Stranraer vs Ayr preview - Aitken handed double whammy

In-form Stranraer will be without defenders Scott Robertson and Craig Pettigrew in their home game against Ayr.

Defenders Robertson and Pettigrew are both struggling with knee injuries as the Blues bid to stay ahead of their south-west rivals in the promotion chase.

Manager Stephen Aitken said: "We made a slow start to the league, but things have come together for us recently.

"We want to keep that going and getting a win over Ayr and staying ahead of them in the chase for a play-off place would be a good afternoon's work.

"We're on a good unbeaten run and Ayr are really strong away from home, so something will need to give."

Ayr will be without Martyn Campbell (knee), Michael Donald (ankle) and Craig Beattie (dead leg).

And it could be worse for boss Mark Roberts as Kevin McKinlay, Brian Gilmour and Paul Slane are all rated doubtful.

Roberts said: "We're not in the greatest shape and I cannot decide on a team until I check on some players before kick-off.

"But we'll just get on with things. This is a fixture that usually produces a lot of goals and I doubt that this one will be goalless.

"As long as we score one more than Stranraer then I will be pleased."