Albion Rovers vs Gala Fairydean Rovers
Coming into this one on the back of a 4-4 draw with East Kilbride, Gala Fairydean Rovers will feel like their season is finally getting off the ground.
Albion Rovers on the other hand might feel that meeting an ascendent Gala at their own ground might be a bit of a tough test given their travails away at Linlithgow Rose last weekend.
This one is definitely a match to keep an eye on, as there’s plenty to play for.
Berwick Rangers vs Caledonian Braves
Berwick Rangers have suffered a dip in form at exactly the wrong moment as they prepare to welcome high flyin’ Caledonian Braves to Shielfield Park. The Wee Gers have taken a few dunts in recent weeks, but Braves are themselves looking to get back to the early season form that so impressed.
Ross McNeil and Liam Buchanan are two strikers with bags of Lowland League pedigree that it’ll be well worth keeping an eye on this weekend.
Bo’ness United vs Gretna 2008
If I’d said that Gretna would have bitten my arm off to be in ninth place in the league with nine points at this stage in the season, I suppose I would now be nursing a bloody stump. Vinnie Parker’s side come into this one on the back of a 2-0 loss to Broxburn Athletic but nobody can dampen the good vibes at Raydale Park at the moment.
It’s something they’ll be aiming to take on the road as they visit eleventh placed Bo’ness United who have had a mixed start to the season but managed some respite and recuperation time last week when their away match with Broomhill fell victim to the weather.
It’s a big one in store at Newtown Park!
Broxburn Athletic vs East Kilbride
This one is our Neutral’s Pick for obvious reasons. Broxburn wouldn’t count as a ‘surprise package’ by any means but the East of Scotland champions have sliced and diced most of their opposition this season and find themselves in third, one point behind their visitors this week and with a game in hand.
East Kilbride’s strengths are both legion and obvious, and they will be looking to consolidate their position as the top promotable team (and maybe even o’erleap the non-promotable team at the top) this weekend.
Celtic B vs Tranent
Tranent are hitting form at just the right time for this one. The Big T put three past East Stirlingshire last weekend and look to be rediscovering some of the performances that so impressed last season. They’ll need it as they take on top of the table Celtic B.
Civil Service Strollers vs Broomhill
Keep an eye out for this one as it could provide some interesting results! Broomhill go into this still looking for their first win while Civil Service Strollers are looking to bag their first win since early August when they defeated Cowdenbeath at home.
I know I’m never done saying that the pitch at Christie Gillies Park is a real advantage to Strollers, but it is, so I’m not going to stop. Broomhill will need to get on top of that if they want to take anything out of the match.
Cumbernauld Colts vs Hearts B
Colts are looking to build on a 3-0 win over Berwick Rangers last weekend as they welcome Hearts B to Broadwood. Hearts B looked insurmountable in the early season running but their form has dropped off. They’ll be looking to the experience of goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald as they push for another win to climb back up the table.
East Stirlingshire vs University of Stirling
A Stirlingshire derby? Anyone? Maybe not. East Stirlingshire have disappointed so far this season, stuck with Broomhill in being unable to get out of the blocks with a win. They’ll see this weekend as an opportunity to do just that as University of Stirling come to The Falkirk Stadium with what could charitably be called ‘inconsistent’ form.
Good luck predicting this one, I’m not even going to try.
Linlithgow Rose vs Cowdenbeath
Linlithgow Rose have gone about their business quietly this season. Three wins and three defeats in their opening six games, but they’ve impressed a number of times. Cowdenbeath’s form has been a little all over the place, The Blue Brazil will be acutely aware that a loss could put them in the clutches of the teams below them, and they will be hoping to head to Prestonfield and kickstart their season with a win over the Rose.
