Preview Of Airdrie United V Clyde

Clyde make their second trip of the season to New Broomfield. On the first occasion it was Algerian star Karim Kerkar who was the centre of attention, now Clyde will be focussing on home grown talent.

Recently re-signed Craig Bryson is one for the future but Clyde fans will be keen to see Ian Harty get the goals his outfield play deserves. Scott Wilson will also be interested in gaining maximum points as this is his first game at New Broomfield since joing Clyde from Airdrie United in August.

Last time it was Airdrie United, through their master marksman Owen Coyle, who secured the points, Coyle stole the show with a typical opportunistic piece of goal scoring. After being one goal up against ten men, the Bully Wee were disappointed to drop three points so the players will need no motivation to try and earn the victory tomorrow.

Clyde of course managed to gain a 1-0 victory in their last outing at New Broomfield. That was in the CIS Cup, but Billy Reid has made no secret of the fact that league points are the priority. Clyde head the league on merit and will be aiming to ensure that it is not a short stay at the top of the pile.

Clyde are nearly at full strength with only Gary Arbuckle missing. The absence of the young forward will be a loss, as his pace and drive can cause concern for many defences. Airdrie could also be coming into this game with a depleted attack as striker Stephen McKeown is struggling with flu.

Both managers are aware of the importance of this game, Billy Reid is certainly surprised by a side of Airdrie’s quality being at the wrong end of the table, but is aware of the threat that Airdrie possess. However he is determined to see Clyde hold on to pole position.

Meanwhile Sandy Stewart is desperate to see more consistency from the Diamonds who have enjoyed some notable victories but have not been able as of yet to go on a run of positive results.

Elsewhere in the Division: St Johnstone face Ross County in an early kick off to accommodate the Scotland v Japan rugby match. An attractive fixture takes place at Firhill as St Mirren travel to test Partick’s revival while second-placed Falkirk go to Kirkcaldy to face Gordon Dalziel’s rejuvenated Raith Rovers. The final game is at New Douglas Park as Queen of the South make their shortest league trip of the season to do battle with Hamilton. Allan Maitland had suggested to Scotsport that the time had come for Accies to place an emphasis on defence so it will be interesting to find out if this new approach brings them success.

The predictions have already started on the message boards so be sure to add your own as we await the first of a Lanarkshire derby double for the Clyde.