Bon Accord gaffer hopes team can climb up the league

Oct 1 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

SHOTTS Bon Accord hope to take advantage from this weekend’s Emirates Scottish Junior Cup ties by influencing change at the top of the Central League First Division.

Leaders Cumbernauld hold a three-point lead over third-placed Shotts with a similar goal difference, but they are involved in cup duty at Beith.

Second placed St Anthony’s are expected to take full points from struggling Maryhill and snatch top spot, so a win for Shotts should put them second.

But to achieve that promotion boost this early in the season they need to show more threat up front.

Lesmahagow, who are rooted to second-bottom spot and still searching for their first win after four league starts, are away to Glasgow Perthshire.

In the Central League Second Division Wishaw, who have been blowing hot and cold during September, are bound for Yoker to take on the league-leaders.

The question in manager Alex Young’s mind will be ‘which Wishaw will turn up?’ after beating Carluke and Shettleston, only to lose 7-1 against Greenock.

Royal Albert expect to have Kenny Burns and Bill Bradshaw back in the squad for the home game against Carluke Rovers after both missed out in the 2-1 defeat at Benburb.

But the young full-backs Gordon Armstrong and Craig Cooper, who were carried off at Benburb, and long-term crocks Davie Dickson and Gordon Devine are all ruled out.

Gavin McLachlan (17), looks set to retain the goalkeeper’s jersey that has belonged to Peter Macfarlane for so long, after a sound confidence-boosting performance at Yoker.

Rovers boss Whitey Moffat has been impressed with his recent capture from Hamilton Accies, rating him as one of the best goalkeepers he has seen in junior football.

Forth Wanderers are at home to St Roch’s – a match where few introductions are likely when the two teams meet up.

Manager John McGhee was ‘Rock’ boss last season and when he moved to Forth in August he took at least three of his former squad with him.