The Jags have only played once in the last 12 weeks and are desperate for their Football Times Cup quarterfinal tie against Balintore at Jubilee Park to be given the green light.

Thistle manager Alan Gair told the Ross-shire Journal, "We are hopeful the snow will disappear before Saturday.

"We need to get the game played so we can regain our match fitness. We have some massive games coming up so we need to get back in action soon."

However, Thistle have their problems off the field as well. Norman Bain is still waiting to serve a one-match suspension, while David Murray is unavailable. Influential defender David MacKay may miss the tie through work commitments, while Colin MacLean is suffering from a hamstring injury. Alan MacBean remains sidelined with a long-term injury.

On the positive side, the club's leading goalscorer John MacLeod is available again and Stephen MacCallum is set to return.

Balintore expect to have Ross Powell and Steven Alexander back for this one.

Invergordon are on the verge of signing an unnamed defender in time for their tie against Halkirk United at Recreation Park.

Midfielder Harry Rae is also set to make his first appearance since early in the season.

Golspie Sutherland will be minus the suspended Jordan MacDonald for the local derby with Bonar Bridge.

Gavin Nicolson and Robbie MacDougall are also out due to work commitments.

However, Alex Bone and Donald Sutherland are free from suspension for the home side, while new signing Paul MacLaren is ready to make his debut.

Bonar will have to do without Robert MacDonald, who is working, while Robert McCormack is still struggling with a knee injury.

In the other tie, Muir of Ord Rovers travel north for the match of the day against Thurso at Sir George's Park.

Rovers are expected to be without the injured Jason Calvert for this one.

Fixtures, Saturday, March 6:

Football Times Cup quarterfinals (Sponsored by Ferries Kitchens) – Dingwall Thistle v Balintore; Golspie Sutherland v Bonar Bridge; Thurso v Muir of Ord Rovers; Halkirk United v Invergordon (all kick-offs 2pm).

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