South of Scotland League preview

Nov 8 2012 by Stuart Gillespie, Galloway News

Abbey Vale v Creetown

Creetown chief Callum Henderson admits he’s found management a challenge after replacing Robert Tweedie a few months ago.

But he is hopeful of taking something from this weekend’s trip to Abbey Vale.

He said: “It’s been difficult trying to keep the players’ spirits up but we have got a good group of boys together so it’s been quite enjoyable so far.

“It’s probably a game we’re looking to take something from but it’ll be a difficult game. They had a really strong start to the season and while they’re recent results haven’t been so good I’m sure they’re capable of beating anyone on their day.”

Creetown should have a full squad available for Saturday, including one time Dalbeattie Star midfielder Steven Campbell who has spent the last few years playing amateur football.

Crichton v Heston Rovers

Crichton may have strengthened by bringing in two players – but they’re going to have to make do without a couple of others for a few more weeks.

Former player Chris Clark has returned and ex Gretna under-18 player Daniel Carmichael has also signed, but injury means Greg Swan and Fraser McGarva have been ruled out of the next few games.

Gaffer Jim Thomson said: “Chris has got a good left foot on him so we’re covered on the left hand side with three very decent left footed players. It gives us a bit of balance.

“But just when you think things are picking up again we had the injury to Greg Swan a few weeks ago and then there is Fraser, who is only just back and his leg’s now in a cast. Parts of the pitch at Creetown on Saturday were really soft and in the bottom corner he went to win the ball back. His foot caught and as he turned he heard a crack and had to come off.

“He hobbled out the dressing room and said everything was OK, but at night it started to get sore, he went to A and E and they think he’s maybe broken something and he’ll be out for at least a month. It’s the two midfield players that have done really well that are now back out. As much as I feel for them, it means other people will get a chance and as far as I’m concerned they’re all good enough to play.”

Thomson is hoping Ross Newlands will be available for this weekend’s Dumfries derby against Heston Rovers, but Roman Soltys is being restricted to a place on the bench at present due to problems with his ankle.

Fleet Star v Mid Annandale

Fleet Star have recently boosted their ranks by signing Kieran Durham.

The midfielder came through the ranks at Threave Rovers and made his debut against his old club in Saturday’s 10-1 defeat. Also playing was a trialist as Maxwell looks for ways to help Star to their first points.

He said: “We had a trialist and Kieran Durham was playing his first game. He did well. We’ve got another couple of boys signed as well – they’re a bit off the pace which is what happened with the rest of them as it’s new to them and it’s not the sort of football they’re used to playing. It’ll come to them.

“We’ve lost one boy who has gone to Edinburgh and another is struggling to make it with his work as the kick-offs are two o’clock now we’re having to chop and change. It’ll be all change again this Saturday as a few boys weren’t there but we’d change anyway after losing 10-1. Our centre half will be missing and another boy who can play at the back won’t be there so we’re struggling a bit.”

Maxwell is also concerned about how well the Garries Park pitch holds up. Saturday’s match was the start of a run of seven home games in eight weeks and he fears the constant use could take its toll.

However, Saturday’s game against Mid Annandale shouldn’t be in danger as the surface was put right on Sunday morning.