VALE OF LEITHEN travel to Edinburgh on Saturday to take on Spartans at Ainslie Park in an East of Scotland Premier Division clash, writes John Slorance.
It is a game that has an intriguing look about it and Vale secretary Alex Currie told TheSouthern: “Everybody knows that Spartans are a top side, but the Vale are capable of getting a result. This season we have drawn with Spartans in a league match at home and Spartans beat us in the League Cup due to scoring twice in injury time.
“The Vale will be going into the game with confidence as we have a good squad. We have drawn five games in the league this season, so it would be nice to get away from this and get a win.”
Vale are without the injured Ryan McKenzie, but Kerr Dodds returns.
In the First Division, Gala Fairydean tackle Eyemouth United at Netherdale.
Fairydean assistant manager Jim McLean said: “It was disappointing to lose against Berwick Rangers Reserves in our last match. Due to disruptions with our pitch and the Christmas break we were not quite as fit as we might have been. Berwick were a lot fitter and sharper and this was the main difference between the two sides.
“We will be working hard at training this week and shall be hoping to do well against Eyemouth. But they are a difficult side to beat and it should be a tough game.”
Fairydean welcome back suspended pair Darren Bowie and Dean Boyne.
Peebles Rovers are poised to play their first game of the season on their own turf at Whitestone Park by hosting Kelso United. This is something that is delighting Rovers team boss Jason Girdwood, who said of his side’s homecoming: “Due to drainage problems we haven’t been able to play on Whitestone Park since the season started. This has been sorted out now and the players and everyone involved with the club are looking forward to playing on our own ground on Saturday.”
Girdwood added: “Although we haven’t had a match for weeks, we will be fit enough and, indeed, have recently been training hard on the beach to blow the cobwebs away following the break.
“I am looking to get points on board to improve our league position and although we face very good opposition in Kelso, I am optimistic we can pick up some points.”
Peebles have a doubt about the injured Peter Connaghan, but hope to have Michael McKenzie back in the squad.
After being sidelined for several weeks due to injury, Jason Inglis is hoping to be fit for Selkirk’s away meeting with Craigroyston.
Hawick Royal Albert are without the injured Bobby Nwanze for their Shielfield Park tussle with Berwick Rangers Reserves.