MATCH of the day takes place at Penicuik Park this afternoon (Saturday).
It is first versus third in the East of Scotland Football League Premier Division as Penicuik Athletic welcome Tranent Juniors.
Eight points separate the two title contenders, although Tranent do have the benefit of a game in hand.
Calum Elliot’s squad has been hampered by injuries and the coronavirus pandemic in recent weeks but will make the trip to Midlothian knowing they have already defeated their hosts this campaign.
That came in the Scottish Cup while the points were shared in league action in November.
Second placed Linlithgow Rose, who are yet to play Tranent this campaign, face a trip to Elliot’s former side Tynecastle.
Elsewhere in the top flight, Musselburgh will be looking to end an unwanted four-game run without a win in the league.
They host rock bottom Whitehill Welfare, who are in desperate need of points if they are to remain in the Premier Division.
Musselburgh Athletic’s last win came at home to Blackburn United on November 27 and they picked up three points away to their Ferguson Park opposition just a fortnight earlier.
Joe Hamill’s team have watched any title ambitions slip away but they will be keen to finish the season strongly and secure at least fourth spot.
Finally, Dunbar United welcome another team, like Whitehill, who are battling relegation in Newtongrange Star.
The Midlothian side were propping up the table for much of the campaign but have found form, including victory over Musselburgh last time out.
Kevin Haynes and his Dunbar team have edged back into the top half of the table on goal difference and could yet move further up the standings with three points.
They are unbeaten since a single goal defeat to league leaders Penicuik in November and will be looking to inflict defeat on Newtongrange for the second time in the league this season.
Elsewhere, promotion is very much the aim for both Haddington Athletic and Preston Athletic.
Scott Bonar’s Haddington side slipped from top spot last weekend after seeing their contest with Tweedmouth Rangers postponed.
That allowed First Division Conference A title rivals Leith Athletic to edge ahead on goal difference.
Haddington have two games in hand and make the trip south to face Coldstream, who sit eighth in the standings.
The Millfield men are yet to taste defeat in the league and thumped this afternoon’s opposition 6-0 in the reverse fixture.
Meanwhile, in First Division Conference B, Preston are also on their travels as they head for the Whitestone Park home of Peebles Rovers.
Jack Lynch’s team will be looking to build on an impressive 8-0 win over Hawick Royal Albert United last weekend.
The victory saw Preston close the gap on both league leaders Glenrothes and Oakley United at the top of the table.
Preston still have games in hand over both teams and will be keen to secure another three points in their bid for the title.
Finally, Ormiston will be looking to close the gap on Tweedmouth Rangers at the bottom of First Division Conference A.
Just four points separate the two teams and Ormiston have home advantage as they look for a first three points since the end of July.
Tweedmouth won the reverse fixture by the odd goal in seven and could leapfrog Dalkeith Thistle if they again take the win.
The Ormiston and Preston games kick off at 2pm, with the remaining contests getting under way half an hour later.
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