Peterhead vs Stenhousemuir preview - Warriors set for survival showdown

Posted Saturday, May 07, 2011 by PA

Stenhousemuir will have Ally Brown between the sticks for their vital clash at Peterhead with Chris McCluskey suspended following his dismissal against Brechin last Saturday.

The Warriors are desperate for victory in order to stand a chance of climbing out of the relegation play-off place in the Second Division.

A draw would also be enough should third-bottom Alloa, who hold a one-point advantage but also an inferior goal difference, lose at home against runaway champions Livingston.

Defender Scott Fusco will miss out again through injury.

Manager David Irons said: "We will be on similar lines and while we are in the play-off spot just now I would reckon that on paper we have a better chance of getting a win than Alloa as we are facing the relegated side whereas they are facing the champions.

"Of course these games are not on paper so we are set for a very interesting day."

Already-relegated Peterhead are hoping to bring the curtain down on their six-year stay in the Second Division with their first win in 17 games.

Their cause is not helped by the absence of Scott Ross and Paul Emslie through suspension, with injuries also ruling out Daniel Moore, Connor Gethins and Martin Bavidge.

However left-sided midfielder Stirling Smith could be set to return after a knock.

Despite their impending relegation, Blue Toon manager John Sheran is determined his side go into the game positively. He said: "I want us to go out of the Second Division with a bang having earned a win that has put a smile back on Peterhead faces."