Peeblesshire News | Sport | Weather threat to local football

Friday, 9th January, 2009

Published: Friday, 7th November, 2008 12:30

Weather threat to local football

By David Knox

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PEEBLES will carry out a pitch inspection tonight (Friday) as washed-out Whitestone Park struggles to cope with the autumn downpours.

Gary French’s side suffered a last-minute call off last weekend prior to facing Preston Athletic in East Lothian.

And the manager is praying for sunshine ahead of Edinburgh City arriving tomorrow.

French told us: “It is touch and go at the moment. There’s little wind and hardly any sun to dry the pitch up.

“We did well on our last outing at Coldstream and wanted to continue the form but postponements are preventing that.”

City come to Peebles on the back of their historic 4-1 win at Wick Academy in the Scottish Homecoming Cup last weekend.

And are most pundit’s fancy to claim the Premier League title this season.

French added: “Edinburgh City will be one of our toughest matches of the season and they will expect us to be their easiest match but we will give it a go.”

Peebles, who were boosted by sponsorship from Franco’s Restaurant this week, are missing Sam Hosker.

Vale of Leithen will also be weakened with injured Chris Graham and suspended Michael Osbourne for the arrival of Tynecastle.

But Lindsay Rathie and Robbie Clark still have around 18 players to choose from – and they are all full of confidence.

Rathie told us: “Everyone is in great spirits following the Scottish Cup win and they are all wanting to play themselves into a starting place for the next round.

“We have three league games before the third round and we must win them all.”

Coach Jackie Diamond will embark on a long trip to north to spy on Inverurie Loco Works when they face Clachnacuddin.

But Rathie wants to make sure none of his players are thinking about the forthcoming Highland fling when Tynecastle arrive at Victoria Park. He added: “We are bottom of the league and need to start climbing that table.

“If we want to do anything in the league this season we have to start winning.”

Vale’s home match with Tynecastle and Edinburgh City’s trip to Peebles are all due to kick off at 2pm.

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