Two teams with almost identical records over their last three League 1 games go head-to-head against each other when Peterhead host Montrose this afternoon.
The Blue Toon have picked up seven points from the last nine with wins over Dumbarton and Alloa and a goalless draw with Falkirk whereas the Gable Endies drew 1-1 with leaders Queen’s Park and enjoyed handsome wins over Clyde and East Fife.
The only difference is that Peterhead have scored nine and conceded two whereas Stewart Petrie’s side have scored one more with Balmoor boss Jim McInally saying: “Looking at recent games you would have to say that there is not much between the teams. I will be pleased if that turns out to be the case as over the last three years Montrose have been one of the most consistent sides in this league.”
“They have enjoyed very good results which have been built on having a fairly consistent squad with a solid core that has been augmented with gems that Stewart has picked up.”
“He has done a fantastic job there and I am baffled by why no-one at a full-time side has tried to entice him to them. I had them watched at Clyde recently and the report I got was that they were full of zip and energy and there was no sign of that high consistency level dropping.”
As for Peterhead Jim said: “We will go into the game in a great frame of mind. Our good wins over Dumbarton and Alloa were followed up with a point against a Falkirk side who will be looking to win this league.”
“We were not as fluid as we were in the previous two games due to the early injury to Simon Ferry and then Niah Payne having to go off at the break. We dug in and our goalkeeper helped earn us the draw however it is a game we would have lost earlier in the season so we are still heading in the right direction.”
With striker Payne ruled out Jim added: “I am in the fortunate position of having a couple of candidates to choose from to come in. Lyall Cameron got some game time last weekend and we also have the experience of Derek Lyle, who still has an eye for goal, that we can use with Grant Savoury fitter now than when we signed him a couple of weeks ago.”
“It is always disappointing to miss players through injury however I have options to consider.”
Team News – The Blue Toon could be seven players down as Niah Payne joins Alan Cook, Gary Fraser, Ryan Duncan and Jordon Brown on the side-lines due to the ankle injury he picked up against Forfar with Ryan Conroy and Simon Ferry both rated as doubts.
Attending the game – Entry prices –
GROUND – Adult £14, Concessions £7, Under 13’s Free of Charge (if accompanied by an adult)
EAST & MAIN STANDS – Adult £16, Concessions £9, U13’s £2
Watching the game on-line – https://peterheadfc.univtec.com/outside/login
Programme – match programme v Montrose
