East Fife vs Airdrie United preview - Same again for Robertson?

Posted Saturday, February 26, 2011 by PA

East Fife manager John Robertson is likely to keep faith with the same XI who won 4-0 at Ayr in midweek as they welcome Airdrie to New Bayview.

The Fifers will again be without defensive duo Mark McCulloch and Stevie Campbell through injury, as well as midfielder Robert Sloan.

Former Hearts and Airdrie striker Ryan Wallace is hoping to secure a permanent deal after scoring twice as a trialist at Somerset Park.

Robertson said: "We have been inconsistent at times this season but having drawn with Brechin and beaten Ayr we have a real chance to take a step forward by defeating Airdrie and moving above them in the table.

Airdrie travel to East Fife without suspended playmaker Ryan McCord.

United do however welcome back midfielder Rhys Devlin from his ban and full-back Jamie Bain from injury.

Stephen McKeown is now free of suspension but a knock picked up in training may keep him out of manager Jimmy Boyle's plans.

Boyle was not surprised by the Fifers` handsome 4-0 win at Ayr in midweek, and said: "East Fife have the potential to really hurt teams as they have good strikers at the club. Everything went well for them the other night, so we have been well warned.

"We are going there on the back of a good performance and result against Forfar (a 2-0 win on Tuesday) so we can travel with confidence."