Airdrie Preview

After last weeks horror show at home against Cowdenbeath, McLaren is expected to ring in the changes. After a very poor performance it is expected that Willie McCulloch will be replaced in between the sticks by new signing, 31-year old former Buddies keeper, John Hillcoat who signed for the Blues on a one year deal during the week.

McLaren, who did not endear himself to the fans with his shameful after match comments last week, has fitness worries over Ian Harty (who limped off last weekend after only 8 minutes due to a strain) David Farrell and Frazer Wright.

The Diamonds will be looking to take their midweek Bells Cup frustrations out on the Blues at New Broomfield this weekend. United, who were beaten 2-0 by Berwick on Tuesday night, are looking to improve their league position having won and lost one game apiece.

Blues supporters will be familiar with one or two of the players in the Airdrie ranks as they include former Blues Mark McGeown, Kenny Brannigan, Paul Ronald, Martin Glancy and pre-season trialist Paul Armstrong.

Sandy Stewarts men got off to good start with their league campaign, a Stephen Docherty header gave them a one nil win over Forfar Athletic and they kept the momentum going with a midweek 3-0win over Raith in the Bells Cup, but were brought back down to earth the next Saturday when Gareth Armstrong gave Hamilton Accies a win over their Lanarkshire rivals, and the Bells Cup exit midweek.

Airdrie will be missing Marvyn Wilson who is suspended after being sent off last week and David McGuire.

There are a few changes expected to the team as Airdrie have been giving trials to a few players, including ANOTHER former Stranraer man, Neil McGowan.

Which players should Stranraer fans keep an eye on at New Broomfield? Read on and find out...

Mark McGeown - 32-year-old keeper was shockingly freed at the end of last season by Billy McLaren, with rumours of a fallout heavy in the air. Previously with Stirling Albion for the best part of ten years, he also made 3 appearnces for Raith whilst on loan before being snapped up on a free by Stranraer in July 1999 on a two-year deal. He went on to play for the Toon 124 times. He has started in goal for all four games this season.

Kenny Brannigan - this is another Airdrie United player who needs no introduction to the Stair Park faithful. The big 37-year-old stopper is a man of many clubs including the Blues, Partick Thistle, Berwick Rangers, Stenhousemuir, Stirling Albion and Clydebank, and has also started every game for Airdrie United this season.

Paul Armstrong - this highly rated right-sided midfielder, and former Eire U21 internationalist, was on trial at Stair Park during the summer and made several impressive displays before deciding to opt for a move to New Broomfield. The 23 year old started off his career down south with Brighton and Hove Albion where he scored twice from 56 appearnces, before moving to the old Airdrie in 2000 where he appeared in a Diamonds shirt 70 times, hitting the net once, and picking up two Challenge Cup medals. Has made one sub appearance in the league so far this season, and a further two in the Bells Cup.

Martin Glancy - This 26 year old striker made 6 appearances for the Blues toward the end of last season, memorably hitting the net against Queen of the South. This well travelled front man has seen action with Dumbarton, Inverness Caley Thistle, Clydebank, Berwick Rangers, Queen of the South and Morton, but has only scored 15 times during his whole professional career, once this season in the Bells Cup against Raith Rovers.

Injury Worries: Marvyn Wilson

Current League form: W L

Recommended Web Link : The Stomp

Prior to this season there were relatively few links between Stranraer and Airdie. However, this season both sides are fielding a number of former players. Airdrie have Neil McGowan, Mark McGeown, Martin Glancy, Kenny Brannigan, Paul Ronald and a former Blues trialist, Paul Armstrong. Stranraer on the other had have David Farrell, Willie McCulloch, and no doubt Billy McLaren (as he seems to have played for every team in Scottish football)

If you know of any other connections, or if you bother to read these previews, please feel free to e-mail me (sandy@stranraerfc.net).