Bellshill gain some breathing space in ground saga

Jan 22 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

BELLSHILL Athletic have been granted temporary use of their New Brandon Park ground next month thanks to a training deal struck with Hamilton Accies, it can be revealed this week.

But after that the search for a new ‘home’ might have to continue for the county side.

Club president Paul Fox explained the latest moves in the ground saga.

He said: “Hamilton Accies are using the ground for 10 training sessions and we have been told we can have the use of the premises for the two weeks of our fixtures in February.

“We will play Cumnock on Saturday, February 7, but after that we’re not sure what’s happening with the ground.”

Meanwhile, back on the playing front, a 2-0 defeat for Bellshill at Glenafton saw them surrender fourth spot in the Super Premier League to their Ayrshire rivals after the weekend fixtures.

Bellshill are now on their travels for the next two games.

These will take place at Vale of Clyde and manager Tam McDonald’s old stomping ground at Auchinleck.

There is a boost for another Lanarkshire side as midfielder Mark McKeever is set to return from suspension when third-placed Shotts swing back into Super League First Division action with a home clash against leaders Largs Thistle, who are unbeaten in 11 games.

Manager Duncan Sinclair is relishing the clash.

He said: “This is a great game for the side to bounce back after what was such a disappointing performance in the cup.

“We’ve got to win our home games and we could take advantage of Lanark being on cup duty to climb into second place, which would be a real psychological boost.”

Sinclair promised to ring the changes after some disappointing results, and this week he put defender Jamie White and striker Chris Gardiner on the transfer list.