‘Pressure will help you’ says Farrell

Stranraer manager Stevie Farrell has told his players not to fear their crucial clash with fellow strugglers Brechin City at Stair Park but to enjoy the experience of playing with something at stake.

A win would move the Blues five points clear of their second-bottom visitors and Farrell is adamant the pressure of a relegation fight will help build his players’ careers. He said: “We are basically a young side and I have told the players that they should enjoy playing in meaningful games at this stage of their development.

“I said last month that my approach would be to tackle the challenges we face with excitement and the players have responded well to that. We are on a decent run and held the leaders Arbroath to a goalless draw with ten men on Saturday, so the players are growing and playing with confidence.”

“Brechin will come here boosted by winning at the weekend. It is not a seasondefining game for either of us, but a win would put us in a better place.”

Brechin manager Barry Smith is hoping that it will be third time lucky for his side at Stair Park. He said: “This is the third occasion we have tried to play this game. The first time it was called off we were in Glasgow and the second time we were in Stranraer. Hopefully this time the weather will be kind.”

Smith’s side won 2-0 at East Fife on Saturday and a repeat will be welcome. The Glebe Park boss added: “It was a great result for us and one we worked hard to get. We still have 24 points to play for so this game will not be the be all and end all, but a win would allow us to continue building momentum.