There are four SFL teams who will run out on Christmas Eve rather than Boxing Day. They could have Christmas Day as normal whilst the rest employed in the SFL are preparing for their Boxing Day dust ups.
The first fixture – Queens Park v East Stirling – sees bottom club East Stirling hoping for an early Christmas present from Santa at the National Stadium. 2011 has not been kind to them and on loan Craig Winter is the big hope to help keep things tight. John Coughlin has injury and suspension worries though the extension of St Mirren’s Bradley Coyne loan period for a further month will help. Gardner Speirs is also without key players once again and with the improvement in performances from John Coughlin’s side he knows it is only a matter of time before they start turning the corner. He just hopes it starts in 2012.
The other game – Annan Athletic v Berwick Rangers – has Annan with the opportunity of going three points clear at the top of the table. Harry Cairney has one or two out through injury and suspension but they should prove too much for the Borderers. History is not however on Annan’s side as Berwick have always done well there. With the rest of the league playing on Monday – weather permitting – the top of the league could change over the next few days. Stranraer have a tricky away game to Clyde whilst Alloa entertain Elgin who are in fourth spot. Annan, on paper, have the easiest tie but this year we are seeing how little form and expectations matter…