Wasps are one win from safety

Jamie MacDonald 1595 - 1595 • Published 22 Apr 2009 12:30 0 Comments

ALLOA ATHLETIC will be safe from the relegation play-offs if they beat Queen"s Park at Recreation Park on Saturday.

The importance of this fixture cannot be over exaggerated - but the players will be briefed well by the management team on what they must do.

Last Saturday, the Wasps - despite having to make several enforced changes - did very well to beat East Fife at New Bayview.

But they must follow this up with victory over the Spiders this Saturday … so no slip-ups boys.

Manager Allan Maitland told Advertiser Sport, 'This is a huge match for us and one we all want to win.

'Against East Fife we showed so much energy and drive with Brown Ferguson (Bomber) and John Grant working so hard from the start.

'I felt Stuart Noble did well for us before returning to Airdrie. He certainly finished on a high. I was also pleased with McCafferty"s peformance in his first game.'

The manager did not reveal whether he will change his side in any way on Saturday but he is considering bringing in two boys if they are declared fit.

He said, 'Dougie Hill, who missed the East Fife match because of mild pneumonia, is now recovering, so I expect him to train and possibly make himself available. It"s also possible striker Brian Carrigan could be fit to play.

'He is feeling better after his ankle injury so he may also be in to face Queens.'

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Dougie Wilson will be sidelined until next season.

Maitland said, 'I have seen a photograph of Dougie"s double ankle break. He has a pin and screws inserted so needs time to fully recover.

'But before his injury, I told him he will be offered a new contract next season, which means he will be one of our first signings.'

Another player on the sidelines is Dougie Hill, who is on the mend following his week suffering from inflammation of the lungs.

He watched most of the East Fife match at New Bayview.

The defender told Advertiser Sport, 'I am feeling much better but I have two jerseys on today to keep warm!

'I was admitted to St John"s Hospital in Livingston on Saturday but I am now almost ready to return. I hope to train during the week and be fit for the Queen"s Park match.'

After this weekend"s home game with Queen"s Park, Alloa travel to Somerset Park to meet Ayr United, who were replaced at the top on Saturday by Raith Rovers.

Then on 9 May, Alloa face another tough fixture - at home to third-top Brechin City, the team who beat Ayr at the weekend to knock them off the top.

The final two games will require Alloa to be at their very best if they are to collect full points.

Ayr boss Brian Reid and Brechin"s Jim Duffy will no doubt be determined to ensure their sides finish on a high after doing so well this season.

However, Alloa"s thoughts will be on this weekend - and finishing positively against Queen"s Park to secure their safety in Second Division.

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This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 22 Apr 09

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