DERBIES take centre stage this afternoon (Saturday) in the South Region Challenge Cup.
All six of East Lothian’s senior football teams are looking to progress in the competition as league business is cast aside.
There are two derbies as Dunbar United host Preston Athletic and Haddington Athletic welcome Tranent Juniors.
Musselburgh Athletic are also at home and face an interesting test against Gala Fairydean Rovers.
Finally, Ormiston Primrose are the only county side heading outside the East Lothian boundaries as they travel to Stoneyburn.
All games kick off at 2.30pm.
Match of the Day
Haddington Athletic v Tranent Juniors
South Region Challenge Cup
Haddington Athletic last five games: LDLDW
Tranent Juniors last five games: LWLWW
IT IS said the form book goes out of the window for a county derby and Haddington Athletic will be hoping that is the case at Millfield.
Scott Bonar’s men have had an unwanted injury list this campaign, which has hampered their step up to the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) Premier Division.
Four games without a win, the Hi Hi lost 4-1 to high-flying Jeanfield Swifts last weekend.
On top of that, it is nearly five years since they last recorded a win over their neighbours from along the A1.
Meanwhile, Tranent come into the game having lost two of their last three encounters, including last time out against Celtic B.
Despite those setbacks, the Belters have enjoyed life in the Scottish Lowland Football League (SLFL) after winning promotion last year.
Colin Nish’s men sit seventh in the standings and boast games in hand over many of those above them.
They will likely start as favourites, despite Haddington having home advantage.
Dunbar United v Preston Athletic
South Region Challenge Cup
Dunbar United last five games: WWDLW
Preston Athletic last five games: LWWWL
IT WAS almost 30 years since Dunbar United and Preston Athletic last played each other - until last month.
Now, the two sides are meeting for the second time in three weeks.
Preston Athletic were victorious in the most recent meeting and had leapfrogged their opponents in the EoSFL First Division.
Paul Currie’s team had collected a hat-trick of wins but were brought back down to earth on Saturday as Dunipace won 5-0 at the Pennypit.
In contrast, Dunbar seem to have overcome their own little ‘wobble’ and picked up back-to-back wins.
Three points against Lochore Welfare put the Seasiders on top of the pile in what looks like a very competitive First Division.
Kevin Haynes and his team will be looking to progress ahead of next weekend’s Scottish Cup clash with Stirling University.
Musselburgh Athletic v Gala Fairydean Rovers
South Region Challenge Cup
Musselburgh Athletic last five games: WWWDL
LIAM Burns has enjoyed an impressive start to his spell in charge of Musselburgh Athletic.
Victories over Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale, Oakley United and Sauchie Juniors have catapulted the Honest Toun up the Premier Division table.
Now, they face their biggest test as they take on SLFL side Gala Fairydean Rovers.
It is a meeting of two managers from West Lothian as the Borders side are under the management of former Hibs and Livingston midfielder Martin Scott.
The Galashiels side sit 12th in the standings having won five and drawn two games from their opening 13 matches.
The two sides met four years ago in their only previous contest and it was Musselburgh celebrating with a 1-0 win.
Stoneyburn v Ormiston Primrose
South Region Challenge Cup
Ormiston Primrose last five games: LLLDL
AN UNWANTED hat-trick of defeats has seen Ormiston Primrose become stuck in a relegation battle at the bottom of the EoSFL Second Division.
Last weekend’s match saw a narrow defeat to Edinburgh South and the county side will be hoping a change of scenery brings a change of fortune.
Five points from 12 contests has left Richie Weir’s men third bottom of the Second Division above only Lochgelly Albert and Hawick Royal Albert.
Stoneyburn have already recorded one memorable cup result this season with victory over Berwick Rangers.
The West Lothian team sit fourth in the EoSFL Third Division but have been inconsistent in their opening 11 games.
Five wins and five defeats leaves them 11 points adrift of early pacesetters Bo’ness Athletic.
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