Second Division: Warriors target play-off surge

STENHOUSEMUIR head to bottom side Albion Rovers tonight intent on stepping up their bid for the play-offs. The Ochilview side are just three points outside the top four after winning two of their last three games, but manager Martyn Corrigan is taking nothing for granted against a Rovers side who have lost their last six.

He said: “Albion will be fighting for everything as they are bottom of the table. We need to be ready for that.”

Rovers, who lost 5-2 to Ayr United on Saturday, include veteran Robbie Winters as a trialist for the third and final time after he scored twice at Somerset Park, with striker Steven Howarth the only doubt due to a hip injury.

Striker Stewart Kean is the only definite absentee for Stenhousemuir, with goalkeeper 
Callum Reidford facing a late check and Greg Ross a doubt.

Rampant Brechin will look to make it ten league wins in just 13 games when Ayr visit Glebe Park. Ray McKinnon’s men won 1-0 at Arbroath on Saturday and head into their first home game since January 5 looking for the win that will cut the gap to second-place Alloa to seven points with three further games in hand.

The City manager said: “Our boys have been terrific since I came in and hopefully they can keep doing what they have been doing over a busy few weeks. We have more games to play than any other team and it would be good to start our run of midweek games if we could win.

“It will not be easy as Ayr have strengthened their pool recently and they will view this game as an opportunity to boost their chances of a play-off place.”

Midfielder Craig Molloy is the only absentee for Brechin. Ayr striker Liam Buchanan is available after a ban, but John Robertson, Martyn Campbell and Michael McGowan miss out.

In the division’s other game, Stranraer will bid to banish Saturday’s 5-0 defeat from Queen of the South when they host 
Arbroath. The Blues miss banned ’keeper David Mitchell and the injured David MacGregor. Arbroath are at full strength.