King Cup win would crown Thistle revival

LOTHIAN THISTLE are in King Cup second-round action tonight when they host Preston Athletic at Saughton Enclosure, kick-off 7.30pm.

Lothian's weekend 3-2 victory over Civil Service Strollers moved them into the top half of the Central Taxis East of Scotland Premier Division prompting joint manager Fraser Ogilvie to say: "That just shows how tight this Premier Division is. One minute we were in the relegation zone and the next we are challenging for a top three or four finish.

"We have managed to pull ourselves a wee bit away from the bottom but we could also quite easily get sucked back in."

Lothian had Jamie Butler sent off against Strollers and is suspended, although Jim Young returns after his ban.

Preston Athletic have now conceded 47 goals in their 13 league fixtures and manager Stevie Myatt is looking for a big improvement in this cup tie.

Spartans, meanwhile, can extend their lead at the top of the Premier Division to four points if they can defeat Selkirk, who return to Ainslie Park four days after losing their Image Printers East of Scotland Qualifying Cup semi-final 3-1 on Saturday.