Watt target top three as City pay visit

THE students of Heriot-Watt University are at home to Edinburgh City in one of several East of Scotland League fixtures scheduled for tonight in a bid to start clearing the backlog caused by the weather.

Heriot-Watt, who are striving for a top three finish in the Central Taxis Premier Division under the guidance of former Hibs defender Michael Renwick, will give Ally Duff every chance of recovering from a virus. Matt Travis is suspended. City, who have not given up hope of a top-half finish with their new management team of Gary Jardine and John Green, are without Scott McFarlane.

Preston Athletic entertain Civil Service Strollers with both sides hovering just above the relegation zone. Preston have Ritchie McCaul out with a hamstring problem while the Strollers have both Gerry Burgess and Craig Dickson suspended.

In the First Division, the top match is at Raydale Park where Gretna 2008, currently in third position, entertain fourth-placed Vale of Leithen, who are on the same points total but have three games in hand. The home side have a full squad but Vale manager Rab Paget has doubts over John Hall, Steve Dongo, Aaron Somerville and Geri Rossi. New signing from Edinburgh City, Steven Clee, is set to make his debut.

Leith Athletic travel to meet Gala Fairydean without long-term injury victims Sean Fallon and Dougie Thom and suspended striker Greg Irvine.

Stirling University have the opportunity to leapfrog current leaders Craigroyston when they travel to meet bottom club Hawick Royal Albert with a full squad.

Tonight's fixtures (7.30pm unless stated):

Central Taxis Premier Division: Heriot Watt University v Edinburgh City, Preston Athletic v Civil Service Strollers.

Central Taxis First Division: Gala Fairydean v Leith Athletic, Gretna 2008 v Vale of Leithen (7.45), Hawick Royal Albert v Stirling.