Kirkcaldy ready for battle as Newton Stewart come to Kirkcaldy

The Dumfries and Galloway side were in the Lang Toun on National League Cup business at the end of August.

On that occasion the Blues had a thumping 80-19 win but when they travelled to Wigtownshire six weeks later in the first ever league encounter between the sides they escaped with the narrowest of wins with a 7-6 success.

At Bladnoch Park that day Quintan Sanft’s men had to fight all the way against a side totally transformed from the outfit so badly beaten in the cup tie.

Wigtownshire came up from National 3 this season as runners up to Gordonians. They have performed much better in the higher division than

The Aberdeen side and currently stand in seventh place, just one below Kirkcaldy.

In their last game three weeks ago they comfortably beat Glasgow Accies by a 34-5 margin.

Kirkcaldy can expect nothing other than a stern test but will be looking for a five point win to keep them in touch with the sides above them in the table.

Kirkcaldy were somewhat below full strength in their last game at Dumfries two weeks ago.

Scrum half Gavin McKenzie, unavailable them, will be back on duty allowing Craig Letham to revert to stand off and Finlay Smith to take up the full back berth once more.

In the pack Kieran Mitchell damaged a shoulder in that game and is a likely absentee.

Kirkcaldy seconds travel to Kinross who had a surprising away win at Panmure last time out, The Blues will be looking for a win to move them up the table.

The severe weather has already taken its toll on Kirkcaldy’s fixture list with three games called off because of frost or rain. The effects of Storm Ciara last weekend are still being felt and the continuing rain and snow in mid week and an adverse forecast for this weekend must put big question mark over Saturday’s round of fixtures.

Early morning pitch inspections may be the order of the day.

Both games kick off at 3pm.