Gretna hope for game go-ahead

Jan 30 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

GRETNA go into this weekend’s clash against Civil Service Strollers knowing that a win could lift them up to fourth in the East League.

And, provided the game goes ahead, it will be the club’s first chance to perform in front of their home support during a league match.

Gretna have had countless games cancelled and rescheduled this season, making this the first chance Gretna have been able to play a home league game.

But Gretna boss Stuart Rome isn’t holding out too much hope for the fixture going ahead.

Rome said: “The pitch at Annan is pretty heavy and, with the way things have been going, there is definitely the chance the game will be called off.”

If the game goes ahead, Gretna will be up against a strong side who have been underperforming in the league.

The last time the sides met, Gretna stole a 1-0 win, with a late winner on the opening game of the season.

Since then the Edinburgh side, who celebrated their centenary year earlier in the season, have had a mediocre season, sitting mid-table.

And Gretna go into the match with a full squad available; one of the few benefits of having so many cancelled games.

But Rome knows that the Strollers will be no push-overs tomorrow.

He said: “They’re a big, domineering side and we’ll be expecting a physical game.

“Their position in the league doesn’t really reflect their ability, and we had a real battle against them earlier in the season.”