THE race for league titles and the battle to avoid relegation shares centre stage with cup action this afternoon (Saturday).
Dunbar United, Ormiston and Preston Athletic are all in league action but Tranent Juniors and Haddington Athletic switch their attention to the League Cup.
Musselburgh Athletic are the only county team not in action today.
Dunbar United face a vital Premier Division clash with Dundonald Bluebell as both teams look to ease any relegation worries.
In First Division Conference A, Ormiston are looking to cause an upset when they host Dunipace.
Meanwhile, Preston Athletic could move to within a point of Oakley United at the top of the First Division Conference B table when they face Lochore Welfare.
There are two interesting battles in the League Cup as Tranent Juniors take on Whitburn while Haddington Athletic head to Penicuik Athletic.
Each of the games kicks off at 2.30pm.
Match of the Day
Premier Division
Dunbar United v Dundonald Bluebell
Dunbar United’s last five games: DLWDD
ONE defeat in five games – with that loss coming at title-chasing Tranent Juniors – represents solid form for Dunbar United.
The Seasiders would take a sizeable step to ensuring they are once again playing Premier Division football next season with victory over Dundonald Bluebell.
Currently, Dunbar sit three points clear of the drop zone but they will be out to edge closer to safety.
Manager Kevin Haynes has spoken about 40 points possibly being enough to avoid relegation and victory would take them to 41 – level on points with their visitors.
The Fife side won the reverse fixture 6-3 at the end of October and a victory for them will strengthen their own bid to avoid the drop.
First Division Conference A
Ormiston v Dunipace
Ormiston’s last five games: LDLLD
THREE points would be enough to lift Ormiston off the bottom of the First Division Conference A table.
The county side trail Craigroyston by two points and know a victory would edge them to within two points of Tweedmouth Rangers as well.
Third placed Dunipace will prove a stern challenge but Richie Weir’s men can take heart from their performance against second placed Leith Athletic.
Daryl Russell scored in the 2-1 defeat to the title-chasers and a similar showing could see them rewarded with at least a point.
At the very least, Ormiston will be out to avoid a repeat of the 8-0 defeat they suffered to the opposition in September.
First Division Conference B
Lochore Welfare v Preston Athletic
Preston Athletic’s last five games: DDWWW
THE second of five consecutive away games takes Preston Athletic back to Fife.
Preston drew 1-1 with fellow title challengers Glenrothes last weekend and will head to Lochore Welfare today (Saturday).
The hosts are out of the title picture but could put a dent in the hopes of the Pennypit side.
Jack Lynch’s men trail league leaders Oakley United by four points but have the benefit of two games in hand.
A win would really boost their chances of taking the title.
Lochore lost 1-0 in their visit to Prestonpans on the second day of the season back in July.
League Cup First Round
Tranent Juniors v Whitburn Juniors
Tranent Juniors’ last five games: DWWWW
TITLE-CHASING Tranent Juniors put those ambitions on hold as they welcome Whitburn Juniors to Foresters Park.
The Belters have just two games to play in the Premier Division and know four points would be enough to clinch the league title – barring a huge goal difference swing.
However, they will be focusing on progressing in the League Cup when they welcome West Lothian’s Whitburn.
The Central Park side have title ambitions of their own and sit four points adrift of First Division Conference X leaders Bo’ness Athletic – and still have to play them twice.
League Cup First Round
Penicuik Athletic v Haddington Athletic
Haddington Athletic’s last five games: WWLWL
SCOTT Bonar’s title-chasing Haddington Athletic will be out to spring a surprise when they travel to fellow high-flyers Penicuik Athletic.
The Hi Hi sit top of First Division Conference A and will be looking to join Penicuik, who sit second in the Premier Division, in the top flight of the East of Scotland Football League.
Haddington need five points to wrap up the league title but their quest for points will have to wait until next weekend.
Instead, they will look to progress to the second round of the League Cup.
The Millfield men finished top of Group G after taking 10 points from a possible 12 against Heriot Watt University, Musselburgh Athletic, Lochgelly Albert and Pumpherston.
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