Linlithgow are aiming to begin road to league recovery

Feb 12 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

THERE’S a battle of the title holders against the title hopefuls in the Super League this weekend when Lochee host Linlithgow.

Rose have been on a horrendous run of form recently losing four league games on the bounce.

Linlithgow boss Brian Fairley has a handful of injury worries ahead of the match with keeper Marc Graham on the long term casualty list alongside Stewart McArthur. Ian Gallagher joins them in the treatment room and Keith Hogg is also struggling.

As a result Fairley is on the lookout for a stand in keeper alongside Steven Pinkowski while they have now lost another striker.

Sean Grady has been transferred back to Bonnyrigg hard on the heels of Brian Carrigans departure to Alloa Athletic.

Elsewhere in the Super League, Bathgate Thistle are looking for only their second game since November 22. The Jags welcome Tayport to Creamery Park.

Bathgate’s problems are they haven’t played a lot of games and are ring rusty. On top of their lack of match fitness they have a list of injury concerns with Johnny Harvey taking a long time to recover and Stevie Menmuir also crocked.

Finally, struggling Whitburn travel to Bo’ness where there is always a hot reception.

Whitburn are bottom of the pile and must address their form if they are to beat the drop.

Surprise package Fauldhouse travel to second placed Penicuik in what is sure to be a tough Premier League game for manager Andy Cunningham’s charges.

The county club, in their first season in the Premier League following promotion last season, are just five points behind third place.

Cunningham said: “I must be happy at this point in the season. It’s a great league with teams taking points from each other.

“We have slipped up badly in the last three home games but our form on our travels has been good so going to Penicuik gives us hope of another good result.

“The most pleasing point in the season so far has been getting the squad together. They all play for each other and one player who shows by example is central defender Andy Cooper.

“He’s good for 20 goals a season year in year out which is something not many strikers can average.

“He works hard at his position and the goals are a huge bonus to us. If we can stay clear of injuries and suspensions then I think we can have a good run into the end of the season.”

Leaders Armadale are at home to West Calder in the South Division who they just beat only a couple of weeks ago on their travels. Another close game is expected.

Blackburn host Livingston while Pumpherston travel to Dunbar hoping to cause an upset.

Harthill are in the capital for their game against Edinburgh and Broxburn facing a tough game away at Tranent.

There is also one match up in the Fife and Lothian's Cup where Stoneyburn travel to Dundonald in the Second Round.