ALLOA are seeking to build on their massive win over arch-rivals Stirling Albion on Saturday afternoon as they entertain Montrose as the Recs.

Andy Graham’s side sit third in the table going into the match, five points ahead of their opponents, who sit fourth, albeit with a game in hand over Edinburgh City.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of Saturday’s game.

 

Form guide

The Wasps go into the clash carrying huge momentum from a hugely convincing 5-1 thumping of Stirling Albion, putting to bed their three-game run without a win.

Montrose visit the Recs without a win in their last three, having had their game against Edinburgh City called off last Saturday due to extreme wind.

The Mo’s last game came in the 7-1 thrashing from Falkirk, who clinched the title in Angus. Before that, they lost by a goal to Stirling and were held to a point by Annan.

 

Recent meetings

Alloa haven’t had much luck against Montrose this season, with the Wasps cruelly left with just one point from nine against their opponents.

Despite solid performances in all three showings, Alloa have recorded two defeats and a draw from three showings, with Montrose holding the upper hand in the meetings between the clubs this season.

Montrose ended Alloa’s five game winning run in a 4-3 thriller in March, with goals coming from Bobby Wales, Taylor Steven and a career first for Ethan Sutherland.

Prior to that, two minutes of madness led to Montrose coming back from a two goal deficit to see out a 2-2 draw at the Recs in December, whilst Alloa lost the first meeting 2-1 in October.

 

Team news

David Devine will miss out due to a hamstring injury picked up at Stirling last weekend, while Stefan Scougall is also set to be absent as he continues to recover from a similar injury received after Annan the week before.

Andy Graham told the Advertiser: “They’re both not as bad as we first feared in terms of being hamstring injuries.

“I think it’s more of a slight strain rather than a tear which is always good but at the same time, we want to be a bit cautious since Scouggs and David have both had hamstring issues in the past.

“We’re keen not to rush them and not set a date to put them under pressure to get back.

“We’ll just take it week by week and hopefully they’ll be available for part of the run-in.

“Apart from those two, we should be looking at a full squad to pick from.”

 

From the dugout

Graham on the match: “We’re feeling positive. I can’t see how we can be feeling any different after last week’s result.

“The boys did really well to get a good result at a difficult venue so everything is positive going into the game.

“Montrose are a very good team and they’ve shown that in each of the games we’ve played against them, they’ve been very entertaining games and I’m sure tomorrow will be no different.

“We’ll certainly be going for the three points and  I’m sure Montrose and Stewart Petrie will be the exact same coming down.

“It was a great travelling support [last week] and that just gives the boys a big lift. Every time we’ve had a good travelling support or been at home, it makes such a difference for a player.

“It’s important the support stays behind the players because it makes such a different and hopefully we’ll have a good crowd tomorrow with it being a big game for both teams.

“I hope the Alloa fans come out in force like they did last week because it certainly gives the boys a boost when they get that backing.

“It’ll be a good game to watch and it’s one we’re going into with a lot of positivity after last week.”