Peterhead return to League 1 action this afternoon after a break of 11 weeks when Airdrie visit with manager Jim McInally hoping that his side can catch a break against the Diamonds.
Jim explained: “Airdrie are a good side and they have a terrific recent record against us. They have won the last four games however we know that we have been a lot closer to them than that record would suggest. We have played well in each game however things have not fallen for us and we have not been able to get even a point.”
“Airdrie have had a penalty in each of those four games and that statistic sums up our luck against them in the past couple of seasons.”
“We played well down at their place in the first league game of this season but failed to get our noses in front when we were on top. We then lost Simon Ferry to injury, conceded a penalty and lost Gary MacKenzie to a head-knock. There seems to have been something in every game against Airdrie that has worked against us so today I would settle for not playing as well against them as we have in the past but getting a break and getting a win.”
Jim is as pleased with the quick-fire preparations to the restart as he explained: “The players have worked hard in the last two weeks. We played a 9 versus 9 game last weekend on a full side pitch to get game time into the players’ legs. I thought that was better than having a friendly and giving everyone 45 minutes.”
“There may well be some rustiness but there will be plenty of effort.
Peterhead Team News
Niah Payne is available for the first time since joining in January and Peterhead could include striker Ben Armour after a hamstring problem eased.
Alan Cook and Gary Fraser are out injured with Andrew MacDonald, Simon Ferry and Steven Boyd all suspended. Gary MacKenzie has retired from football and plans to bring Lyall Cameron back on-loan from Dundee have stalled however his Dens Park team-mate Danny Strachan has arrived on a temporary basis and could feature.
Fellow new boy Kieran McGrath is not in today’s squad however he should join up with the rest of the Balmoor squad for Tuesday’s Scottish Cup tie with Stenhousemuir.
Airdrie Team News
Kyle Turner goes straight into Ian Murray’s squad after signing on loan until the end of the season. Goalkeeper Andrew McNeil returns from Berwick and Eoghan Stokes faces a late fitness test.
Catch the Match here – Peterhead Football Club (univtec.com)
Read the Match Programme here – #08 v Airdrieonians – Saturday 20th March 2021 by peterheadfc – issuu
