Taking none for the team
We’llgoalfor ittostaytop LEAGUE ONE Hitman Baird happy to draw blanks as long as things looking up for ICT
DARREN SMITH believes Stirling’s prowess in front of goal has made them a force to be reckoned with.
Dave Mackay’s side have hit 30 goals in the league ahead of today’s big clash against Peterhead. And strike star Smith is hoping League Two leaders Albion can serve up an action replay of their last meeting at Balmoor when a four-goal first-half blitz put them on their way to a 4-2 victory that saw Smith net twice.
He said: “Our first-half performance against Peterhead is probably the best we’ve played. After they scored early on we just clicked and played brilliantly, moving the ball quickly and creating a lot of chances.
“We were really on it that day. If we can find that level we are a real threat to anyone.
“Peterhead have players such as Rory McAllister who always scores goals and are not far away in third place. Obviously we see them as a massive threat so we need to be at our best.
“The attacking threat is our biggest strength. We always seem to score goals, which shows we are creating lots of chances, although our home results could be better.
“I’ve been getting a lot of good service and the players we’ve got in attacking positions have been excellent – guys like Callumn Morrison, Peter MacDonald and Ross Kavanagh.”
Peterhead boss Jim McInally was delighted with his side’s 3-0 Scottish Cup win against Raith last weekend when McAllister’s double took his tally to 18.
McInally said: “Stirling have set an unbelievable standard as far as getting points is concerned and they turned us over at Peterhead so it would be nice to replay them.
“We know we will have to play considerably better if we’re to turn the tables but we have been playing well and the Raith scoreline didn’t flatter us.
“If we can take that confidence into the Stirling game I’m sure we’ll be in for a good game.”
TEAMSHEET
STIRLING will be missing Ross Smith Stephen Noble, Willie Robertson, Peter Macdonald and Andrew Little against
who have Aidan McIlduff, Simon Ferry, Jamie Stevenson, Scott Brown and Marc Lawrence unavailable. Nathan Blockley misses out for
at home to who give fitness tests to Paul Watson, Martyn Fotheringham and Jamie Redman but Ryan Ferguson and Danny Cavanagh definitely miss out.
have Peter Watson and Steven Swinglehurst back to face who have Matty Flynn out injured.
Andrew Blake, Zak Karadachki, John Dunn, Moses Olanrewaju and Sean Mackie miss out for but Liam Henderson could make his debut against who include new assistant boss Mark Fotheringham and trialist Connor Scullion. Fraser Mullen returns from suspension.
have Tony Dingwall and Bruce Anderson back to face who have Marcus Godinho and Steve Notman available again but Callum Donaldson and Kevin Waugh miss out.