Albion Rovers FC vs Ayr Utd. preview - Now or never for Albion

Posted Saturday, April 13, 2013 by PA

Albion full-back Barry Russell starts a four-match suspension at home to Ayr as the Coatbridge side look to kickstart a bid to haul themselves off the foot of the Second Division table with five matches remaining.

Steven Howarth will miss out with an ankle injury along with Mick O'Byrne (ankle) and Tony Stevenson (knee), while Pat Walker is struggling with a hamstring problem.

Cliftonhill manager Todd Lumsden said: "In the last two games we have been leading before losing late goals that have costs us points. The players have dusted themselves down and are ready to go again but we know that if we go ahead we have to stay ahead this time.

"We beat Ayr here on Boxing Day and a repeat of that would be fantastic and give us hope for the rest of the season."

Mid-table Ayr welcome back Adam Hunter after suspension as they look to finish the season closer to the top four than the relegation play-offs.

John Robertson and David Sinclair are both out with respective ankle problems while long-term knee injuries keep Martyn Campbell and Michael McGowan absent.

Player/manager Mark Roberts said: "We had been looking to get into the promotion play-offs but that looks beyond us now. Forfar and Arbroath would have to collapse to get us back in there.

"We will go to Albion and look to get the three points that means we are not going to be involved at the other end and to have in hand should anything happen to the teams above us."