Saints go into tomorrow's match with third division Stenhousemuir on a bit of a roll, having won their last five competitive games. However, Stenny are no mugs. They might be in the third division, but they are in second place and just a few points off the top. Tomorrow night won't be easy, especially when you take into consideration our woeful performances against lower league teams over the last ten or fifteen years.
Saints have a few injury problems ahead of tomorrow's game. Craig Hinchcliffe is set to miss out once more, meaning that Chris Smith will once again deputise. This isn't too much of a problem, however, as he seems to be competent and is ten times better than Derek Scrimgour and Kris Robertson (not difficult). Mark Reilly is also out, as he continues the tradition of our reserve team coach having a knee injury, whilst Ryan McCay isn't fit yet either. Kevin McGowne is also set to miss out again.
Chances are, then, that Gus MacPherson will go with the same linup that beat Queen of the South on Saturday. It would be nice to see Charlie Adam in the starting lineup, but as he'd probably have replaced Simon Lappin that's unlikely considering that Lappin actually managed to score last week. Billy Mehmet might replace John Sutton up front but, apart from that, I don't really see any changes happening.
As I mentioned, Stenhousemuir have had a good start to the season and are the only third division side left at this stage of the competition. In their defensive line is ex Saint Greig Denham, providing he's not injured that is. Denham should provide a target for the boo boys tomorrow, as he spent most of his time at Love Street on the treatment table. That was a great shame as when fit he was actually quite good. Denham also said when he left us that he'd come back to haunt us. Well, now's your chance Greig.
On paper this game should be a doddle, but football isn't played on paper. I see a 1-1 draw with Stenny edging it on penalties.