Linlithgow face testing trio of games

SUPER League leaders Linlithgow face three crunch clashes in their bid to land the title – the first one a top-of-the-table clash at Hill of Beath tomorrow.

A win in Fife would take Mark Bradley’s men 11 points clear, but they then face the prospect of a break before their final two games – at home to Bo’ness and Bonnyrigg.

After this weekend, Bo’ness will have eight games just to catch up on their local rivals, while Bonnyrigg will have eight games to go in their league campaign.

“If we can win at the weekend, then I suppose you could say we will be the favourites in terms of points on the board,” said former Hearts player Bradley. “But it is still going to be in the hands of the teams with games in hand.”

Lithgae have lost just once – at Kelty – since Bradley took over following Dave Baikie’s departure.

“We’ve been doing well and the most pleasing thing of all is that the boys have been buying into what we’re asking them to do in training and in games,” added the manager. “Last Saturday, for instance, we were 2-1 down up at St Andrews but showed they had grit between their teeth and won 3-2.

“Hill of Beath are a good side. They’re physical and work hard. They were also on a good run until they lost last Saturday and will be determined to bounce back.”

Elsewhere in the top flight, Musselburgh entertain Lochee, Bathgate travel to Camelon and Carnoustie host Kelty.

Match of the day in the Premier Division sees Penicuik, who relinquished top spot after losing at Downfield last weekend, host new leaders Sauchie.

Broxburn are at home to second-placed Tayport in another tasty clash, Newtongrange travel to Glenrothes and Arniston host Oakley.

In the South Division, leaders Dalkeith are at Stoneyburn, while second-top Tranent welcome West Calder to Forrester Park.

Elsewhere, Haddington are at Blackburn; Pumpherston entertain Whitburn; Livingston host Dunbar United; Fauldhouse travel to Harthill; and Edinburgh United welcome Falkirk Juniors to Paties Road.