Published: Thursday, 8th January, 2009 7:35am

Rosyth ready for St Andrews title showdown

by Simon Harris

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ROSYTH RECREATION could take a giant step towards regaining their Premier League status on Saturday when they host title rivals St Andrews in a crunch clash.

In common with virtually all the East region teams, Rosyth"s game was frozen off last weekend, heightening the sense of importance for Saturday"s big game.

'The boys are all up for it,' reported co-boss Jock Lumsden this week.

'They all know it"s a big game. I wouldn"t say it"s the be-all and end-all if we get beat but it would play a big part in our season if we beat them on Saturday.'

Rosyth are six points clear of Saturday"s opponents in top spot but St Andrews have two games in hand.

Only the champions will be promoted to the Premier League for next season.

'It"s a six-pointer,' Lumsden admitted.

'If we win we go nine points clear of them but if they get the win it puts them back in the driving seat.'

The sides" only previous meeting earlier this season resulted in a 3-1 cup victory for St Andrews in the university town but Lumsden said, 'Man for man I think we are stronger than them but they took their chances on the day.'

Rosyth would have been without striker Ondrej Koc (pictured) and defender Jordan Laird had last week"s game at Crossgates gone ahead but are now back to full strength for Saturday.

Lumsden said the forecast for Saturday was for the weather to be milder but the cold snap was hampering training preparations earlier this week.

The squad brought trainers to their usual Tuesday night training session and went for a run.

Elsewhere this Saturday, weather permitting, Kelty Hearts travel to face Glenrothes in the Super League, while Oakley"s battle to beat the drop in the Premier League continues at home to Newtongrange Star.

In the East Central League Crossgates entertain Kirkcaldy YM while Steelend travel to play fellow strugglers Luncarty. Kick-offs are 1.45pm.