Stranraer v Saints Preview

Last updated : 21 April 2006 By Stuart Gillespie
Stranraer are desperately trying to avoid being involved in the relegation playoffs at the end of the season. They are currently four points behind Queen of the South, despite being well clear at the turn of the year. It's also just been announced that their manager is leaving in the summer (not the first time that has happened just before Saints play someone this season).

A win tomorrow could be of no use for Stranraer, as if Queen of the South beat Brechin they'll be uncatchable in the final game. However, considering our players won't care, there is always the chance they could at least do their part.

God knows who will be playing for Saints tomorrow, probably the most sober eleven. Craig Hinchcliffe is the only guaranteed absentee, although it's likely that John Baird will also be missing after being attacked in Glasgow before last week's game. Ian Maxwell and Mark Corcoran are both fit(ish) but probably won't start. With Stranraer still having something to play for, it's likely that the best any youngsters, such as Craig Molloy and Ryan McCay, can hope for is a place on the bench.

There are many Saints fans, including me, who would love to see Stranraer relegated. Their style of play is so boring, on both visits to Love Street they came for nothing more than a point. They time waste constantly and then get surprised when they are booked for it. They are slightly more attacking at home, but not much. Maybe things will change if they stay up with a new manager, but I doubt it!

With the title sealed, I don't need to make my traditional 1-0 defeat prediction. However, I do think we'll lose due to the state some players will be in after last week, and think Stranraer will take it 2-1.