FOOTBALL fans are set for a festive feast as the region’s Lowland League clubs prepare for a busy few weeks.

Recent postponements and a defeat to Spartans has seen Selkirk drop down to sixth in the table.

But manager Ian Fergus will be hoping his young team will be able to propel themselves back into the top four as they use one of their games in hand against East Kilbride on Saturday.

This weekend’s clash against the reigning champions at K Park is a precursor for three derby matches around New Year – beginning with the arrival of Vale of Leithen to Yarrow Park on December 30.

Captain Ryan Sclater said: “We’ve got some big games coming up over the next few weeks with two derbies in the space of a week.

“Vale gave us a good game earlier in the season so it’ll be a tough match.

“However it’s a game where we will be looking to end 2017 with the three points.”

Following the Vale clash Selkirk make the short journey along the A7 to face Gala Fairydean Rovers – a team they beat 4-0 earlier in the season.

But Sclater expects a tough derby at the 3G arena.

He added: “The Gala game promises to be a big one.

“They’ll be looking for revenge on a good win for us in last game we played.

“We’ve won all our Border derbies so far this season and we want to keep it that way.

“There is always an added little bit spice to these games and the gaffer will have us ready for them over the Christmas period.”

Selkirk expect both David Banjo and Ricky Miller to return to action following lengthy injuries in time for the three Border derbies.

Gala Fairydean Rovers, who should be close to full strength for the forthcoming fixtures, also begin their festive period with a difficult trip on Saturday to face title favourites Spartans.

Steven Noble’s team have recovered well from a terrible autumn to climb up to tenth in the table.

Manager Noble said: “Spartans have built up momentum in recent weeks and look like favourites to go on and win the league, however the games we have played against them over the past couple of seasons have always been close and we have players that can cause them problems.

“We will go up there looking to cause an upset.”

Following Saturday’s clash in the capital Noble’s team will be playing for bragging rights as well as points with three derbies in a row.

Gala entertain bottom side Hawick Royal Albert on December 30, and the first match of the new year will see youthful Selkirk arrive at Netherdale.

He added: “Hawick have really improved over the past couple of months since Craig (Tully) took over and, other than the Cumbernauld Colts game the other week, have run a lot of teams close including ourselves when we won 2-0 over there.

“They will definitely pick up a win soon and we will do all we can to ensure it’s not against us.

“Selkirk may be one of the youngest teams in the country but they have had a great season so far.

“They beat us convincingly earlier in the season but we will be looking to reverse that result at home and maintain our unbeaten record against them at Netherdale since the start of the Lowland League.”

It’s been a season to forget so for Hawick, who are 11 points adrift at the bottom.

But manager Craig Tully will be hoping to break his duck on Saturday when second-bottom side Dalbeattie arrive at Albert Park.

Following the Fairydean Rovers clash on December 30, Hawick entertain Vale on January 6 before travelling to Yarrow Park the following week.

Vale are also in need of points as they remain just two points ahead of Dalbeattie in third-bottom.

Chris Anderson will fancy his team’s chances when they entertain Whitehill Welfare on Saturday as they bid to move away from the bottom two.

Vale, who have struggled with postponements, face Selkirk’s youngsters on December 30 and then travel to Hawick for their first game of 2018 before entertaining the Fairydean Rovers at Victoria Park.