Alloa vs Stenhousemuir preview - Defensive duo doubtful for Athletic

Posted Saturday, April 23, 2011 by PA

Alloa have doubts over defensive pair James Bloom and Mark Brown for their crunch relegation clash with Stenhousemuir.

Manager Allan Maitland has already ruled out back-up goalkeeper Stephen Robertson and young defender Ross Philp through injury.

Maitland said: "Hopefully we can put relegation thoughts to bed after this game and start bringing the curtain down on a disappointing campaign.

"We thought we would be challenging at the top of the table but it simply never happened and not we have to go out and ensure we do not get involved in a challenge at the foot of the table."

Stenhousemuir go into the clash without Scott Gibb.

The defender is suspended but on-loan Hamilton youngster Michael Devlin is now fully fit after he struggled through last week's draw with East Fife.

Striker Scott Dalziel could return after recovering from a stomach injury.

Manager David Irons said: "This is make-or-break for us in terms of being involved in the play-offs. A win is what is required and nothing else will do. We have to look to get three points from this one and then pull back another point in our last two games.

"We have had better recent form than Alloa and hopefully that will get us through."