Return of key men set to boost champions Edinburgh City

Ross Guthrie is in contention for a starting place for Edinburgh City

The Ferrari Packaging Lowland League champions hold a lead of 18 points at the top of the table over Spartans and Stirling University, who crucially have six games in hand. Boss Gary Jardine has several big players returning from fitness, and says he’ll need them.

“Joe Mbu’s maybe a week or two away but Chris McKee will be back,” he revealed.

“Ross Guthrie’s looking for a place as well so we’re getting our squad back. Shaun Harrison missed out last week but Aaron Dunsmore came in and did well again. We’ve got competition for places. If we’re to have any chance of retaining our title, that’ll be healthy for us. We’ve been fortunate to only have three games off this season, while other teams have a few to catch up on. Spartans and Stirling I fully expect to keep winning their games in hand. I think the title race will go right to the wire.”

Preston Athletic welcome Gretna 2008 to the Pennypit with Craig Nisbet still awaiting his home bow as manager, while Edinburgh University are on the road to face East Kilbride at K Park.