Peterhead vs Stirling Albion preview - Blue Toon pair miss out

Posted Friday, August 08, 2014 by PA

Peterhead duo Ryan Strachan and Dean Cowie will miss the League Two champions opening-day clash with Stirling Albion who were promoted alongside them last season.

Strachan has an ankle injury and Cowie has been ill, while Graeme Sharp and Andy Rodgers are also missing due to suspension.

Blue Toon boss Jim McInally said: "I'm pleased that we are playing a team that we know well as it allows us more time to settle into this league.

"Stirling were a really strong side in the second half of last season and deserved their promotion, so we are going to have to play well to get off to a winning start."

Stirling will be without four players as Willie Robertson is ruled out through suspension and Ross McGeachie (foot), David McClune (calf) and Darren Smith (calf) are injured.

Graham Weir returns after a heel problem with manager Greig McDonald looking for his men to start where they left off against Alloa last weekend.

McDonald said: "We started poorly at Recreation Park and fell a goal behind, but I'm really pleased with how we finished the game.

"Unfortunately we could not get an equaliser but if we play like that for 90 minutes we have a real chance at Peterhead."