The list of inspections, in the league, according to the SFL website are: -

Albion Rovers v Stenhousemuir – Saturday at 11:30am
Arbroath v Airdrie United – Saturday 11.00am
Dumbarton v Cowdenbeath – Saturday at 9.00am
East Fife v Brechin City – Saturday at 9.30am
Stirling Albion v Forfar Athletic – Saturday at 11:30am

SCOTTISH CUP

There is no First Division fixture list this weekend due to Cup action so where are the likely upsets, are there any likely and who should progress? Ayr United v Falkirk has the two beaten semi finalists up against each other. Brian Reid has managed to secure the signing of two loanees in the shape of Kiegan Parker and Sean Higgins. Falkirk will be a very different looking side as they recover from the loss of Kallum Higginbotham to Huddersfield. This could be a very tasty tie if it goes ahead and we would all expect an away win but Ayr have proven handy cup specialists over the years so it may take a replay to separate them. Motherwell v Morton gives Allan Moore some respite from the vagaries of the league campaign on which he has embarked this year. SPL opposition at home should triumph surely? Moore has major defensive injury worries so a shock seems highly unlikely.

St Mirren v Ross County may well spell the game of the day for the SFL as the leaders of Division One get to play against a club they would be expected to beat if they wanted next year to consolidate in the SPL. Of course that would be if they got promoted… St Mirren have already fallen foul of SFL opposition in the league so will be keen to avoid lightening striking twice. On top of that County put the Saints out the league cup last year so it is all measuring up! County are likely to be without David McNamee, Jonny Flynn and Marc Fitzpatrick. I fancy a home win and the end of a dismal cup run for Danny Lennon’s side. Finally Aberdeen v Queen of the South has Gus McPherson’s side likely to field new signing Sam Parkin and hope he continues to find the net as he did the last weekend. They are without Kevin Smith and Marc McCusker though Craig Reid and Stephen McKenna should be back. New signing John Potter for Queens, like Gavin Rae for the Dons is cup tied. A home win for me I am afraid as I think the Doonhamers need to concentrate on the league.

SECOND DIVISION

I think we can safely say there will be more than a few games off following the inspections which shall be a pity and a shame because there were quite a few ties with the word intriguing hanging over them! Dumbarton v Cowdenbeath fitted into that category as Colin Cameron’s side won 4- 0 the last time they visited on league action and Arbroath are beginning to catch them again. The Sons will be without Kevin Nicoll whilst Killie loanee Garry Fisher will feature in the squad for the Blue Brazil, taking Cameron’s place. Thomas O’Brien is still out for Cowdenbeath too but the rest of
the squad should be available. For me it will possibly end up Alan Adamson’s fifth win on the spin as Cameron dictates play when on the park… East Fife v Brechin City has Darren McCormack and Ryan Wallace back for the Fifers though John Robertson may still be without Craig Johnstone and David Muir. Brechin are looking like they will be without Charlie King as well as Gerry McLachlan and Derek Carcary. For me I would put money on a postponement – possibly like every fixture this weekend – but if it gets the nod I think John Robertson’s side may shade it.

Arbroath v Airdrie United sees Paul Sheerin sweating over the fitness of 4 players with Stuart Malcolm, Mark Baxter, Josh Falkingham and Beau Busch struggling. Michael White and Jordan Elfverson are out. Kieron Stallard returns for Airdrie and Cameron MacDonald is added to Jimmy Boyle’s squad. Tough game for the visitors and I would expect each to snuff the other out making the Dumbarton result one that could become more significant as the afternoon draws on. Albion Rovers v Stenhousemuir would be one on my bucket list this afternoon. Rangers loanee Jack Werndly may make his debut for the wee Rovers whilst there will be no John Gemmell, Tony Stevenson or Jordan Halsman. At least Barry Russell looks like he is coming back. Stenny will be missing Stevie Murray and Martyn Corrigan. With so much at stake for both in terms of getting a consolidated play off place this could be a fascinating 0-0 draw or one of those big scoring games that have been a feature of this season…

Finally Stirling Albion v Forfar Athletic sees Stirling wanting off the foot of the table. Brian Allison is back as well as John Cawley though the swings have roundabouts – out are Stevie Nicholas and Shaun Fagan for the Binos. The visitors will welcome back David Mowat, Iain Campbell and Martyn Fotheringham whilst Stephen Tulloch may be missing. After losing to Arbroath midweek the Binos will be desperate to make amends but I can see them slipping further.

