Lanark aim to stretch lead at top of table

Oct 9 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

SUPER League First Division pacesetters Lanark United hope to boost their lead over Maybole by dumping Kilsyth Rangers in Saturday’s Moor Park clash.

Manager Tony McInally explained: “Maybole have played one more game and we lead on goal-difference so we’ve got a great chance to put some daylight between us and them.

“We should be better placed this Saturday, with more players available to us.

“Goalkeeper Stewart Thomson is back, I’ve signed midfielder Kevin McDade from Lesmahagow, and David Middleton, who would probably have struggled last Saturday, should be OK.

“Mark Haddow, who missed our last game through food poisoning, also comes back into contention and that leaves Tom Hanlon as our only casualty – and that’s a long-term knee injury which will keep Tom out for another month.”

Mark Keegans, meanwhile, has moved to Shettleston, and Barry McLaughlin has been snapped up by Thorniewood United.

Shotts, who climbed up to fifth place after their 5-0 demolition of Girvan, are at home to Clydebank.

In the Central League First Division, second-bottom Lesmahagow head for Johnstone Burgh – currently one place and a point better off – desperately in need of a win to kick-start their climb up the table.

Third-placed Thorniewood, boosted by Saturday’s convincing cup win, head for Vale of Leven, hoping to consolidate their promotion-chasing position.

With Second Division table-toppers Blantyre Vics on Cup duty in Ayrshire, Forth Wanderers have a chance to close the five-point gap on their rivals when Dunipace visit Kingshill Park.

Newmains United and Carluke Rovers, whose scheduled weekend clash was called off due to a waterlogged Victoria Park, are at home this weekend to Glasgow Perthshire and St Roch’s, respectively.

Following their long-haul trip to Peterhead, Wishaw are again on the road as they visit Greenock.