East Fife vs Stranraer preview - Fifers duo banned

Posted Saturday, November 16, 2013 by PA

East Fife host a buoyant Stranraer with Gary Thom and Scott McBride both suspended.

Thom and McBride were sent off against Arbroath last weekend and join the injured Paul Willis (foot) on the sidelines. However, skipper Craig Johnstone is available again after his ban.

Fifers manager Willie Aitchison is hoping to make home advantage tell.

He said: "I watched Stranraer at Somerset Park and they put on a really strong attacking performance and they will be on a high after their win. However, we played well at Arbroath last weekend and were unfortunate not to win as we were winning before the red cards.

"Hopefully we can pick up the three points with the home fans behind us."

Stranraer travel to New Bayview with Ryan Borris available again after work commitments kept him out of their remarkable 6-3 midweek success over Ayr.

Steven Bell is struggling due to illness and he could join Scott Rumsby on the sidelines with the on-loan Aberdeen defender out with a groin injury.

"We have had two hard away games in a row and won them both," said Stranraer manager Stephen Aitken. "We played well at Auchinleck in the Scottish Cup and then defeated Ayr with a terrific performance.

"We may be on a high but East Fife will be looking to send us back to earth so we are well warned."