THIRD DIVISION

Queens Park v Alloa Athletic should beat the frost otherwise it might be a national scandal! There are no changes for the Spiders from the team that was beaten by Peterhead so they could once again struggle. For Alloa Ben Gordon will be available as well as Ryan McCord. For me Alloa are on a fine run and that will continue. East Stirling v Stranraer should be as easy an away win as any this season especially as Stranraer have already registered a 6-0 win against East Stirling already this year! Stranraer have Chris Aitken back and are at full strength. Tipping the winner may be the easiest tip of the day as I cannot see past the visiting side.

Montrose v Annan Athletic has the team that was neck and neck with the league leaders Alloa now 13 points adrift trying to make up the gap. With Montrose down to only 15 fit players prayers may be answered and the team that lost to Alloa last Saturday could find themselves on the end of a humbling experience. However Annan arrive without David Winters who has left after a trial period, Graham Bell and John MacBeth. A late test for Sean O’Connor and Ian Harty starting is the other squad news as Annan need a win to get their season back on track. Stewards’ Enquiry if they don’t get it. Finally Berwick Rangers v Peterhead sees a resurgent – at last – Blue Toon ready to keep the train a going against the Borderers. The home side will have Ben Gordon back with Lee Currie, Kevin McDonald and Elliot Smith out. In come John Ferguson and Stephen Tulloch. There is no Barry Sellars and doubts for David Ross and Scott Ross as Jim McInally hopes he has found the turn in Peterhead’s season. I think he might find the light at the end of this tunnel is NOT an oncoming train and gain another three points.

Pressley fumed at the post-match press conference: “I’m so disappointed for the players, we gave so much to the game and it was decided on two debatable decisions. The two pivotal decisions in the game went Celtic’s way and we paid the price for that.

“I just wanted justice for my players. The issue for me is would it have been given in the other box? That’s the question for me.”

However Pressley failed to mention a Celtic goal which was ruled offside, despite Gary Hooper being a yard onside.

Pressley will appear in front of the SFA on February 23 to answer the SFA questions.

Rule 68 of the SFA states: “No recognised football body, club, official, Team Official or other member of Team Staff, player or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA, shall in an interview, a ‘blog’ on the internet, on a social networking or micro-blogging site, or in any other manner calculated or likely to lead to publicity (i) criticise the performance(s) of any or all match official(s) in such a way as to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official; or (ii) make remarks about such match official(s) which impinge on his character.”

© Patrick McGuire | Scotzine

After his side’s 1-0 win over Ayrshire rivals Ayr United, Killie manager Kenny Shiels hit out at what he branded Ayr’s negative approach to the cup tie.

While the mainstream media in Scotland lauded Walter Smith’s approach in Europe during the 2008 UEFA Cup Final run, a tactic branded by Lionel Messi later as anti-football, Shiels was of the opinion that Ayr were not being respectful to the paying public.

Shiels even went to the extreme that if Kilmarnock ever played against Barcelona that he would “never have played like that” and then claimed that the Ayr United defensive tactic was “like a bunch of daffodils round the penalty spot”.

A somewhat bitter but relieved Shiels stated in his post-match press conference: “I am relieved because football was the winner today and that is the most important thing in the industry we work in, to provide good football and good entertainment.”

“To attack for two hours is not easy. The other team started attacking in the 90th minute when the sign went up for three minutes of overtime, and it was like ‘wow, these boys can play’.

Shiels added: “I thought if they had done that sooner they could have beaten us. But they didn’t come out. Belief comes from your tactics and both teams have to show each other respect and come out and attack each other. But Ayr United didn’t. I don’t know for what reason because they have got decent players.

Football is about entertainment. People come and pay to be entertained and the easiest component in football, or any sport, is to defend. But anybody can do that. We have to be respectful of the fact that people have paid money to come and watch a fantastic occasion and you need two teams to attack to have that.

