Stenhousemuir vs Ayr Utd. preview - Warriors face defensive troubles

Posted Saturday, March 26, 2011 by PA

Stenhousemuir will be without three central defenders for their clash with Ayr as second-bottom meets second-top in the Second Division.

Gary Thom is missing through suspension while Jordan Smith and Scott Gibb are sidelined with injury, and manager David Irons is hoping Scott Fusco can pass a late fitness test to fill one of the vacant positions.

Striker Scott Dalziel looks set to return after being given the all-clear to play.

And despite the gap in the league table, boss Irons is positive about his side's chances. He said: "We beat Ayr here not that long again and there is no reason why we should not do so again.

"Having the three defenders missing is certainly not ideal but we will just have to get on with things. Having Scott Dalziel available up front is a real boost as he was man of the match when we defeated Ayr a few weeks ago."

Ayr manager Brian Reid has a number of selection concerns as his side travel to Stenhousemuir looking to avenge a 3-1 defeat at the beginning of the month.

Defender Eddie Malone starts a two-game ban while on-loan Dunfermline winger Paul Willis is out with a back problem, joining Dean Keenan on the sidelines.

Willie Easton and Mark Roberts both face fitness tests and Bobby Donnelly could be forced into action for the first time since joining in the summer as Reid faces a shortage of bodies.

Reid said: "That defeat (three-and-a-half weeks ago) is fresh enough in our minds for us to realise that this will be a tough game.

"It was disappointing to lose to Forfar in midweek but we have the chance to bounce back quickly."