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04 March 2005
SAINTS INJURIES
St Johnstone, at home to Hamilton in the First Division, are without the suspended Peter MacDonald and the injured Paul Bernard, Stephen Dobbie and Kevin and Martyn Fotheringham.
“But the boys who come in will do a job, I’m sure of that,” said team boss John Connolly. “The spirit in the camp is good but, then again, it always is.”

Raith Rovers have three injury worries for their trip to Ross County.

Anthony Bartholome, David Berthelot and Iain Davidson are all doubts for boss Gordon Dalziel.

Should goalkeeper Berthelot not make the Highland fixture, teenager Stuart Hall will step in between the posts.

Division Two’s match of the day will be at table-topping BRECHIN’S Glebe Park, where second-placed Stranraer are the visitors.

“It’s a massive game for both sides,” said Brechin manager Ian Campbell.

“Games like this look after themselves and I’m relaxed. We’ll be up for it.”

A win will establish a useful points lead, but it is an opportunity for Stranraer to draw level.

Scott Walker has completed his suspension and is available again for a squad that has been toughened up by the arrival of James Sharp and Steven Ferguson, who have impressed immediately.

“The recent blip has made people realise that no-one’s going to hand anything to us on a plate,” said Campbell.

“There is nothing between the sides in this league and you have to work for what you get.”

Arbroath will hope to continue their recent revival when they welcome Morton to Gayfield.

Having won their last three home games, Arbroath have been dragging themselves out of the relegation zone.

And the daunting prospect of playing Morton will be made no easier by the presence in the visitors’ ranks of vastly-experienced winger Andy McLaren, who has become a firm favourite with the Cappielow faithful since arriving on loan from Dundee United.

Arbroath boss Harry Cairney said, “Andy is a very good player with bags of experience and he will add something to an already big challenge for us.

“On the plus side, we have been playing well recently and we hope to improve on our earlier performances against Morton this season.”

Arbroath have no real squad worries, Greg Henslee having recovered from the nasty knock to the nose sustained last Saturday, although Paul Farquharson and James Collier could be out of contention after being injured in U/19 action last Sunday.

FORFAR boss Brian Fairley says the last thing he wants to see is last weekend’s good work wasted.

The Loons delivered what the manager felt was an excellent performance to get back on a winning track against Alloa and after the midweek postponement of a home clash with Morton, fingers are crossed that Forthbank will be playable for the visit to Stirling Albion.

Alan Rattray remains out through injury and David Lowing is suspended.

Gretna can win promotion from the Third Division if they win at Cowdenbeath.

But all that is concerning Cowden team boss Dave Baikie is that his team give a good, hard-working performance.

“We’re not expected to win, but we’ll be out there giving it our best shot,” said Dave.

Cowden’s only injury doubt is back strain victim Paddy Kelly.

East Fife boss Jim Moffat hopes to be able to call on the majority of his squad following an injury crisis earlier in the week.

Brian Fairbairn, Kevin Bain, Les Byle, Fraser Duncan, Iain McDonald and Stevie Nicholas all visited the Fifers’ physio room.

However, there is a chance all six will be able to play against Peterhead at New Bayview tomorrow.

Kris Brash misses out due to family business, and Craig Johnston, Michael Hall and John Dodds are again sidelined.

On a midweek pitch made slippy by a flurry of snow, Montrose at last found the net.

East Stirling may be the poorest opposition in the league, but Kevin Webster and Duncan McLean each netted a brace, to give a confidence boost to the squad.

The bonus for boss Henry Hall was that there were no further injuries.

Euan Hall, Ross Graham and Neil Stephen are back in training but unlikely to make it for the visit to Albion Rovers, so the winning midweek squad will be named again.