Queen of South vs Stranraer preview - Johnston sets sights on Gretna points record

Posted Saturday, April 13, 2013 by PA

Second Division champions and Ramsdens Cup winners Queen of the South are without the suspended Stephen McKenna as they host struggling Stranraer.

The Doonhamers will also again be missing Willie Gibson (leg) and Ian McShane (hip), with player/manager Allan Johnston telling his players there is to be no slacking despite their double success.

Johnston said: "Stranraer are coming here scrapping for their lives and any team who can beat Brechin as they did last week is worthy of our full respect.

"There is still plenty to play for as I want us to beat the points tally of 88 that Gretna got a few years ago when they won this league. We are seven off that so there is plenty still to be played for."

Stranraer defender David MacGregor will miss out at Palmerston Park as he is still troubled by a knee injury.

The eighth-placed side also have doubts over Frank McKeown and Chris Aitken, who both picked up knocks in the midweek 1-1 draw with East Fife, however manager Stephen Aitken believes they will be okay to face the champions.

The Blues travel in good spirits despite conceding a late equaliser at New Bayview.

Aitken said: "If someone had offered us four points from Brechin and then East Fife beforehand we would probably have taken them so there's no point in being down.

"Queen of the South have done wonderfully well to win the league in style but if they have an off-day we will look to take full advantage."