TWO East Lothian sides could be crowned league champions by 5pm this evening (Saturday).
Tranent Juniors and Haddington Athletic could both be celebrating if they pick up wins and other results go their way.
The Belters sit top of the Premier Division table going into the penultimate round of fixtures while Haddington are at the summit of First Division Conference A.
Meanwhile, Preston Athletic could strengthen their bid to join the top flight when they travel to Heriot-Watt University.
Elsewhere, Dunbar United face another vital game, this time against Crossgates Primrose, in their bid to avoid relegation from the Premier Division and Musselburgh Athletic will look to turn around their poor form when they travel to Jeanfield Swifts.
Finally, Ormiston welcome Edinburgh United to East Lothian.
Each of the games kicks off at 2.30pm, with the exception of Preston’s trip to the capital, which starts at 3pm.
Match of the day
First Division Conference B
Heriot-Watt University v Preston Athletic
Preston Athletic’s last five games: WDDWW
THE third of five consecutive away games takes Preston Athletic into the capital to face Heriot-Watt University.
Jack Lynch’s men have had to battle a gruelling schedule as they make up their games in hand over Glenrothes and league leaders Oakley United.
A 2-1 win away to Lochore Welfare last weekend saw the gap at the top narrowed to just a single point behind Oakley.
Preston still face trips to Luncarty and Easthouses Lily before hosting Lochgelly Albert on the last day of the season.
In the meantime, they will be looking to take three points against Heriot-Watt in a bid to keep the pressure on Oakley.
Lynch’s men were 1-0 winners at the Pennypit back in July and the same result would be another massive step towards promotion.
Premier Division
Linlithgow Rose v Tranent Juniors
Tranent Juniors’ last five games: WDWWW
A MIDWEEK defeat to Blackburn United ended Linlithgow Rose’s slim chances of winning the Premier Division.
The loss means it is now a two-horse race between Tranent Juniors and Penicuik Athletic in the battle to win the league.
Tranent come into the game after hitting Whitburn Juniors for six last weekend and with a two-point advantage over their Midlothian rivals.
The Belters hosted Linlithgow last month and found themselves 2-0 down before a late fightback to salvage a point.
A win today (Saturday) could be enough for them to win the league – if Penicuik slip up at rock bottom Camelon Juniors.
Regardless of that result, three points would leave Tranent needing likely just one point from their final game of the campaign against Jeanfield Swifts.
Premier Division
Jeanfield Swifts v Musselburgh Athletic
Musselburgh Athletic’s last five games: LLLLW
FOR much of the season, Musselburgh sat fourth in the Premier Division table.
However, a poor run of form since the turn of the year has seen them slip down the table and replaced in fourth spot by Jeanfield Swifts.
Joe Hamill’s team have two games left to play and could yet finish in the bottom half of the table – an unfortunate result given their performance in the first half of the season.
Musselburgh have rarely been outplayed in 2022 but have been unable to translate that into points.
The last time the two sides met – back in August – Musselburgh were 3-2 winners at Olivebank.
Premier Division
Dunbar United v Crossgates Primrose
Dunbar United’s last five games: DLDLW
JUST three points separate Dunbar United from the bottom four of the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) Premier Division.
A win for the Seasiders would greatly boost their chances of maintaining their status in the division.
They welcome fifth-placed Crossgates Primrose and are still in search of a first clean sheet in the league this season.
Kevin Haynes and the team lost 2-1 to Dundonald Bluebell last weekend but know three points are very much needed.
The last meeting saw Crossgates win 3-2 in Fife and a reversal of that result would be welcomed.
First Division Conference A
Kennoway Star Hearts v Haddington Athletic
Haddington Athletic’s last five games: LWWLW
VICTORY for Haddington Athletic could be enough to see them crowned First Division Conference A champions.
Scott Bonar’s side head for Kennoway Star Hearts knowing they are getting closer to promotion.
Their hosts have had an inconsistent campaign, with 12 wins and 12 defeats from 25 encounters.
However, they still have plenty to play for and will be looking to secure their spot in next season’s First Division.
An away win – coupled with second placed Leith dropping points at Thornton Hibs – would be enough to see Haddington crowned champions.
Haddington were 4-0 winners at Millfield at the beginning of the season and the same result would put them on the brink of promotion at the very least.
First Division Conference A
Ormiston v Edinburgh United
Ormiston’s last five games: DLLDL
ON PAPER, it would seem Ormiston have little to play for as they sit bottom of First Division Conference B.
The New Recreation Park side will play Second Division football next season regardless of their results over the coming weeks.
However, a victory over Edinburgh United could be enough to see them leapfrog Craigroyston and move off the football of the table.
Their visitors still have a chance to finish in the top seven and avoid joining them in the Second Division.
The last meeting saw the club from the capital emerge 4-0 winners.
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