Tayport aiming to take the sting out of Bathgate Thistle

Sergio Alvarez is set to return for Tayport.

It meant Tayport’s scheduled Premier League fixture against Armadale Thistle was postponed.

The game had presented Tayport with a decent chance to keep pace with the sides at the top of the league, but, after an overnight frost, a swift decision was made by the match-day referee to postpone.

Another Thistle, Armadale’s neighbours, Bathgate, will provide the opposition tomorrow afternoon.

‘Port will be looking to get back to winning ways after a series of relatively poor results over the past month or so.

Having not won since early October, the Canniepairt men have fallen behind the division’s pacesetters and really need to start gaining ground to kick start their promotion ambitions.

The Canniepairt club had looked to be on course for a morale boosting derby day win over St Andrews a couple of weeks ago, but surrendered a two goal lead in the closing stages of the game.

Leaders Kennoway beat Ovenstone’s side 3-2 the week before that.

Hosts Bathgate are also having something of a mixed time of it and are even further adrift.

Currently in ninth place, a win could see them climb a few places in the table and be within touching distance of fifth place ‘Port.

At Creamery Park, Thistle have won three, lost two and drawn one of their league matches, while Tayport only have one win on the road this season.

A club spokesman said it was a pivotal afternoon which could swing either way.

He said : “An intriguing fixture is certainly on the cards.

“Player-boss John Ovenstone will be hoping that Sergio Alvarez and Alan Tulleth have shaken off injuries which have curtailed their involvement of late.

“Club captain Scott McDowell, however, looks likely to remain on the sidelines. Jamie Mackie is still suspended, as is Ovenstone, so Drew Fleming may get the nod to start in central defence alongside Kieron Conway.”

Kick-off at Creamery Park, Bathgate, is scheduled for 1.45pm.

The last time these sides met was in the McBookie.com East Premier League match back on May 30 2015 at The Canniepairt where Bathgate Thistle beat Tayport 0-1.