Airdrie Vs Stranraer match preview
By Chris Mac
October 21 2005
This is going to be a difficult one for Sandy Stewart and the Airdrie team, Airdrie have already suffered what some consider an embarrassing defeat to Stranraer this season and we can't afford to do the same again.
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First Division
Preview For Saturday, 21st October 2005 |
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Airdrie |
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Stranraer |
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Are we a big match team? In this weeks Advertiser it seems to be suggested that some of the players feel they are better than others in the league and don't put in as much effort when playing particular teams. Our league position does not echo those comments.
Sandy this weeks sees the return of long turn injury worry Paul Lovering and Stephen Docherty will also return to the line up. The suspension, after last weeks red card of Alan McManus will only be for one match as Alan is still well away from the limit to miss further games.
With Alan's suspension it means Sandy will also be forced to use a very young and inexperienced defence. Below in the possible line up I have covered this. After David Dunn limped off last week I can see Paul Lovering coming straight back in to the team.
If this season is all about survival then we have to win our home games and if possible beat the teams that are below us in the league. Last season St Johnstone managed to continue life in the first division by securing 46 points. We need another 37 and in short order.
Terry Hewitt, last weeks trialist, was invited to travel with the squad. He has recently signed from Clydebank but only met the first team squad on the bus
Match Preview by Chris Mac |
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Referee: Douglas McDonald |
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Airdrie Possible Line Up |
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Lee Hollis
Fraser Coyle, Stephen McKenna, Neil McGowan, Paul Lovering
Stephen Docherty, Martin Hardie Stephen McKeown,
Gary Twigg. Brian Prunty, Willie McLaren |
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Opponents News |
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It's simple Stranraer are one of the new boys in the league and are fighting for points the same way everyone else is, they are one point above us in the league and will be determined to keep it that way.
Stranraer see two players return for selection and two go out injured. Returning are Deane Shields after a toe injury and Stephen Aitken from an ankle injury.
Out goes, Gary McPhee with a broken leg and Stephen Swift with a damaged ankle. |
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Ref Review Douglas McDonald |
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Just as a bit of fun can anyone tell us in what game McDonald was in charge, it was this season in a game we lost. We had no bookings.
Last season we saw Douglas McDonald when we played East Fife in the league cup a 3-0 win, a 2-0 loss too Hamilton at home the 3-1 win over Clyde, a 2-1 win over Ross County and finally a 1-1 draw against Hamilton. In those games Martin Hardie has been booked three times, Stephen Docherty once and Paul Lovering was sent of in the 1-1 match Vs Hamilton.
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Prediction |
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We need it but do the players want it? I hope so and will take a 2-0 win to Airdrie. |
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