Match Preview: Montrose v Berwick Rangers – SPFL Ladbrokes League Two
Ally McDonald could be in for a league debut, but Barry Hogg will miss out
John Coughlin’s Berwick side will travel to Links Park tomorrow looking to record their first back-to-back wins of the season and strengthen their spot in the promotion play-off positions in Ladbrokes League Two.
Although the ‘Gers will take confidence from a clean sheet, victory and impressive away showing against Cowdenbeath last weekend, their task is made no easier by a number of injuries heading into tomorrow’s match. Coughlin revealed he’ll be promoting an Under 20’s youngster to help maintain depth.
“We’ll have Ally McDonald on the bench for us tomorrow. That’s how we’ll continue to look to bolster our numbers, by picking the Development players that are doing well.
“My concern with that is that we can bring them in and they might not see any action, or they might get 5-10 minutes from the bench where they could be receiving a full 90 minutes in competitive action for the Junior side that they’re loaned out to.
“So I’m having to balance that out, but certainly in an ideal world I’d be looking to make additions to the squad, there’s absolutely no doubt about that. It’s something we’re looking at all the time, but we’ve got to try make we’re in a position to bring a guy in when money does become available.
“Perhaps that’s a reason why the Scottish Cup will be so important to us when it comes around.”
Berwick Rangers Team News:
Hibernian loanees Ben Stirling and Sean Mackie remain sidelined with injuries picked up whilst training and playing with their parent club respectively, whilst Barry Hogg is also highly likely to be out with a back problem.
Hogg is joined by Lee Hamilton, who will be out for around 3 weeks with a groin strain, though that blow will be eased by Coughlin’s revelation that he was pleased with the performance of Graeme Beveridge at right back last weekend.
Allan Walker is a fifth ‘Ger who will miss out, the midfielder unavailable for tomorrow’s clash.
Montrose Team News:
Though the ‘Gers will be high on confidence following their efforts of last weekend, they will be wary of a Montrose side who will also have received a boost from their 1-0 victory away to SPFL new-boys Edinburgh City last weekend.
Berwick’s defence will be particularly wary of forward Gary Fraser, who is currently averaging a goal in under every 2 games this season.
Terry Masson is suspended, whilst the Mo will be without Chris Hegarty, who suffered a ruptured achilles during a Betfred Cup clash with Alloa Athletic. Such is the seriousness of the injury, Hegarty will almost certainly miss the next clash between the two sides too, scheduled for December.
Also missing will be Declan Milne, who suffered the misfortune of being on the end of an attack by two dogs in Aberdeen recently. Declan was left requiring an operation to mend damage to his tendons in both his left leg and ankle, ruling him out for a total of two months.
Match Admission:
Fans making the journey up the East coast can expect the following prices:
Adults – £12
Concessions – £6
Adult & U16 – £15
Match Odds:
SPFL title-sponsors are having trouble separating the two sides after the ‘Gers upset the odds in Cowdenbeath last week, but do make ‘Gers very slight favourites to come away with maximum points tomorrow.
Montrose – 3/2
Draw – 27/10
Berwick Rangers – 11/8
Match Officials:
Tomorrow’s match will be officiated by recently-romoted category 1 referee Graham Beaton. Graham, who took charge of our 1-1 Betfred Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Clyde earlier this season, will be assisted by both Anthony Cooper and Dan McFarlane.
