Brechin v Stranraer Preview

Last updated : 24 September 2005 By BCM
Brechin welcome Stranraer to Glebe Park today in which looks to be an exciting encounter between the two sides. Brechin beat Stranraer to the 2nd division championship last season comfortably, while the Blues had to fend off immense competition from Greenock Morton to snatch the second promotion place to the first division.

Brechin played Stranraer four times last season, three of which were won by Brechin and the other one was won by Stranraer down at Stair Park. Brechin won both of their matches against Stranraer at Glebe Park last season, winning 4-1 and 2-1 respectively, so let's hope we can get a similar result this time round.

However, Stranraer have strengthened their squad immensely over the summer, with the likes of Leigh Hinds, Michael Moore, Ian Ross, Paul Walker, David Hamilton and Scott McLean all signing for the Blues in the summer, but the latter won't feature today and won't for quite a long time.

Brechin have no real injury worries, although The Courier today reports that Grant Johnson will be unavailable, that might be why he never got into the 16 man squad last Saturday against Ross County, if not, then Ian Campbell has some explaining to do as he has been one of our best players so far this season and is our top scorer with 2 goals in the league.

Stranraer's assistant manager spoke to the official SFC website saying:

"Colin Marshall and Andy Dowie will both be back into the squad for this weekends game. Marshall was cup tied on Tuesday having previously played for Airdrie in the competition and Dowie was not fit. On Tuesday there were a few bumps and bruises but nothing too serious and we are back to an 18 man squad.

"There are always concerns especially with a limited size part-time squad about two games in 3 days taking its toll followed by a long journey the following weekend, we are not up to Chelsea's squad standards. Brechin have had the week to recover from their last match and maybe a bit more fresh than us but we will go into the game with a strong enough squad and despite struggling to get a result there last season we are stronger in this and have no fear about the trip North."