Match Preview: Petrofac Cup Round One – St Mirren Away
The ‘Gers face one of their toughest starts in recent history tomorrow afternoon as their 2015/2016 season gets under way with a trip to recently relegated Championship side St Mirren.
Berwick Team News:
Manager Colin Cameron heads into the game with a fully fit squad. With no less than 14 new additions, it will
The ‘Gers management team have plenty of decisions to make for tomorrow’s cup tie
undoubtedly be interesting to see how the boss lines up against a strong home side.
The number one spot will be contested between Kevin Walker & Mark Walters, both new arrivals at Shielfield over the summer. The ‘Gers defence meanwile was further bolstered as recently as last night as both Kieran Ainslie & Ross Graham agreed terms on one year deals.
Berwick’s flanks look strong with options including more new recruits in the form of Dwayne Coultress, David Morris, Graeme Beveridge and Michael McKenna, while the centre of the team will also be tough to choose, with Beveridge, Coultress, Cameron and Finn Graham all able to occupy the team’s core.
It is a different story up top however it looks as though it’ll be more of the same with the boss so far opting to keep the faith in last season’s strikers Darren Lavery, Andy Russell and Blair Henderson.
Both sides are allowed two trialists in their matchday squad and so the boss may also opt to cast the eye over any more potential targets.
St Mirren Team News:
The Petrofac Training Cup tie will be a landmark occasion for St Mirren manager Ian Murray, who took over the club earlier in the Summer and will take charge of his first competitive tie as boss.
Murray’s plan to restore the Paisley side to the top-flght has seen the arrival of a few new faces in the Summer, among them Scott Agnew, the creative midfielder joining his gaffer in making the move from Dumbarton.
Agnew is not the only midfielder to strengthen the St Mirren spine, with Paul McMullan also joining on loan from Celtic after a exciting loan spell with Stenhousemuir last season.
More recently the home side have added Luke Conlan, the young defender joining from Championship side Burnley on a season long loan. Conlan was this morning joined by former teammate Cameron Howieson, the New Zealand international joining on a free.
Previous Fixtures:
The last time the two sides met was in the same competition way back in 2003, the home side running out 2-1 winners on that occasion.
The ‘Gers haven’t tasted victory against St Mirren since 1974, when they ran out 3-2 winners at Shielfield Park.
Admission:
The ‘Gers will be looking to shift the white but keep the black & gold ribbons on the trophy this season
Adults – £10
Children & Concessions – £5
Fans are advised that St Mirren DO NOT operate cash turnstiles ahead of our Petrofac Training Cup Round One tie with the Paisley side this weekend.
Instead, fans making the journey to St Mirren Park should purchase their match ticket from the North Stand ticket office prior to the match. The ticket office will be open at the stadium from 1pm onwards.
Supporters should then make their way to the West Stand, where they will enter via Turnstiles 15 & 16, with both opening from 2pm onwards.
Prices for the match have been agreed as £10 Adults, £5 Concessions.
Travel:
Any fans considering taking up the Travel Club’s bus are urged to act fast with only 5 seats remaining.
Fans wishing to book their place on board or at very least register interest should call George on 07764 189983 or Ali on 07969 808732.
St Mirren have also extended an invitation to any ‘Gers fans making the journey to join the hosting side for a drink in the club’s hospitality suite, located in the South end of the Main Stand. A £2 entry fee applies, with the bar opening from 12noon until 2:45pm, and also opening for an hour post-match.
Match Officials:
The referee for the tie will be Alan Muir, and he will be assisted by Ivan Stankovic and Chris Gentles.
Match Odds:
If you fancy the ‘Gers to cause a cup upset, SPFL League Two sponsors Ladbrokes will give you a gargantuan 9/1 for the Dream Team to win at St Mirren Park.
St Mirren – 2/7
Draw – 19/5
Berwick – 9/1
