PRESTON Athletic will hope to begin their climb back into title contention today (Saturday).

The Pennypit outfit are one of four county sides scheduled to be in action this afternoon for the first time in 2022.

Already, Tranent’s clash with Dunbar United has been postponed, with the Belters struggling to put together a team for the contest.

That leaves Preston and Ormiston at home in East Lothian while Musselburgh Athletic make the short journey to Newtongrange Star and Haddington Athletic head for Tweedmouth Rangers.

East Lothian Courier: Preston Athletic (blue) will be hoping to finally get back playing football after being sidelined since the middle of NovemberPreston Athletic (blue) will be hoping to finally get back playing football after being sidelined since the middle of November

Jack Lynch’s Preston side welcome Hawick Royal Albert United to East Lothian for a 2.30pm kick-off.

The Panners have been left sidelined since November 20 and been forced to watch on as Glenrothes and Oakley United moved ahead of them in the race for First Division Conference B glory.

Glenrothes boast a seven point advantage, with Oakley two points further back.

However, Lynch and his team have four games in hand over the table toppers and a further game in hand over second placed Oakley.

A victory over their rock bottom visitors will close the gap on Oakley, who do not have a game while Glenrothes welcome Lochgelly Albert.

In First Division Conference A, Haddington will be out to strengthen their own title credentials with a trip over the Border.

East Lothian Courier: Haddington Athletic (maroon), pictured defeating Leith Athletic in the South Region Challenge Cup, head to Tweedmouth Rangers this afternoonHaddington Athletic (maroon), pictured defeating Leith Athletic in the South Region Challenge Cup, head to Tweedmouth Rangers this afternoon

Leith Athletic won against Craigroyston on Wednesday evening to narrow the Hi Hi’s advantage to a single point at the top of the table.

Scott Bonar’s men have a game in hand but with the two title contenders yet to play each other in the league neither team can afford a slip-up.

Haddington defeated Tweedmouth 5-0 in the reverse fixture in October and will be keen for a repeat performance in the 2pm kick-off.

Richie Weir’s Ormiston welcome a Coldstream team sitting eighth in the standings to New Recreation Park.

East Lothian Courier: Ormiston (black and white) have home advantage against ColdstreamOrmiston (black and white) have home advantage against Coldstream

A home victory could see Ormiston edge closer to both Tweedmouth and Dalkeith Thistle at the bottom of the table.

The Borders side won the previous meeting 3-0 and they could move into the top half with three points.

The contest gets under way at 2pm.

Finally, in the top flight, Musselburgh will be looking to boost their chances of a top-four finish.

East Lothian Courier: Musselburgh Athletic (blue) make the short trip to Newtongrange Star for their first fixture of 2022Musselburgh Athletic (blue) make the short trip to Newtongrange Star for their first fixture of 2022

The title race appears to be down to a three-horse race with Penicuik, who face bottom side Whitehill Welfare, and Linlithgow Rose, who host Blackburn United, leading Tranent.

Newtongrange Star have battled back from the bottom of the table to give themselves a chance of avoiding relegation.

However, they know they could easily be reeled back in and will be looking to spring a surprise and defeat their rivals.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm.