Elgin visit Galabank

Nov 13 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

CHAIRMAN Henry McClelland is looking for Annan to bounce back with a win over Elgin after stumbling to a 2-1 defeat at Forfar last weekend.

Annan go into tomorrow’s battle at Galabank as clear favourites.

Last season Annan came out on top in every encounter between the two sides and haven’t lost in two meeting during this campaign.

But McLelland isn’t expecting an easy ride against the Highlanders.

“It’s a dangerous one this weekend. Elgin got thumped last week against Livingston, but they beat Queens Park the week before that. So we know they’re no push-overs.

“We are the favourites and they’ve never beaten us, but that won’t count for anything tomorrow.

“It’ll be a hard game, and they’ll be looking for the win.”

When the two sides last did battle it ended in a 4-2 Annan win in the Challenge Cup quarter final.

That time round Annan clawed back from two goals down to secure the win, and a semi final clash with Dundee.

But McClelland wants his side to keep it tighter at the back and avoid having to come from behind to earn the win.

“That was a real classic game of two halves,” McClelland said.

“But we definitely won’t want to see that again.

“It was an exciting comeback, but I’d much rather we were two goals up at half time!”

Annan are currently five points adrift from the play-off spot, and a win tomorrow would pull them right back into the chase.

And with Stranraer and Queens Park only a point behind Annan, it’s an important clash for the Galabankies.

There will be a minute’s silence observed just before kick-off to allow Annan fans to pay their respect to Honorary President Simon Aitken who died earlier this month.