FRIDAY
Hearts B vs Gretna 2008
Heart of Midlothian B’s pursuit of a top half finish have been dented by five losses in their last six matches. They are currently level on points with their Friday night visitors, Gretna 2008.
Vinnie Parker’s side have struggled for results in their last four match, losing two and drawing two, but they’ll be confident travelling to Ainslie Park for this match against a Hearts B side that have struggled for consistency this season. The opportunity to leapfrog them in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League table and push into the top 10 (if results go their way), will be plenty of incentive.
SATURDAY
Berwick Rangers vs Cumbernauld Colts
Two teams who have been threatened by the DROP ZONE all season meet this weekend at Shielfield Park and you know that this one is our Neutral’s Pick. Some sections of the Berwick faithful have turned on each other after a disastrous season has seen them drop to just four points clear of relegation after a strong start to the season had them sitting top of the pile after a few matches.
Cumbernauld Colts on the other hand are six points clear of the drop but know all too well thanks to their own time spent rooted to the bottom of the table that a couple of slip-ups can end with them in the mire pretty quickly.
Both sides are under extreme pressure in this one, and it’s going to be a fascinating match.
Celtic B vs Caledonian Braves
Second welcome third to the Excelsior(!) this weekend as Celtic B host Caledonian Braves. Three points separate the sides who both had title aspirations as recently as a few weeks ago. That looks to be in their rear view mirrors now, as East Kilbride look to be champions-elect (although it’s not over until it’s over!).
There is no doubt though, that this one will be an interesting affair.
East Stirlingshire vs Albion Rovers
Going by the group chat I’m in, this match will be a feisty one between two former SPFL clubs with a lot of history and a lot of #respect between the sides. While there are 8 points between the sides, there is plenty more than bragging rights to play for when they meet this Saturday.
Sandy Clark’s side have the Top 6 in their sights as they look to capitalise on their games in hand over their nearest rivals. East Stirlingshire on the other hand would see a top half finish as a good end to a season which they spent the first quarter of rooted to the bottom.
Gala Fairydean Rovers vs Broxburn Athletic
The league’s bottom side are the ones that I feel least confident in predicting their results. Gala Fairydean Rovers currently sit three points off Broomhill, but they score a lot of goals. Broxburn will feel that this one is a winnable game, but at this stage of the season there are no easy matches.
Tranent vs Broomhill
Tranent have won their last four league matches to arrest their slide and put them comfortably in the top 5. A hard-fought victory over struggling Berwick Rangers last time out will give them confidence going Into this one.
Broomhill’s travails are noted of this parish, and going in ahead at half time against University of Stirling at the weekend, one might have thought they would earn a valuable three points. However, such has been the story this season, they ended up coming away with a 3-3 draw against the University side.
Broomhill are very much in the relegation picture, sitting just three points ahead of bottom side Gala Fairydean Rovers. They will know full well that they need to pick up as many points as they can, starting at Foresters on Saturday.
Linlithgow Rose vs University of Stirling
Broxburn Athletic proved too tough for Linlithgow Rose last weekend as they shunted Rose out of the way. Linlithgow still have a reasonable chance of finishing third if results go their way, and they will be conscious of the need to dispatch teams lower in the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League table to do it.
Enter University of Stirling. Chris Geddes’s side have disappointed based on their usual high standards and find themselves in 14th place in the league table. They are probably safe from relegation danger at this point, but they will be looking to finish the season strongly following a 3-3 draw with Broomhill last Sunday.
SUNDAY
The Park’s Motor Group Lowland League Cup Final
Bo’ness United vs East Kilbride
This Sunday… SunDAY… SUNDAY!!! It’s the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League Cup Final.
But you’ll have to wait. Official Catchup’s Chris Pow will be bringing us a special preview of the big match at Broadwood. Keep your eyes on our social media for its release.
