Irvine Meadow have no room for error

Dec 19 2008 Irvine Herald

IT’S make or break for Irvine Meadow on Saturday when they make the dangerous trip to face league leaders Petershill.

And, feels Meadow manager Chris Strain, the biggest danger may not come from Stevie Easton’s side, but from the Peasies’ artificial pitch which has caught out so many of the Glasgow outfit’s opponents.

“Their synthetic pitch always poses problems and they’ve picked up most of their points on it, so it’s a real tester for visiting clubs,” said Strain.

“However they’re at the top of the pile and we have to go there and shoot them down if we are to re-establish our credentials as title contenders.

The pair drew 1-1 at Meadow Park earlier this year in a game Strain feels his side should have won, so he’s all out to make amends this time round. Andy McLaren and Brian McGinty picked up hamstring strains at Cambuslang last weekend, but both should be fit for Saturday.

Meanwhile Irvine Vics end the year with two games which could go a long way towards defining their title challenge.

On Saturday they entertain Whitletts and the following weekend they visit league leaders Lugar. Vics currently trail Lugar by three points but have two games in hand and a win in their next couple of matches would mean a very Happy New Year for Rab Madden’s men.

But, after Saturday’s win over Muirkirk, Madden was only looking as far ahead as the Whitletts game.

"It was a good performance from us and we looked strong all over the park,” he said.

“The only disappointment is that we never scored more but that’s three clean sheets in a row now and defensively we’re looking very comfortable. Now we must keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard, the progress is there for everyone to see".

Beating Whitletts would give Vics their sixth straight league win.

“It’s a big incentive but this will be a much tougher test,” added Madden.

“Whitletts are the only side to have beaten us in the league this season and so this will be a bit of a revenge mission for us, because we know we are a much better team than we showed that day".

Vics injury list is still growing. Jim Tiger McNally has a hamstring strain and is doubtful for Saturday.

He joins Jordan White (hamstring), Craig Rodgers (thigh), Gareth Timoney (knee) and long term absentee Chris McCue on the missing list.

Dalry Thistle make an incredible SIXTH attempt to get their long-running West of Scotland Cup tie against Blantyre Vics under way.

“It’s been postponed three time at our ground and twice at theirs and, quite frankly, we just want to get it out of the way,” said cheesed-off Merksworth boss John Garroch.

“Postponements have seen us slip behind in our league schedule and that has always been the main priority. However we’ve been in talks again over the pitch this week and hopefully something will be sorted out.”

Long-term injury victim John Rae has suffered a setback in his battle for fitness and is now out until after the New Year.

There’s a real basement battle in store at Saltcoats where Ardeer Thistle are the visitors.