Wasps go into New Year derby as league leaders
Published 29 Dec 2011 08:00
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Striker Stevie May - man of the match against Elgin City on Monday - has been an important addition to the Wasps side, and manager Paul Hartley would like to extend his loan spell.
ALLOA'S on-loan striker Steven May has proved to be an important addition to Paul Hartley's squad as the New Year brings new challenges for the league leaders.
The 19-year-old - a hard-working and effective front runner - is currently in tip-top form, giving Alloa an additional cutting edge, writes John Simpson. But his loan spell from Premier League side St. Johnstone will end at the end of January.
Although it is no secret that the Wasps manager wishes to extend the boy's time at Recreation Park, no negotiations have been made at the moment.
May excelled again with another impressive game against Elgin City, which earned him the man of the match award after giving the visiting team a gruelling time from start to finish.
May, who hails from Newburgh, told Advertiser Sport after Monday's match, "I don't know if St. Johnstone will allow me to remain at Alloa for a further spell.
"I am enjoying it with Alloa, in fact, as long as I am playing regular football I am happy. I was really pleased to be named man of the match today."
He added, "After scoring early we dug deep and scored twice more to make sure of the victory."
Manager Hartley will have to make changes to his side for Monday's derby clash with East Stirling at Ochilview.
Because defender Ben Gordon was sent off against Elgin, he now faces a two-game ban starting immediately.
The Alloa boss will be able to bring seasoned defender Fraser Forrest in for a start, or restore Mark McCullagh to the side.
Hartley said this week, "Apart from having Gordon suspended, there could be fitness doubts about Graeme Holmes, who picked up an ankle injury and has not been able to train fully for a week or two.
"We will also be checking on Ross McCord and Stevie Masterton, who are both recovering from lengthy spells out due to injury."
Hartley was very pleased with the way his boys demolished Elgin to avenge a 5-0 defeat at Borough Briggs in October.
He said, "Winning so well will give us confidence for Monday but there is a long way to go yet.
"We got an early lead and then played some good football. In the second half we were just terrific, but we must be able to keep that going at Ochilview."
East Stirling boss John Coughlin is also looking forward to Monday's clash.
He told Advertiser Sport this week, "I would like to think our 1-1 draw at Alloa showed we are good enough to frustrate them.
"Our two previous meetings were difficult games - a 1-0 defeat for us at Ochilview and the draw at Recreation Park in November. I just hope we can do the same again on Monday."
Former Alloa assistant Coughlin added, "Our results have been up and down, so I am just not sure what I will get from our boys.
"But this is a derby game so my players will certainly be up for it. When we last met Alloa in the 1-1 draw, our boys felt they could have nicked a victory as we did play well in that match.
"I know Alloa will make it difficult for us because they are a good side, and are now sitting top of the table. We will have to work hard if we are to take anything from the game."
Shire have Ryan Frances missing after being banned for 14 games following the Scottish Cup match against Buckie Thistle. Also missing is Jordan Sheerin, who is suffering from an ankle injury.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 28 Dec 11
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