Ogilvie out to be best of the rest

Lothian THISTLE meet Edinburgh University in a 'top four' clash in the Central Taxis Premier Division with both clubs keen to finish in at least third spot and, depending on second-placed Stirling University's last three results, maybe even move into the runners-up position.

Lothian had an impressive 3-1 League Cup win against Gretna 2008 last weekend and co-manager Fraser Ogilvie said of tomorrow's game: "I always enjoy playing against Edinburgh University because wee Dougie (Samuel] has them well organised. They beat us 1-0 earlier in the season although we camped in their half for almost the entire second half."

Lothian have Conan McDiarmid suspended although Craig Stuart returns and Kevin Swain is in goals. Edinburgh University, meanwhile, have not given up on finishing runners-up to Spartans. Edinburgh lost a close contest in midweek when they were beaten 2-0 by Vale of Leithen, mainly due to their inability to put the ball in the net after creating an abundance of opportunities.

"We were punished for two defensive errors and then not taking our chances at the other end," lamented the Edinburgh head coach, Douglas Samuel. "I could certainly have no complaints regarding my players' application and effort.

Samuel will be without striker Peder Beck-Friis who is home in Sweden and goalkeeper Mark Tait is still not fit which means a place for Mark Cairns.

Central defender Alasdair MacKinnon was taken off against Vale of Leithen and will not be risked with Edinburgh University's British Universities Cup Final on the horizon.