Airdrie United vs Albion Rovers preview - Woodburn back for Airdrie

Posted Saturday, September 10, 2011 by PA

Airdrie United bring fit-again winger Alastair Woodburn into their squad for the first time since July 23 for their derby clash with Lanarkshire rivals Albion Rovers

Manager Jimmy Boyle and his men are chasing only their second league win of the season, but the Diamonds will be missing full-back Graeme Goodhall and midfielder Fraser Keast through injury as they look to leap-frog the Coatbridge side in the table.

Boyle said: "We played Albion Rovers in a cup game last year and have had them watched this season and they are a really hard-working side who will catch a few teams by surprise.

"We will need to match their work-rate and be better defensively if we are to win this game"

Albion Rovers boss Paul Martin has major selection worries ahead of his side's first ever league meeting with their neighbours, after an entire defence was wiped out.

Barry Russell underwent appendix surgery last weekend, Simon Marriott has been ruled out with a knee problem and Mick O'Byrne and Todd Lumsden were injured in training on Thursday night.

To compound Martin's woes, full-back Allan Dempsie left the club during the week by mutual consent, midfielder Ryan McStay is suspended and strikers John Gemmell and Larry Acquah both face fitness tests, although goalkeeper Chris Fahey is included after a successful appeal against a red card.

Martin said: "It is not the ideal situation for a local derby but we will still fight for everything."