“I am maybe sounding a bit negative but I have to be honest in my assessment. After having dominated for so long, I thought the man above is working against us. Those three minutes at the end I thought one of these is going to go in. I don’t know if they played for penalties – it looked like it.

Shiels continued: I’m not taking anything away from Ayr’s players because their work ethic and endeavour was magnificent. But it was a negative approach. I am not hammering Ayr United but what I am saying is that the game would have been a better spectacle if they had come out.”

© Patrick McGuire | Scotzine

He said: “Kenny should keep his opinions to himself and worry about his own team. I’m a wee bit disappointed with that but he has made a few silly comments in saying we were full-time when we were part-time. He should know better because I think he managed part-time clubs. We were annoyed, a wee bit disrespectful. I don’t know where he was coming from with his comments, maybe he was just trying to psyche everyone out a wee bit, making out we were the big favourites and they were underdogs. It is a bit of a strange thing to say.

“I was proud of our part-time players today. Their effort and commitment was second to none and they just came up short at the end.”

The post-match comments were more suited to a rivalry than what actually occurred on the Hampden pitch earlier in the day.

© Patrick McGuire | Scotzine

The game was a one-sided encounter, even for an Ayrshire derby, with Kilmarnock dominating possession. There was a lot of pre-match hype surrounding the game because of the rivalry between the two sides, but while the fans lived it in the stands, the players just couldn’t muster anything of the sort on the pitch, in what was a pretty drab semi-final encounter.

The opening exchanges of the game was more of a training ground kickabout rather than a fiery derby, which had been billed by many in Ayrshire. It took just over 20 minutes for the first chance on goal, when Kilmarnock’s Garry Hay lobbed the ball goal bound from an acute angle only to see United defender John Robertson head the ball off the line.

Hay again threatened the United goal with a long-range shot but Cuthbert comfortably saved the Killie midfielder’s shot.

In what was one of their few attacks on the Killie goal, Michael McGowan curled a free kick over the bar after Liam Kelly was penalised for a cynical tackle 20 yards from his own goal.

Killie were building the pressure on their Ayrshire rivals and should have taken the lead on 38 minutes when Ben Gordon drove through the Ayr defence after latching onto a Heffernan pass, but the on loan full back fired his shot straight at Cuthbert in the Ayr goal, when it would have been better to pull it back towards the penalty spot for a team-mate.

One of the stand out players of the tie was Kilmarnock’s James Dayton, and it was the midfielder who had the Killie supporters on the edge of their seats when he got down the right wing, just before the end of the first half, twisting and turning his man before launching a cross into the box towards Gary Harkins, but he could only fire his header over the bar.

Minutes before half time and some Killie fans were claiming for a penalty when Ben Gordon looked to have been fouled in the box by Tiffoney, as he bore down on goal but referee Steven McLean pointed for a goal kick, despite some cheers from the Killie fans who thought it was a penalty.

Into the second half and Dayton once more gave the Killie supporters some hope of a breakthrough as he jinked his way down the byline, but his pass back towards the penalty spot could not find a team-mate and Ayr cleared the danger.

Just after the hour mark and Ayr keeper Cuthbert was called into action once more, making a double save top deny Kilmarnock. First he was at full stretch to block a shot from Dayton and an outstretched foot blocked a follow-up shot from Gary Harkins.

Cuthbert was being called into action more and more as Killie pushed forward looking for the opening goal of the game, as he tipped a powerful shot from Shiels over the bar, before turning a Pascali header away from the resulting penalty.

It took just over 80 minutes for Ayr United to have their first clear-cut chance on goal through Alan Geggan, but his curling shot was comfortably saved by Cammy Bell who was a mere spectator up to that point.

Killie continued to peg back Ayr United as full-time fast approached, but Cuthbert once more denied Killie, after a strike from Garry Hay, tipping the ball over the bar.

And so the game went into extra time and it was the same auld same auld play from Ayr as they sat back inviting Kilmarnock onto them, who could not find a way through the stubborn United defence.

But with the game looking as though it would head into penalties, the deadlock was finally broken in the 109th minute. Cuthbert made two superb saves from Shiels and Heffernan, but it was third time lucky for Killie as Shiels fired the ball home from 12 yards out. A cruel end to the game for Ayr United, more so Cuthbert who was outstanding, but Kilmarnock fully deserved their win and progression into the Final of the Scottish Communities League Cup, where they await the winners of Falkirk or Celtic who play on Sunday.

