We are now into spring, but winter was upon us and, indeed, Christmas was yet to come when Peebles Rovers last played at home.
This Saturday, Rovers will be hoping to be on their own turf when they entertain Kelso United at Whitestone Park in an East of Scotland First Division match.
It’s a game that Peebles go into with confidence and manager John O’Hara told The Southern: “It has been a very testing time for us recently as most of our games have been away against Premier Division sides and we haven’t been getting results in the league cup.
“However, we got a very good win in the league last week. We really clicked and I was very pleased with our performance. I have managed to strengthen the squad by getting two players on loan from Spartans. Kelso will have their tails up following their great win over Hibs EoS, so it will be an interesting game.”
United manager Prof Blaikie commented: “There has been a big improvement in our play and attitude in recent weeks. We have pulled off two wins and they have both been good ones, especially last weekend. That makes me a happy man.
“We drew with Peebles at Kelso and it was a close game, and I am expecting this one to be the same. We have signed Declan Hogg from Hawick Royal Albert. He played last week, showed up well and scored a goal. He is a good young player and is a great acquisition for us.”
Kelso have Steven Tait back from his ban.
Hawick Royal Albert face Burntisland Shipyard at Albert Park without Michael McKenzie, Ronald Fleming and Kevin Fettes. Nicky Cairns and Kevin Strathdee return from suspension. Due to the recent departures of Dean Fry and Hogg, the Albert only have one local player left in their squad in Kevin Strathdee.
Selkirk have no fixture this week as the Lowland League gives way to South and King Cup ties, but coach Steve Forrest will not be letting his players rest on their laurels following last weekend’s victory over Gala FDR.
“We now have to keep it up so everyone will be training at Yarrow Park on Saturday,” he said.
Gala travel to play Whitehill Welfare in a King Cup second round clash.