With pitch inspections due in the south – at Ayr and Dumfries – this is a five game schedule that could reduce by 9am! With only 2 games in the last 7 days in the 2nd division we really need some games! The 2 games we have had have been crackers though! The 2-2 draw last weekend between Arbroath and Stenny was added to by the 1-0 victory 2nd placed Alloa managed against league leaders, Queen of the South. It was a great mid-week result and certainly gives hopes to the rest of the table… or does it…
Game of the Day
Queen of the South v Brechin City
Brechin had a weekend off as Queens went midweek up to Alloa and got beat. Instead of being 12 points ahead of Alloa, the Doonhamers are only 6…
Queen of the South
Reported Out
Paul Burns
Reported In
Derek Young, Derek Lyle
Brechin City
Reported Out
Jonathon Brown
Reported In
Alan Trouten
Thoughts…
If this goes ahead we shall see manager of the month, Ray McKinnon’s high scoring Brechin down at the league leaders in a tie that promises much. Enforced lay offs do not help to build momentum though and this looks a risky pick as game of the day. The Doonhamers will have to pick themselves up and Brechin will have to build their momentum back. Having said that it could also end up a free scoring cracking game to watch…
Ayr United v East Fife
Neither club had the opportunity to strut their stuff last weekend so will be relishing the tie this weekend.
Ayr United
Reported Out
Martyn Campbell, Michael McGowan
Reported In
Darren McGill
East Fife
Reported Out
Michael Brown, Darren McCormack, Paul McManus, Gareth Wardlaw
Thoughts…
If all ties are tough then, should his pass the inspection this will be very tough. Billy Brown has made a significant difference to the Methil side and Mark Roberts has seen his side get better on the pitch and find some luck in their games. It should be on and that would mean the Honest Men have a chance of some revenue but also to keep climbing. Brown will want to get the points on the board and it will make this quite a tricky tie all round!
Forfar Athletic v Arbroath
Forfar sat out last weekend whilst Arbroath had a tiring 7 days. Steven Dorris and Craig Malcolm thought they had got them all 3 points at home to Stenhousemuir before losing a goal in the 92nd minute. They then went on to a creditable performance against Celtic in the Cup. They went out but they certainly caused Lennon’s lions some serious problems in their departure.
Forfar Athletic
Reported Out
Mark McCulloch, Derek Souter, Odmar Faeroe, Keith Gibson
Reported In
Gavin Swankie, Dale Hilson (On loan from Dundee United), Gavin Mallin
Arbroath
Fully Fit Squad!
Thoughts…
Another hard one to predict but I think that the way they have been playing as a unit and getting some games under their belt should keep the Smokie momentum up!
Stenhousemuir v Albion Rovers
Darren Smith had opened the scoring for Stenny against Arbroath last weekend but going 2-1 down looked like they were doomed but up popped Stewart Kean in the 92nd minute to make things all right again! A draw wasn’t what they wanted but they were grateful to get it. The Wee Rovers would be grateful for today’s game being on!
Stenhousemuir
Reported Out
Andy Rodgers, John Gemmell, Craig Anderson
Albion Rovers
Reported Doubtful
Ciaran Donnelly
Thoughts…
I may be feeling like a stuck record but games with teams that have not played in 7 days gives you little to put your faith into! I think the Warrior’s game last weekend and getting the late draw should put them in the mood for a home win.
Stranraer v Alloa Athletic
Alloa had a great win at home during the week thanks to a Ryan McCord penalty that gave them victory against Queen of the South. Stranraer were idle.
Stranraer
Reported In
Ryan Borris
Alloa Athletic
Reported Doubtful
Darren Young
Reported In
Darryl Meggat, Eddie Ferns
Thoughts…
Both will come into the game desperate to win and I reckon Alloa’s midweek action could certainly be the difference between them.
