STRANRAER – BRECHIN CITY PREVIEW


Brechin City will embark on the long trip south west to Stranraer tomorrow morning for their third meeting of the season with the Blues.

Manager Ray McKinnon was delighted with his side’s showing on Tuesday night in the 6-0 drubbing of East Fife but he will have a couple of enforced changes to make from that team for the visit to Stair Park.

Young centre-back Gareth Rodger who was most impressive against the Fifers picked up an injury in that game and is ruled out for tomorrow. In addition, Gary Fusco who has been such an important player for City in recent weeks is suspended and he will also miss out.

In addition, skipper Ewan Moyes will also be missing along with Johnny Brown and Craig Molloy, but on the plus side, centre-half Gerry McGlauchlan has completed his suspension and will re-join the squad.

In the first meeting between the sides way back in October, City won comfortably by 3-0 with Andy Jackson (2) and David McKenna on the score-sheet that day and the sides met again at Stair Park on 29th December for the last competitive fixture of the year with City again coming out on top by 2-0 thanks to Derek Carcary and Alan Trouten (pen).

City are desperate to clinch a play-off position and will be going all out for victory, but Stranraer have edged above the relegation play-off position and will be equally keen to collect maximum points to keep their noses in front of East Fife and Albion Rovers.

The last six results for each side are as follows : - (City and Stranraer Scores First)

Brechin City

5/3/13 Ayr (A) 2-1
16/3/13 Alloa (A) 1-0
23/3/13 Ayr (H) 2-1
27/3/13 Q of S (H) 0-6
30/3/13 Q of S (A) 1-2
2/4/13 East Fife (H) 6-0

Wins – 4 Draws – 0 Defeats - 2

Goals Scored – 12 Goals Conceded – 10 Goal Difference 2

Stranraer

19/2/13 Arbroath (H) 2-0
23/2/13 S’Muir (H) 1-1
2/3/13 Forfar (A) 1-3
9/3/13 Albion Rov’ (H) 3-2
16/3/13 Ayr (A) 1-2
30/3/13 Alloa (H) 1-2

Wins – 2 Draws – 1 Defeats – 3

Goals Scored – 9 Goals Conceded – 10 Goal Difference -1

The referee for tomorrow’s game will be John McKendrick who has refereed only one City game this season, the 2-0 defeat from St Mirren in the Scottish Cup 4th round at St Mirren Park on 1st December.