Airdrie United vs East Fife preview - Fifers aim for fourth

Posted Saturday, May 07, 2011 by PA

Play-off chasing East Fife are without four key players for their crucial trip to Airdrie.

Midfielder Stuart Cargill, energetic forward Robert Sloan and front men Jim Hamilton and Craig Johnstone all miss out as the Fifers look for a win which will pile pressure on Brechin in the race for fourth spot.

A success of any sort for John Robertson's side and a defeat by any margin for the Glebe Park men would extend East Fife's season and set up a two-legged semi-final showdown against Fife rivals Cowdenbeath.

Robertson said: "Whatever happens I am pleased for the players as they have done a fantastic job over recent months.

"Their form in the last two months has been exceptional and I will be as pleased as anything for them if we make the play-offs."

Airdrie are without defender Craig Hill as well as strikers Scott Morton and Ryan Donnelly for the visit of an East Fife side who they are yet to lose to this season.

Wide man Phil Johnston is a doubt with a knock, meaning winger Gary Mackay-Steven may start after his 45-minute substitute appearance last weekend as he made his comeback from injury.

Diamonds boss Jimmy Boyle is looking to end a satisfactory season on a positive note.

He said: "It has been a bit of an up and down season for Airdrie but we reached the objective of staying in the league with a few games to spare, so we can be happy with that.

"It would be great however to bring things to a close with three points."