For the last eight weeks or so (has it really been that long?), the main topic of our preview has been derived from the inclement weather conditions, mainly rain, wind and more recently hoarfrost and snow.

For that reason, I am skipping over the outstanding Emirates Cup ties, other than to say “I hope they are not victims of our wonderful Scottish winter climate again”.

So let us pray for favourable conditions on Saturday that will assuage the hunger of the junior supporters, many whom are desperate for their Saturday intake of football.

The big one in the Premier League, without a doubt, is in Glasgow, where league leaders Petershill attempt the double over Irvine Meadow. This is a must not lose game for the Peasy if they wish to meet the aspirations of their supporters.

Petershill were victorious back in mid January when they shocked the Irvine side at Meadow Park with an excellent 2 – 1 win. Petershill will not want any slip ups such as the 3-2 defeat at the hands of Clydebank last time out. Meadow’s last league match was their defeat at home to Peasy although they did defeat Cumnock the week before with a comfortable 6-0 score.

I feel Kirkintilloch against Auchinleck could be a worthwhile visit for the neutral supporter. The last time I observed Beith and Ashfield, it turned out to be a cracker, here’s hoping for more of the same.

Arthurlie welcome Clydebank having failed to hit the net during their last 180 minutes of league football, conceding six in the process. The Bankies will want to win this one to put a five point gap between them and their Barrhead opponents, for they have played three more games and sit one place above Arthurlie in the league.

Arthurlie v Clydebank
Ashfield v Beith
Petershill v Irvine Meadow
Kirkintiloch Rob Roy v Auchinleck Talbot
Pollok v Largs Thistle (provisional)

Into the First Division where John Darroch takes his Ardrossan side back to his old hunting ground at Dalry, having lost his last two matches and failing to break their duck. No goals in two. Dalry will be happy to add to Winton’s misery as they attempt to win their first league game since September, which came against Shotts.

Speaking of Shotts, they head to Guy’s Meadow where old foes Cumbernauld await. If united can apply their away form to their home matches, Shotts would be in for a torrid time. Three victories on the trot, two of those were wins over top three clubs.

Shotts have won their last three league outings and rattling in the goals in the process. This should be a great game.

Hurlford surprised most of us last time out when took all three points at home to Ardrossan. They are at Blair Park once more against a side that hasn’t won a league game since October – Rutherglen. The Glens have been making use of various friendlies to build up their match fitness, but will it be enough? An interesting one and for those in the Kilmarnock area, why not come out and support your local junior team.

Kilsyth host the unpredictable Lanark at Duncansfield as they hope to pile the pressure on leaders Glenafton, should they slip up against East Kilbride at Loch Park. As league leaders go, you would have to concede, that the Glens are not firing on all cylinders and must return to winning ways soon, if they are to be taken as serious promotion contenders.

Renfrew play Girvan and do not lose often at home – neither do they win often for that matter, a draw being their favoured result so far. Girvan could certainly use the three points but can they overcome a stubborn ‘Frew side?

And finally at the Dam Park in Ayr, Whitletts welcome Thorniewood United to Ayrshire. Both sides have played 12 and have 19 points for their efforts but Thorniewood are the team on the ascendency, unbeaten in five and winning their last three on the road. Whitletts will have to up their game it would seem.

Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Dalry Thistle
Cumbernauld United v Shotts Bon Accord
Hurlford United v Rutherglen Glencairn
Kilsyth Rangers v Lanark United
Glenafton Athletic v East Kilbride Thistle
Renfrew v Girvan
Whitletts Victoria v Thorniewood United

The Central League First Division has two interesting matches. The first is at Greenfield Park, where Shettleston welcome Yoker. If form is anything to go by, Yoker will beat the second place club although a draw looks the most likely outcome.

The one that appeals to me is our sponsors PSL Team Sports latest acquisition St Anthonys taking on top club Glasgow Perthshire.

Shettleston v Yoker Athletic
Cambuslang Rangers v Benburb
Dunipace v Vale of Leven
Neilston v Greenock
St. Anthonys v Glasgow Perthshire

Mind you, Cambuslang supporters will be desperate to see their side take the points at home to Benburb. The Lang haven’t won any of their last six and are deep in the battle to avoid relegation. Their opponents have yet to record a victory away from home in the league, which will please Rangers’ fans, especially if the scenario is unchanged at 16:00 on Saturday Afternoon.

Shettleston v Yoker Athletic
Cambuslang Rangers v Benburb
Dunipace v Vale of Leven
Neilston v Greenock
St Anthony’s v Glasgow Perthshire

The Second Division offers a game that I would really like to attend as Carluke travel to Lesmahagow. The home side have been impressive of late, winning their last six, three clean sheets in a row and currently sit in fourth spot.

Their opponents, courtesy of their all weather playing surface are a fair bit in front of the ‘Gow but will home advantage do the trick for Lesmahagow?

One would expect Maryhill to take the points at home to bottom club Royal Albert but who will the ‘Hill want to win the above match? Another interesting one is Blantyre v Johnstone should it go ahead.

Blantyre Victoria v Johnstone Burgh
Forth Wanderers v Newmains United
Lesmahagow v Carluke Rovers
Maryhill v Royal Albert
Wishaw Juniors v Rossvale

Spread the word about “The Juniors”.