Stenhousemuir vs Peterhead preview - Irons calls for Warriors to overcome nerves

Posted Saturday, February 26, 2011 by PA

Second Division basement side Stenhousemuir are without suspended winger Stevie Murray for their crunch relegation clash with second-bottom Peterhead.

Ochilview boss David Irons is hoping nerves do not ruin the encounter, with the Warriors having the chance to move within one point of their nearest rivals with victory.

He said: "While there is a long way to go in the season there is quite a lot at stake for both teams.

"It is the same as any other game in that there are three points at stake but psychologically this would be a great game for either team to win and we need to ensure it is Stenhousemuir who triumph."

Irons added: "I am sure both teams will try and play good football but it will be a nervous encounter and hopefully we can handle it better than Peterhead do as a win for us tightens up the bottom of the table."

Peterhead have full-back David Donald suspended for the encounter.

Influential centre-back Bobby Mann remains out with an ankle problem, however Martin Bavidge will return.

The big striker was taken off early in the 3-0 midweek defeat to Dumbarton due to illness, but he returned to training on Thursday and is included in manager Neale Cooper's plans.

Cooper said: "We are in a relegation battle now and we will have to fight our way out of it. This is a massive game and it would be great to get the three points and stop this run we are on.

"Stenhousemuir will be battling for everything as well and our young lads have a chance to show they are up to the task."