Second Division: Queens out to scupper Stranraer’s treble bid

Queen of the South manager Allan Johnston is telling his league leaders to be wary of south-west neighbours Stranraer who are aiming for a third win in a row.

Johnston said: “Stranraer have improved throughout the season and have had two great victories in their last two games. One of their wins was against Alloa and they had only just taken our undefeated tag from us a few days before.

“They will be looking to make it a hat-trick of wins so we are well warned. We have to be as thoroughly professional as we were against Brechin in our last game when we had a mixed performance, but we got the win.”

The Doonhamers will again be without midfielder Paul Burns due to a knee injury.

Stranraer manager Stephen Aitken has a full squad to choose from as the Blues look to be the first side to defeat leaders Queen of the South at home in the league this season.

Bottom of the table Albion
Rovers received an extra Christmas present when Partick Thistle agreed to extend striker Christie Elliot’s loan spell for a further month and the Jags hit-man will lead the Coatbridge attack against visitors Ayr United.

Rovers have Simon Marriot available after a ban, but Mick O’Byrne’s ankle injury keeps him out and goalkeeper Chris McCluskey has agreed to leave the club by mutual consent.

Ayr United will look to stop their slide down to eighth in the table, but are again without the long-term injured Martyn Campbell and Michael McGowan. However, they welcome back Austin McCann after an ankle injury, with Mark Shankland also included following illness.

Brechin City full-back Jonathan Brown misses their clash with Arbroath due to a knee injury, but manager Ray McKinnon has everyone else available. Arbroath manager Paul Sheerin, meanwhile, has a suspension and injury-free squad to choose from.