City return to action tomorrow afternoon as we face fellow title hopefuls Broxburn Athletic in what is set up to be a crucial encounter at the top end of the table.
The two sides go into the game level on points, however City do have the advantage of having a game in hand over the Brox who made an impressive start to the league campaign, dropping just 2 points from their opening 7 matches albeit they have drawn 3 of their last 4.
TEAM NEWS
City will continue to without the injured Kieran Inglis, Kyle Bell and Adam Hutchinson. Otherwise Andy Kirk should have the rest of the squad available for selection.
MANAGERS COMMENTS
Reflecting on the 3-2 victory over Gala Fairydean Rovers last weekend, Manager Andy Kirk commented, “The one thing that we can take at the minute is that results are good – we are not quite finding the performance and we are not dominating games in the way that we would like. It was a disappointing start conceding the goal from a free header and this is the basics that we’ve been speaking about. It was a bit of a setback and the players had to work hard to get back into the game which is never easy as the goal gives the momentum to the other team who are at home.
“We went in at half time 2-1 ahead and we were looking to put our foot down and get that 3rd goal. We were on the front foot at the start of the second half and then we concede and have to pick ourselves up again, but we managed to find a way to win.
“We just need to tidy up on a few things. All of the players are covering huge distances during the game but we could probably reduce that by just being a bit more clever in the way we do things but we are finding a way of winning games. The players know what they need to do but we just aren’t getting in that rhythm.
“For all the setbacks we’ve had so far this season with injuries and inconsistency with the team selection we are still just a point off the top of the league which is a huge credit to the players. It’s a sign of a good team when you’re not playing particularly well but still winning. We know we can play so much better and we still have players to come back.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s fixture against Broxburn Athletic, he added, “We’re both level on points and it’ll be a big boost if we can get the win. If you look at this league over the season so far, everyone is beating each other and teams that you would expect to win comfortably have either drawn or lost. There have been games that we would be expected to win where we’ve lost too. We’ll be going out tomorrow with everything we have to try and win the game – we just have to focus on getting our performance right. We are coming up against a team who are also up at the top end of the table and deservedly so – it’ll be a big test for us.”
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Tomorrow’s match kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £12 for adults, £8 concessions (Aged 65+, students and 16/17 year olds) and £5 for U16’s. Season tickets are valid. Digital tickets should be purchased at the following link – PURCHASE TICKETS
A cash/card gate will be available however supporters are advised to purchase their tickets in advance on fanbase.
CITY CLUB BAR
The City Club bar at the ground will be open to all supporters from 1:30pm and will be open again immediately following the match.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Tomorrow’s match referee is Calum Foreman, assisted by Matthew Race and Mark Findlay.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Tomorrow’s fixture will be the first competitive meeting between the sides.
LAST TIME OUT
City recovered from going a goal behind early on to defeat Gala Fairydean Rovers 3-2 at Netherdale last weekend. Lewis Hall put the hosts ahead after just 5 minutes but City turned the game on its head with 2 goals in three minutes from Brad McKay and Curtis Main. Che Reilly restored parity for Gala 8 minutes into the second period but it was City that grabbed the winner with 66 minutes played with Darren Watson on target.
Broxburn Athletic meanwhile required a stoppage time equaliser to salavage a point at home to Civil Service Strollers. Alieu Faye had given the visitors the lead with just 10 minutes remaining however Chris O’Kane netted a minute into added time for the Brox.
SPONSORSHIP & MASCOT
Our match sponsor tomorrow is Ramsay Begg whilst the matchball has been sponsored by Andy & Kenny Mitchell. Leading out the City team will be our mascot Atholl McMaster!
Preview by Steven Mew
