FOOTBALL PREVIEW
PEEBLES Rovers are rooted to the foot of the East of Scotland League first division table, writes John Slorance.
But Coldstream are flourishing at the top and 22 points separate the clubs when they meet at Home Park on Saturday.
It’s a massive gap and nobody is more aware of this than recently-appointed Peebles manager Jason Girdwood.
He, however, is undaunted. He knows the score, he knows he has a mighty task ahead of him in helping to guide struggling Rovers around and is going about his job with great enthusiasm and passion.
Girdwood told TheSouthern: “Peebles have 17 signed players – but I had 27 at training last week. I am bringing in new additions – the squad has to be improved. Our results have not been ideal, but I am working hard to change this and this means bringing in new faces. Training methods and tactics will also be changing as I want to get Peebles on the road again.
“We will be huge underdogs against Coldstream. Nobody will give us a chance, but the players are desperate to prove themselves, so anything might happen.”
Rovers are without the suspended Alan Williamson.
With two wins in their last two outings, Selkirk are slowly emerging from the doldrums they have been in of late and the Yarrow Park men will be gunning to kick-start their season even further by making it a hat-trick in their home encounter against Berwick Rangers Reserves.
Selkirk coach Aaron Biggs said: “We drew with Berwick in the league cup at the start of the season and they are a very useful side. I am expecting it to be another close game on Saturday, but having won our last two games our confidence has risen, so here’s hoping we can make it three in a row.”
The Souters are again without the injured Euan Pritchard.
Speaking about his side’s home meeting with Hawick Royal Albert, Gala Fairydean manager Garry Fraser told us: “We are doing well at the moment, but it’s a derby game and in matches like this the form book can often go out of the window, so it will be our job to see that this doesn’t happen.
“Hawick will be up for the game, that’s for sure, and so will we. If we can keep on doing what we have been doing recently I will be happy.”
Geri Rossi returns to the Fairydean squad.
Hawick have Peter Keenan doubtful due to a rib injury, but Ross Brand returns from suspension. Also included in the Albert squad is new signing Stevie West, a goalkeeper who has been with West Calder Juniors.
In the premier division Vale of Leithen are without the banned Ryan McKenzie for their clash with Gretna 2008.