The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
City boss looking for change of luck against Fifers
Brechin boss Darren Dods is hoping it is his team’s turn to get a break after suffering stoppage-time heartbreak in midweek.
City were heading for a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Alloa at Glebe Park on Tuesday night but were stung by a winner for the Wasps in the 92nd minute.
That was deflating to say the least and the Angus men are now looking for a change of fortune when they host East Fife this afternoon in an appetising clash between fourth and third in League One.
Dods said: “I thought we played quite well and that a draw would have been a fairer result.
“To be fair to Alloa, they went for it and got their reward right at the end but we should have taken a point out of that.
“It wasn’t our night but maybe it will be our turn to get a break this weekend.
“It will be tough against an East Fife side that has done so well under Barry Smith.
“They (the Fifers) perhaps have an advantage in that their match against Albion Rovers was postponed on Tuesday while we played against Alloa so they will have had extra rest.
“However, we can be positive going into the game.”
City will be without Ally Love, who has other important duties as best man at his pal’s wedding. Willie Dyer, who has a shoulder injury, has done some running but the game will come too soon for him, while Alan Trouten is doubtful with a groin problem.
Smith’s squad will be severely stretched for today’s game with up to five players set to miss out through injury.
The Methil manager had hoped to build on a recent win and draw with Livingston and Alloa on Tuesday night but he was left frustrated when the Cliftonhill game was postponed.
However, Smith is looking for his players to take up where they left off against the Wasps when they travel to the Glebe today.
He said: “It was unfortunate that Tuesday’s game had to be postponed because of a flooded pitch.
“We had just picked up two good results against Livingston and Alloa and were raring to go again.
“However, the game has already been rearranged for next Tuesday.
“Before that, we will travel to Brechin and will still have Mark Lamont, Tony Wallace and Kyle Wilkie out injured.
“We also have a doubt over Jonathan Page who suffered a reaction at training on Tuesday with Chris Kane also picking up a knock.
“Both are doubtful but we have coped before with injuries.
“I had Brechin watched against Alloa on Tuesday night and they were unlucky not to take something from the game, losing out at the death on the counter.
“They are a decent team and we know it will be tough but we just have to look after ourselves.”