Last Saturday's table toppers Queen of the South take on local rivals "The Cleyholers" tommorow at Palmerston in the Bell's Scottish Second Division. After being knocked-off top spot on Tuesday after the poor performance against Hamilton Accies, John Connolly's men will be determined to get back to winning way and maybe even back into the top two.
Both teams have topped the second division this year and both teams know that the upcoming double-header will decide whether either of the teams is capable of promotion. While Queens won on saturday, Stranraer failed to beat basement boys Morton at home. Stranraer currently sit 7 points behind us in the league after the same amount of games so "The Cleyholers" know nothing but 6 points will do from the two games.
The sides have already met twice in the league this season. Queens remain undefeated this season after a two pretty good performances against a team they failed to gain a point off last season. Firstly a 2-2 draw at Stair Park when John O'Neill scored the equaliser after Billy MacDonald was dismissed for two bookable offences. And even more memorable for Queens fans was the 1-0 victory at Palmerston when once again John O'Neill scored to make-up for his earlier penalty miss.
Injury news this week is that Derek Allan is the only play that is definetly out as he has a hamstring injury. However, it is very unlikely that Steve Bowie, George O'Boyle or Allan Moore will start the game with Bowie and Moore struggling to even make the squad. John O'Neill seems as if he is now over the bug which was keeping him out of the team and should return to the starting eleven. The other good news is that On-Loan Striker Derek Lyle has signed-on for another month which will see him at the club to virtually the end of the season.
Stranraer players to watch....
IAN HARTY: The little strker will be back from suspension to face the Doonhamers and is certainly one of the best players to be on the books at Stair Park in recent years. Has scored no fewer than 14 goals this season and surely would have scored more if his discipline was better. He has missed around 7 games this season through suspension. A small forward who likes the ball at his feet around the box, very skillful, twisting defenders in the box with ease and also posesses a very powerful shot.
KEVIN FINLAYSON: The winger/forward is probably the fastest member of the team and is known for his bursting runs through the centre and down the wing. Has scored quite a few goals this season and will have to be watchged by the queens defence tommorrow. He and Harty are the two biggest attacking threats in the team.
SANDY HODGE: Tall left-sided midfielder who is known for his bursting runs up the field, is capable of ghosting defenders and delivering a good cross. Was bought from Queens last season when he failed to impress John Connolly and will surely have a point to prove after being subed early in the second half at Palmerston earlier this season.
Probable Queens line-up...
Both teams have topped the second division this year and both teams know that the upcoming double-header will decide whether either of the teams is capable of promotion. While Queens won on saturday, Stranraer failed to beat basement boys Morton at home. Stranraer currently sit 7 points behind us in the league after the same amount of games so "The Cleyholers" know nothing but 6 points will do from the two games.
The sides have already met twice in the league this season. Queens remain undefeated this season after a two pretty good performances against a team they failed to gain a point off last season. Firstly a 2-2 draw at Stair Park when John O'Neill scored the equaliser after Billy MacDonald was dismissed for two bookable offences. And even more memorable for Queens fans was the 1-0 victory at Palmerston when once again John O'Neill scored to make-up for his earlier penalty miss.
Injury news this week is that Derek Allan is the only play that is definetly out as he has a hamstring injury. However, it is very unlikely that Steve Bowie, George O'Boyle or Allan Moore will start the game with Bowie and Moore struggling to even make the squad. John O'Neill seems as if he is now over the bug which was keeping him out of the team and should return to the starting eleven. The other good news is that On-Loan Striker Derek Lyle has signed-on for another month which will see him at the club to virtually the end of the season.
Stranraer players to watch....
IAN HARTY: The little strker will be back from suspension to face the Doonhamers and is certainly one of the best players to be on the books at Stair Park in recent years. Has scored no fewer than 14 goals this season and surely would have scored more if his discipline was better. He has missed around 7 games this season through suspension. A small forward who likes the ball at his feet around the box, very skillful, twisting defenders in the box with ease and also posesses a very powerful shot.
KEVIN FINLAYSON: The winger/forward is probably the fastest member of the team and is known for his bursting runs through the centre and down the wing. Has scored quite a few goals this season and will have to be watchged by the queens defence tommorrow. He and Harty are the two biggest attacking threats in the team.
SANDY HODGE: Tall left-sided midfielder who is known for his bursting runs up the field, is capable of ghosting defenders and delivering a good cross. Was bought from Queens last season when he failed to impress John Connolly and will surely have a point to prove after being subed early in the second half at Palmerston earlier this season.
Probable Queens line-up...
Scott
Gray Thomson Aitken Anderson
Connolly O'Neill Connell McAlpine
Lyle Weatherson
Subs: O'Boyle, Robertson, Crawford, Atkinson, Donald
Gray Thomson Aitken Anderson
Connolly O'Neill Connell McAlpine
Lyle Weatherson
Subs: O'Boyle, Robertson, Crawford, Atkinson, Donald
I have gone for O'Boyle on the bench as he is not match fit after missing the last few games, as well as the good form of Lyle and Weatherson. Anderson will keep his place despite playing awful on Tuesday as Paddy is not playing well either. Donald will still be on the bench as he is not fully match fit either. Connolly will return as the Trialist did not impress JC. Jonjo O'Neill will also return as he is now fully recovered from his flu bug.
Russj's prediction: Queens 2 - Stranraer 1. Lyle and a John O'Neill penalty.
Russj's prediction: Queens 2 - Stranraer 1. Lyle and a John O'Neill penalty.