Airdrie United Preview

There has only been one match between Stranraer and Airdrie United and that was at the Shyberry in August where we lost 2-1. Alex Lurinsky scoring Stranraer's only goal.

Billy McLaren reports that Stranraer have no injury worries - apart from long-term casualty David Farrell who is expected to make his return early in the new year.

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.

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.

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: Airdrie are without the suspended Kenny Brannigan but Steve Docherty, who has been struggling with an ankle injury, is expected to make it. The club was hit by a flu bug last week and 10 players missed training, but the situation has now eased.

Current League form:

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 connections, please feel free to e-mail me (sandy@stranraerfc.net) with any submissions.