Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale could be set to face East Kilbride WITHOUT a goalkeeper – with Celtic waiting in the wings

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale could be set to play the biggest game in their history this evening without a specialised goalkeeper.

The East of Scotland amateurs have been hit with an injury crisis after regular number one Kevin Swain suffered a broken arm against Heriot-Watt University on Saturday and substitute keeper Byron Gibb was laid low by a virus.

The club have signed experienced stopper John Gilbertson until the end of the season, but have been denied permission by the SFA to field him against East Kilbride Thistle tonight. For a player to be eligible for this round, they had to be registered by January 9.

It means, barring a late recovery from Gibb, LTHV will field player/coach Fraser Ogilvie – a forward thinking midfielder by trade – between the sticks as they attempt to tee up a fifth round tie against Celtic.

Ogilvie has previously been named as a goalkeeper during friendly matches, and is considered the club’s No.3, but has never played in that position in a competitive fixture.

LTHV chairman Tom Allison told Capital City Press: “The SFA have not allowed us to register a goalkeeper so we will need to play with Fraser [Ogilvie] in goals and have another outfield player as a substitute goalie.

“Fraser has played in goals a couple of times in friendlies and I’m sure he will give it his best.

“I feel sorry for the club and the players because they have worked hard for this opportunity, and they deserve the chance for a goalkeeper to be in goals, but we understand the rules.”