Third division

Published on Friday 30 October 2009 22:20

EAST Stirling and Annan Athletic will attempt to put disappointing Scottish Cup defeats behind them when they meet at Ochilview this afternoon. East Stirling were knocked out by fellow Third Division side Forfar Athletic while Annan were dumped out by Highland League side Cove Rangers. Both sides were in good form before the cup break with East Stirling now looking for their third win in a row. Such a result will ensure that they retain top spot in the league but they will be all too aware of th

Annan have recovered well after a rocky start to their second Scottish League campaign. Three defeats in a row in the opening weeks of the season suggested that they might be suffering from 'second season' syndrome, but Harry Cairney's side have lost only once in their last seven games and have lifted themselves into mid-table.

Despite their upturn in form, Annan are yet to win on their travels this season and will have to rectify that if they are to be in with a chance of promotion come the business end of the season.