North’s clubs vie to claim a place in final 16 of cup

The four surviving North Region sides are in Scottish Junior Cup action this weekend with the staging of the third round on Saturday.

Representation in the last 16 is guaranteed with Premier League East End going in as favourites in the New Advocates Park encounter with Championship Newmachar United.

There should be quite an atmosphere at Glenury Park when Glasgow outfit St. Roch’s bring their vociferous supporters to the northeast to face Stonehaven. Both games get under way at 2.30pm.

It’s a 2pm start for Ellon United in Tayside, where they will face the daunting challenge of overcoming Dundee East Craigie on their own patch.

In the McBookie.com Premier League, leaders Hermes are on the road at eighth-placed Maud, while Culter will be out to keep the pressure on and maintain their perfect league record when they welcome Dyce, in fourth, to Crombie Park.

At Milton Park, it’s Banchory St. Ternan against Colony Park, Nairn St. Ninian entertain Stoneywood Parkvale, while Dufftown will be out to record their opening win of the season when Montrose Roselea travel to Westburn Park.

Championship pacesetters Sunnybank host Forres Thistle at Heathryfold, with challengers Rothie Rovers and Banks o’ Dee JFC on the road at Deveronside and Islavale respectively.

Elsewhere, Aberdeen University face New Elgin at the Hillhead Centre, Buchanhaven Hearts make the trip to Burghead Thistle, Cruden Bay are at home to Longside and Lossiemouth United are at Woodside to meet Glentanar.

All league matches kick off at 1.30pm.