VALE manager Chris Anderson hopes to kick off the new year by breaking free from the Lowland League relegation battle.

The Innerleithen team turned the year in second bottom, having played a game more than the teams around them.

And Anderson knows it will take a run of results to move away from the danger of the drop.

Ahead of this weekend's trip to basement side Hawick Royal Albert, the manager told us: "We are all desperate to get back playing and push on to where we should be in the table.

"We've only played one competitive fixture in the past four or five weeks, so we hope Saturday's game with Hawick will be on.

"Hawick have improved under their new manager Craig Tully and it is only a matter of time until they beat someone - hopefully it won't be us."

Apart from long-term casualty James Elliot and the suspended Jordan Finnie, Vale will be at full strength.

The Albert will field former Selkirk midfielder Unpha Koroma this weekend.

Following a season disrupted by injury the former Chelsea and Stoke City youth player has moved along the A7 to Albert Park.

Secretary Dougie Purves said: “We have a loan deal until the end of January when we will sign him for the rest of the season.”.

Also this weekend, Gala Fairydean Rovers roll out the red carpet for near neighbours Selkirk.

Steven Noble’s team will be looking to avenge the 4-0 defeat they suffered at Yarrow Park earlier in the season. And they will be boosted by the youthful visitors being without injured defenders Andrew Fleming and Ricky Miller for the clash.

Selkirk manager Ian Fergus will also be missing from the touchline as he is on holiday, and coaches David Bingham and Jimmy Urquhart will be in charge.

Selkirk secretary Sheree Davison said: “We have been trying to find defensive cover but the transfer window is just opening now.”

The Fairydean Rovers have also been looking for fresh personnel with the recent departure of Hibs loanees Jamie Gullan and Adam Watson.

With Stuart Noble struggling through injury and Darren Smith suspended, manager Noble is expected to field several fringe players for the derby.

Both Lowland League Borders derbies kick off on Saturday at 3pm.