News -
30 January 2015
Airdrieonians - Brechin City Match Preview
- By
John Hoey
Airdrieonians v Brechin City Match Preview.
City head west to Airdrie tomorrow hoping to extend their unbeaten run to fourteen games but they know that they face a very tough task indeed against Gary Bollan's side who are always difficult opponents, particularly on their own park.
New loan signing from Aberdeen, Craig Storie goes straight into manager Ray McKinnon's squad although whether or not he starts the match remains to be seen with the midfield players in possession playing so well in recent games. However, Craig has had rave reviews this season and the quality and composure he will bring to the midfield area will be a decided asset in the games ahead.
Ŵith Craig Wighton having returned to Dens Park, it seems odds on that Robert Thomson will be handed a starting berth against the Diamonds although the manager as usual, will be keeping his starting eleven under wraps until nearer kick-off.
Airdrie boss Gary Bollan will be without defender David Proctor who has been out injured since picking up a serious knock in the game against City in October.
The ground staff at Excelsior Stadium have been working extremely hard both yesterday and again today, clearing snow from the playing surface and surrounding areas, and at the time of writing, no problems are envisaged.
The Diamonds have drawn their last two games against Stranraer at home and Dunfermline away and they will be determined to gather maximum points against a City side who they defeated by 4-0 in the previous game between the sides at Excelsior this season in a match the City players will want to forget and in the return game at the Glebe in December the sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with former City striker Jim Lister's 84th minute goal cancelling out Bobby Barr's goal three minutes earlier.
Since that game, City have played six matches, winning five and drawing one and they, like their opponents, will be extremely determined to pick up all three points tomorrow to keep the pressure on Forfar and Morton who play each other at Station Park as well as trying to further close the gap on leaders Stranraer who host Stirling Albion.
The referee for tomorrow's encounter is experienced whistler Craig Charleston who has been in charge of only one City game so far this season, the 2-0 home defeat from Peterhead in the League Cup in August.
The Brechin City Supporters Ckub are running a bus to the game which will depart from St Ninians Square at 11.00am. Steven Stewart (07547552209) is the man to contact if you want to book a seat on the bus.
Admission Prices at Excelsior Stadium are :-
Adults - £16
Concessions - £10
Child (Under 16) - £7
Parent & Child - £20
Other Games Scottish League One
Ayr United - Dunfermline Athletic
Forfar Athletic - Morton
Peterhead - Stenhousemuir
Stranraer - Stirling Albion