Sten boosted by trio

Posted Saturday, March 13, 2010 by PA

Stenhousemuir manager John Coughlin welcomes back three players to his squad for the visit of Dumbarton.

Willie Lyle and Iain Thomson return after suspension while midfielder Craig Malloy has been given the all clear after a broken toe.

The Warriors - who are unbeaten in seven games - remain without defender Jordan Smith, as he recovers from a broken nose, and striker Andy Brand who has a knee problem.

Kevin Motion is suspended for this game.

Coughlin's side won 2-0 over Peterhead in midweek and the returning trio may not walk straight back into the first team.

He said: "The players holding the jerseys just now have done really well and I am not contemplating making many, if any changes.

"We are looking up the way just now and long may that continue."

Dumbarton will be without midfield pair Martin McNiff and Ross O'Donoghue for the trip.

McNiff is out with an ankle injury while O'Donoghue is suffering with a back problem.

Youngsters Alan Cook and Kieran Brannan are included again with manager Jim Chapman hoping that a deal to keep striker David Winters after a successful three game trial period can be concluded before kick off.

Dumbarton got back to winning ways in midweek with a fine 3-1 triumph over Alloa, after a run of four straight defeats to leave Chapman in confident mood.

He said: "The win was important, however the nature of our performance was even more important and I am delighted with how we achieved the three points.

"Stenhousemuir are always tight opponents to break down and having David would certainly help us do that."