The Gallant Issue 3 3 | Page 22

In the East Super League a short period at the top for Bonnyrigg Rose ended when local rivals Newtongrange Star went back to the number one position with in-form Bo'ness United and Linlithgow Rose in hot pursuit in what is looking like a fascinating title chase. Down at the bottom it looks ominous for Tayport and St Andrews as they start to become isolated from the pack. In the Premier League, Fauldhouse and Oakley lead the way with early pacesetters Bathgate Thistle starting to drop back towards the pack as their away form continues to hinder them. Premier League clubs Dalkeith and Arniston both overcame Super League opposition in the Fife & Lothians Cup. Arniston, a team who looked like going out of business not so long ago, are beginning to thrive and have now secured community club status. In the South Division, Edinburgh United have jumped ahead of Dundonald although the latter remain unbeaten. Harthill are propping up the table but have fared marginally better than their counterparts in the North Division where poor Coupar Angus have played 16, lost 16, and have a goal difference of minus 96. Dundee North End lead the way with big spending Luncarty in pursuit. New Pollok manager Tony McInally In the West a rejuvenated Irvine Meadow lead Auchinleck Talbot by 3 points although the latter have 3 games in hand. It’s anyone’s guess as to who will fall through the relegation trap door at the end of the season. Largs Thistle have found a bit of form whilst the traditionally strong duo of Arthurlie and Pollok are both struggling. We’ll see whether the appointment of former Shotts boss Tony McInally will rejuvenate the ‘Lok and steer his new club clear of the relegation zone. In the Super First Division, Troon lead the way with unbeaten Beith in second place, and they have opened up a gap on the rest. Meanwhile at the bottom Lesmahagow look destined for the drop. In the Ayrshire District League, Ardeer are top and Craigmark Burntonians are still looking for their first point of the season. In the Central First Division, our cup opponents Carluke Rovers are leading the way, while five time Junior Cup winners Cambuslang Rangers remain in the bottom half of the table following their promotion. In the Central Second Division, Vale of Leven are top with Blantyre still unbeaten with games in hand. Up north Dyce Juniors are leading the way - closely pursued by Banks o' Dee and Hall Russell United. Culter remain the team to watch though as they have four games in hand and are still unbeaten. In the Second Division East, Bridge of Don Thistle are top whilst in the West, Inverness City are the team to catch at the moment. The Scottish Junior Cup fourth round takes place on the 18th of January and there are some fascinating ties to look out for with Sauchie away to Kilwinning and Musselburgh facing Glenafton in two interesting East v West contests. Bo’ness are the new Junior Cup favourites – they head to St Andrews after their win over Auchinleck Talbot. Bonnyrigg boss Max Christie’s side went top