Team Information

Ayr United: Cuthbert, Tiffoney, John Robertson, Smith, Malone, McGowan, Trouten (Tomsett), Geggan, McKernon (Dodd), Moffat, Wardlaw (Roberts).

Subs not used: Ross Robertson, McWilliams.

Kilmarnock: Bell, Gordon, Hay (Buijs), Fowler, Pascali, Nelson, Shiels, Kelly, Heffernan, Dayton (Silva), Harkins (Racchi).

Subs not used: Kroca, Letheren (Gk)

Referee: Steven McLean

Attendance: 25,057

Man of the Match: While Kilmarnock midfielder James Dayton deserves plaudits for his contribution to the game, Ayr United’s Kevin Cuthbert has both hands firmly on the obligatory bottle of champagne that the man of the match is awarded at the end of the game, thanks to his superb saves to deny Kilmarnock time and again.

In Division One there are only thee games to be played and the chasing pack of Dundee and Falkirk will look on as Ross County will seek to make one of their games in hand count. At the other end Ayr’s semi final appearance means that both Raith and Queen of the South could capitalise and leave Ayr holding up the rest of the table albeit with many games in hand.

In Division Two Cowdenbeath are looking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to Forfar Athletic last week. With 5 points of a cushion already the Blue Brazil will want to get further ahead. The top two – Cowdenbeath and Arbroath – are far enough ahead that the real contest is below them as no fewer than seven clubs have realistic chances of making the play off places.

In Division Three Alloa and Annan Athletic – the two early front-runners – are now separated by 8 points as Harry Cairney’s side’s slump has seen them fall behind. So there are plenty of opportunities for the other teams around them to take advantage. The slump does not make his side a bad side but confidence must return or else the likes of Elgin and Berwick will take advantage. An intriguing contest…

 SFL DIVISION ONE

The league leaders will entertain a team that this time last year was chasing- ultimately successfully – their second promotion in two years in Ross County v Livingston. County do not have midfielder Paul Lawson or defenders Jonathon Flynn nor Marc Fitzpatrick. Livi have Mark Fotheringham back but it will be a tall order for Livingston to take the Dingwall men’s record of not losing at home this year so a home win is expected. New Douglas Park welcomes a relegation threatened team as Billy Reid hopes home advantage continues their revival as Hamilton Academical v Raith Rovers would see a Hamilton win put them in the top 4. For any other team to win this division apart from Ross County would take a collapse at Dingwall and more consistency than has been shown by Hamilton and the rest but this is the type of game Hamilton should win. Mark McLaughlin is in line to return to the centre of defence and with Alex Neil and Thomas Cerny also back in the line up they look far more solid than they had at the beginning of the season. Raith will be missing Scott McBride up front, defender Dougie Hill and Brian Graham. Looks like another home win to me.

Finally in the First Division, Queen of the South v Greenock Morton sees a repeat of the fixture that earlier in the season saw top being thumped by the bottom 4-1. Sam Parkin is expected to make his debut for Queens as Marc McCusker and Kevin Smith are both out. Also unavailable are Stephen McKenna and Craig Reid. For Morton there will be no Thomas O’Ware joining Stuart McCaffrey and Ross Forsyth already out. It is hoped that Grant Evans will come through a late fitness test to make it for the Greenock men. Hard one to call as both will desperately be seeking the win so may end up being a draw.

