McFarlane out to maintain Leith tempo

Leith ATHLETIC currently lead the Central Taxis First Division, one point ahead of their nearest challengers Gretna 2008, and both sides are odds-on favourites to be promoted although Leith manager Willie McFarlane is taking nothing for granted.

"Promotion has always been our main aim although winning the title would be excellent," said McFarlane, whose side are 11 points ahead of third-placed Gala Fairydean. "I always said that the outcome at the top of this First Division would be tight and it could go to the very last game of the season when we are at home to Gretna."

With six games left, Leith must first fight off the challenge of tomorrow's visitors to the Civil Service Sports Ground, Hawick Royal Albert. "Hawick have a new manager who has brought in some new players and the future looks brighter for Hawick," he went on. "We are certainly not underestimating them because they have been running teams close including a narrow 1-2 defeat to Craigroyston recently."

McFarlane has had some bad luck with his two regular goalkeepers, Ian Gordon and Matthew Banks, both currently out for lengthy spells with a back injury and broken ankle respectively. McFarlane has therefore signed goalkeeper Gavin Ramsay who previously played in the East of Scotland League with Civil Service Strollers. Martin McCauley is also injured along with Kevin Freedman and the pair of them will miss out while William Bremner is doubtful and Gary Black is suspended.

Visitors Hawick, under the guidance of Mick Murphy, have new signing Willie Turner in goals as they seek to achieve their first win of the season.