Gunnion: Huge game for Swifts
Avoid automatic drop with win
Jeanfield Swifts v Newtongrange
The team who finishes third bottom in the final standings will go into a play-off with a team from the East Premier. But the Perth squad plan to avoid that possibility too.
“It’s a huge game for the club to be honest,” he told the Perthshire Advertiser. “A win for us would almost be enough to say we have escaped the bottom two automatic relegation spots.
“I think Newtongrange would find it difficult to gather enough points in their remaining games.
“It certainly won’t be easy as Newtongrange have fought hard to gain points recently and are packed full with experienced players who know how to handle pressure games.
“They are a team which I feel have underachieved this season and are struggling more from a lack of confidence rather than a lack of ability.
“We are looking difficult to beat at the moment and that’s something I’ve been really happy with. In the two games we’ve drawn I’d say we have been the better team and unlucky not to take all three points.
“So we’re improving and gaining momentum at a critical time.”
Mark Duigan remains sidelined for Jeanfield Swifts
Gunnion confirmed that Swifts will be missing midfielder Fraser Smith and defender Mark Duigan for the game.
“We’re without one or two again on Saturday with Smith suspended and Duigan still battling back from injury,” Gunnion said. “But we’ll still choose from a strong squad.
“The attitude and commitment in training has been excellent and we now need to ensure we take that into the game Saturday.
“Hopefully we can get a good support along again to cheer us on.”
Kick-off at the Riverside is 2.30pm.