This Saturday the Vics travel to Rockburn Park for the first time in three years. The last meeting of these two sides came in 2016 as Bellshill took three points off of Murdie MacKinnon’s Blantyre at the KG Stadium in a 2 - 0 victory.
This is set to be a tantalising affair as there is only five points between Blantyre and Bellshill, who sit 6th and 8th in the league table respectively. The result of this fixture could really set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Bellshill come into this fixture on a poor run of form. After last week’s defeat at home to Royal Albert, they are still searching for their first victory of 2019. Since 15th December, Bellshill have only picked up two points. They have, however, proved that they are able to pull it out the bag on occasions this season - after hammering Maryhill 5 - 0 in December and taking a total of four points off of Greenock. With this in mind, Robert Sneddon will be desperate his side get back to winning ways this weekend.
John Gibson brings his Blantyre side to Bellshill on the back of a victory over Yoker Athletic last week. This result, along with thrashings of Ardrossan Winton Rovers in January and Glasgow Perthshire just before the turn of the year, show that they are capable of challenging for a promotion place. They will certainly need to be at their best today if they want to get their second consecutive win - a feat which they haven’t managed since November.
This is set to be an exciting match, with both sides desperately seeking three points in a local derby which has been dormant for too many years!
McBookie odds:
Bellshill Athletic - 12/5
Draw - 9/2
Blantyre Victoria - 8/15
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