Stranraer vs Arbroath preview - Mitchell to miss out

Posted Tuesday, February 19, 2013 by PA

Stranraer goalkeeper David Mitchell will miss out against Arbroath at Stair Park after being sent off against Queen of the South and youngster Russell Caldwell will deputise.

Defender David MacGregor is also absent for the Blues due to a knee injury with manager Stephen Aitken looking for his men to use being at home to their advantage - despite losing 5-0 to Queen of the South on home soil at the weekend.

Aitken said: "We lost that game but I don't read too much into that as we had David sent off and a very good Queen's team took full advantage.

"Apart from that game we have been strong at home during my time in charge and I want us to build on that."

Arbroath player-manager Paul Sheerin has a full squad to choose from for the long trip as the Red Lichties look to open up a three-point gap on fifth-placed Forfar in the race for a play-off place.

Sheerin is hoping his men bounce back strongly after losing 1-0 to a late goal against Brechin on Saturday.

He said: "We will be in for a tough evening as Stranraer have improved as the season has gone on and are usually at their strongest at home.

"Losing to Brechin with a goal just before the end was a horrible way to be beaten but a win down at Stranraer in a difficult midweek fixture would be the perfect response."