County clubs return to league action.

Feb 4 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

LANARK United face a stiff test against a second successive title-chasing side as they battle to avoid the Super Premier League drop-zone.

Last time out the Yowes produced a stunning win over second-top Pollok, and they hope to provide another shock when third-top Largs Thistle visit Moor Park.

Manager Tam McDonald said: “The Largs game will be a difficult one but we’re looking forward to carrying on where we left off against Pollok.

“We’re getting there. We’re working hard in training but it’s frustrating not to round it off with a game on Saturday.”

Lanark’s win over the former league champions hoisted them up to ninth spot in the 12-club division.

Although they’re level with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Kilbirnie Ladeside, Lanark still hover in the play-off zone.

Meanwhile, Shotts Bon Accord have their sights set on a promotion spot in the Central League First Division, as they prepare to take on mid-table Dunipace at Hannah Park.

With seven wins and two draws from 11 starts, Bon Accord are four points behind leaders St Anthony’s – but with two games in hand. Manager Tony McInally said: “We managed a full training session at the park on Monday night and our injuries are gradually clearing up.

“Kevin Barr is getting fitter and sharper and we expect Mark McKeever to join in full training in seven-to-10 days.

“We were disappointed to see the game being called off – we wanted to keep the momentum going.”

Larkhall Thistle, who have a two-point lead over the county pack loitering in the relegation zone, take on a Maryhill side already six points adrift at the foot of the table.

Jags boss Paul Anderson isn’t taking anything for granted and said: “We played Yoker in a bounce game last week and we lost 3-1 – although Davie Carr scored our goal from a penalty. It provided us with a good work-out and kept the players ticking over.

“Having games called off is frustrating, with the players desperate to get back to playing games again.”

The Jags were dealt another blow when winger Leon Kondol, who had been sidelined for a few months with a knee injury, aggravated it during training last week and will be out for several weeks.

“It’s a terrible set-back for the kid,” said Anderson.

Lesmahagow, who are toiling in third-bottom spot, could lose the services of experienced striker Craig Easton, who was signed earlier this season from Fauldhouse.

Assistant boss Robert Irving explained: “Craig has been promoted at work as a sales rep, which will mean spending more time in the east of Scotland.

“He would be available most Saturdays, but getting to midweek training would be difficult.

“It’s not an ideal set-up, but we’ll wait and see how things develop.”

That problem will be intensified when midweek fixtures kick in, as ’Gow have 16 league games and a cup tie to fit in.

Defender Matthew Aymard, who injured a calf muscle in training last Monday and midfielder Barry Murdoch, with a groin injury, would have missed Saturday’s game but are still doubtful for this weekend’s fixture at home to St Anthony’s.

Thorniewood United, who complete the county trio in the unwanted drop-zone, expect to have former sweeper Alan Holmes back in their squad for Saturday’s home game against mid-table Port Glasgow.

Two other stalwarts – high-scoring Stephen Mullen and Mark Daly – are nearing full fitness after the enforced break, having shaken off an ankle knock and groin strain, respectively, and could return this weekend.

But long-term casualty Stuart McCormick will be out for a few more weeks.

Forth Wanderers, now free from their long-running Emirates Scottish Cup replay saga, get back into league action with a home game against Benburb.

Wishaw and Newmains United face a local derby at the Sports Centre, while Carluke Rovers are away to St Roch’s.