WITHOUT a fixture last weekend Kelso United return to action on Saturday in taking on Ormiston, writes John Slorance.
The Tweedsiders are currently in a respectable position in the East of Scotland First Division table and United manager Prof Blaikie told TheSouthern: “Although things have not always gone our way we are doing quite well.
“We are playing some of our best football for a few years, the players are fit and team spirit is good, but we could do to get some breaks now and again.
“This will be the first time we have played Ormiston this season, so I don’t really know what they are like, but we will be looking for a win.”
Kelso welcome back Derek Burnett, Jordan Lauder and Dave Richardson. Meanwhile, Bruce Connelly’s four-week loan spell with Kelso from Selkirk is coming to an end. The teenage goalkeeper has been fixed up on an emergency deal as a replacement for regular number one Scott Dowie, who is injured.
In another First Division clash, Hawick Royal Albert entertain Burntisland Shipyard at Albert Park.
The Albert have to do without Ronald Fleming, who is suspended.
Also in the league, Peebles Rovers are away to Berwick Rangers Reserves.
After watching his side go down to Gretna 2008 in their last outing, Vale of Leithen co-manager Fraser Ogilvie is hoping for a better result against Tynecastle away from home in a Premier Division clash.
“We haven’t won in our last four games. However, apart from losing to Cowdenbeath in the Scottish Cup, the only defeat we have deserved this season was against Gretna,” he said. “Our guys didn’t turn up until the last 10 minutes. We were poor, it was as simple as that.
“We will have to knuckle down if we are to get a result against Tynecastle. They have got four points out of a possible six in their last three games and are at home, so it’s going to be a difficult game for us.”
Selkirk manager Mike McKinnon has always claimed his side were capable of doing the business.
And in their last three outings, the Yarrow Park side have done just that. They are certainly beginning to hit the right road, but their path could well be blocked when they face Premier Division kingpins Spartans at home in the Image Printers Cup. The Souters are without Euan Pritchard.
Gala Fairydean, who are missing the suspended Darren Bowie, also face Premier Division opposition in the same competition as they host Lothian Thistle at the 3G Arena.
The Dean toppled Premier Division side Edinburgh City in the last round and Garry Fraser’s men will no doubt be going all out to make it a double triumph.
z Amateur football suffered a blow in the Borders last weekend when the Division B match between Jed Legion and Winton at Ancrum was abandoned due to alleged intimidation of the match official.
Jed were 1-0 up through a Sean Wood goal when one of the opposition players was sent off by referee David O’Donnell for using abusive language.
O’Donnell then made the decision to abandon the game due to what was perceived to be significant harassment by the Winton officials. A case will be presented to a Border Amateur Executive meeting, date yet to be confirmed, where both clubs and the referee will be asked for their take on the incident.