Penicuik eyeing late rally to haul themselves into battle for promotion

PENICUIK joint-manager Craig Meikle is hoping the recent additions of Darren Lockhart, Paul Leighfield and Paul Parkin can catapult the Midlothian club into the promotion battle in the Premier Division. Meikle, whose side host third-place St Andrews United tomorrow, fancies Glenrothes to claim the title, but still believes the second promotion spot is up for grabs.

"Every game we face between now and the end of the season is massive," he said. "St Andrews are ten points ahead of us at the moment but, if we can reduce that gap to seven, they will be back on our radar again along with the other teams in the promotion battle. We still believe we can get involved in the scrap for second spot."

Lockhart, a midfielder who had spells at Hibs and Montrose, has been signed from Coldstream, while defender Leighfield, a former Scottish U18 Schoolboys' captain, has arrived from Preston Athletic. Left-back Parkin was at Linlithgow last season before he had a spell at Tranent.

Arniston host Kinnoull tomorrow, while Whitburn will be looking to maintain their recent good run up at Carnoustie.