SFL DIVISION TWO

The Division Two league leaders head into Cowdenbeath v Albion Rovers after their defeat last week away to Forfar Athletic hoping to make amends and give themselves a bigger cushion at the top. There are hopes they will sign SPL youngster Gary Fisher on loan from KIllie for this game whilst Colin Cameron is out as well as defender Thomas O’Brien. Paul Martin’s side lost during the week making it 5 defeats in a row.  They await news on Goalkeeper Derek Galston and defender Alan Reid whilst the injury list is long and concerning. Rovers need to stop the rot before it becomes more serious and this could be a cracker of a tie. Unfortunately for Albion it may be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Second place Arbroath travel across the country to battle Jim Weir’s side in an attempt to gain some ground on Cowdenbeath in Brechin City v Arbroath. Graham Weir is an absentee for the home side and Rory McKenzie is another Killie youngster looking to go out on loan – this time at Glebe Park. Also out for Brechin are Gerry McLachlan and Derek Carcary as Brechin look to try to get back into the play off spots. Arbroath won 6-1 last weekend so hopes will be high that they can maintain that level of form and performance. Injuries keep out goalkeeper Michael White and Jordan Elfverson but Paul Sheerin will manage to put up a fight at Glebe that should see them through with another 3 points, putting more pressure on Cowdenbeath. Third positioned Stenhousemuir have a difficult home game in Stenhousemuir v East Fife with Eric Paton, Stevie Murray and Iain Thomson back along with Motherwell loanee Gary Smith likely to make his debut. That would have made them confident until the news that experienced defender Martyn Corrigan is out. East Fife are missing Darren McCormack and Ryan Wallace. This is a vital clash for both teams though the dismal recent form of Stenhousemuir should end soon… shouldn’t it?

With Forfar Athletic v Dumbarton late fitness tests are being given to David Mowat, Martyn Fotheringham and Iain Campbell.  Forfar’s week has mirrored their season as they beat the league leaders last weekend then lost a 2 goal lead against Stirling midweek to draw. Dumbarton are awaiting news of the fitness of influential midfielder Scott Agnew with doubts also over striker Pat Walker and Ryan Finnie. Dumbarton have been dogged this season with a tough season that may end up with them in a play off place by the skin of their teeth or sit outside it dependant upon whether they can find a bit of form. A tough ask for both to win today but I do think Dumbarton could be returning with a win in hand. Finally Airdrie United v Stirling Albion has one of those conundrums that ends up on trivia games. Cameron MacDonald was sent off last week for Airdrie United but will not serve his ban because he wasn’t signed! So he plays today as a trialist. On loan goalkeeper Grant Adam is also in the squad but Jimmy Boyle will be without Kevin Green and Kieron Stallard. The Binos have signed Graham Weir on loan from Brechin to help their bid to stay in the division. Sam Filler is the only player unavailable to Greig McDonald as he attempts to continue his impressive starts as the Binos’ boss. Jimmy Boyle may just have enough though to make this a home win.

SFL DIVISION THREE

League leaders, Alloa Athletic are at home today against a misfiring side that needs the win. Alloa Athletic v Montrose will see Ross McKinnon – on loan from Motherwell – in for a debut whilst Kevin McHattie has returned to Hearts. Both Ross and Ryan McCord are injured and beating Stranraer 4-0 last week must be a boost rather than allowing Paul Hartley’s side to relax. Montrose are without David Di Milta for this clash and Ray Farningham is looking for better application from his team. It’s a difficult rather than impossible tie for the Division Three leaders and I think it could be an interesting result… For second Place Stranraer they are also at home as Stranraer v Elgin City sees the return of Chris Aitken to the south west side. The game passed a 7am inspection so Elgin travel with Paul Millar a doubt, Paul Kaczan, Blair Lawrie and Steven Edwards out. Stranraer should therefore recover from their 4-0 mauling last weekend.

Up north Peterhead v Queens Park has Scott Ross suspended for the home side but Jim McInally has moved Paul Watson, Alan Rattray and Aaron Conway out to the Juniors. Both teams are in form and a good contest is expected. Queens Park are without Paul Stewart, Jamie Brough and David Murray and are wary of this long trek. I think it may be a fruitless task and Peterhead will continue their revival.  Annan Athletic v East Stirlingshire has Harry Cairney hoping to have a familiar trialist in David Winters for the last time but there has been interest from elsewhere for the experienced player. Sean O’Connor and Aaron Muirhead will face late fitness tests whilst Graeme Bell and John MacBeth are out. Annan are faltering and need the win. East Stirling are looking for their first away win of the season and John Coughlin has not got problems to seek. Home win anyone?

Finally Clyde v Berwick Rangers sees the home side without defenders Gavin Brown and Declan Gallacher though Iain Gray is available. Berwick are missing striker Daniel Lavery and midfielder Kevin McDonald whilst defender Chris McLeod and midfielder Ross Gray are back. Both are desperate for a win so it may end up a draw…