, Stuart Chambers, Paul McCallion, Graham Clee, Paul Power, Danny Burns and Wullie Corbett in their squad for their home tussle with league leaders Preston Athletic, while Kelso United travel to take on Easthouses Lily.
In the Premier Division, Selkirk are off to Edinburgh to line up against Spartans.
Looking ahead to this encounter, boss Mike McKinnon said: “We got our first point of the season by earning a draw on Saturday. That’s us off the mark now and hopefully there will be a lot more points to come. We showed a big improvement in form and I am hoping we can take this form with us into the Spartans game.
“Everybody will be writing us off and saying we have no chance, but it’s a great playing surface at Ainslie Park and that will suit us, and we are looking forward to the match.”
Selkirk have signed Hawick youngster Bruce Connelly as a backup keeper for John Dodds.
Vale of Leithen have Ryan McKenzie suspended for their home fixture with Lothian Thistle/Hutchison Vale.