Peterhead and visitors FC Edinburgh may have made contrasting starts to the season however there is no need for the Blue Toon to be downbeat about facing The Citizens this afternoon at Balmoor according to assistant manager David Nicholls.
The hosts sit 19 points behind their visitors however Nicholls reckons that the time is right for Peterhead to turn better performances into points as he explained: “FC Edinburgh have had a great start to their campaign. Fair play to them as for a side that has just been promoted, they have done really well, however we should not go into the game feeling inferior to them.”
“We played well them down at their place recently and matched them for 80 minutes. We took a chance and opened up a bit as we thought we could sneak a win but they hit us on the counter-attack and we eventually lost 2-0.”
“We can take confidence from that display and also take some confidence from the improvements we have seen in recent games. As we have had more players available, we have looked stronger and now we need to turn that strength into points.”
David added: “We have spoken to the boys that are new to the club. They have done well and helped us become much more competitive but now we want them to take things up a level. There are guys in our squad that have the ability to dictate games and we want to see that from them.”
One player that will increase the competitive nature of the team further is midfielder Andrew McCarthy who is available for the first time this season following an ankle injury with Nicholls saying: “The manager Jim McInally and I will discuss what the correct role is for Andrew in this game just before finalising the team. He trained well this week and one of his team-mates can testify to the robust nature of one of Andy’s challenges on him.”
“To be fair the next time the pair of them challenged for a ball they were both robust. Andy took his dunt, got up and played on which was great to see. He was a big player for us last season but we have to get the balance right with him.”
Team News
Max Gillies returns to the squad after illness with Andrew McCarthy included for the first time this season following an ankle injury.
Ryan Strachan is back in contention for a starting jersey after a hamstring problem however Andrew McDonald will not make it despite returning to training this week.
Paul Dixon, Robbie McGale, Russell McLean, Hamish Ritchie and Ola Adeyemo all remain out.
Attending the match
Peterhead FC do not operate a cash at turnstile facility. The club ticket office is located in the car park adjacent to main entrance at Balmoor Stadium.
Get your tickets online by clicking https://peterheadfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/m/e/peterhead_v_edinburgh_city
Ticket prices are as follows
GROUND
Adult £15
Concessions £8
U13’s FOC (if accompanied by an adult)
EAST & MAIN STANDS
Adult £17
Concessions £10
U13’s £2
Online Match Programme – https://www.peterheadfc.org/match-day-programme/
