It's over six years since Stranraer were last in the first division, and their final visit to Love Street that season saw them thrashed 5-1. This was a game notable for three reasons, two being a fine own goal from a Stranraer player and a ten minute delay whilst the referee was replaced due to injury.
The third reason, however, is extremely comical. A few weeks before the game Morton had gubbed Saints 5-1 at Love Street. Former Morton player Allan Blakie was in the Stranraer team and shortly after play had resumed with the new ref, he walked along in front of the North Bank telling us all what the score had been. No doubt when it got to 4-1 to Saints later in the afternoon he was dreading it every time we attacked. Sure enough Saints scored a fifth and the next time he was in front of the North Bank nearly every Saints fan was on his or her feet giving him the same gesture. Original? no. Funny? Very.
Saints are boosted ahead of this game with the news that Billy Mehmet has recovered from the mumps and is added to the squad. Sadly, Brian McGinty is also fit again and also makes the squad, meaning the only definite absentee is Ryan McCay. It will be interesting to see if Saints boss Gus MacPherson makes any changes after last week's defeat. Mehmet probably won't start but McGinty might, whilst their could be changes in defence.
This game will certainly not be a walk over, even though the two teams are expected to be at opposite ends of the table from one another come May. There's also the fact our defence looks slightly dodgy again and we struggle to score, especially when McGinty plays. As a result, I predict a 1-1 draw.