Gretna FC (2008) v Threave Rovers

The Funfair rolled into town at Raydale this week. But as the showmen unpacked the Waltzers and the Coconut Shies it was left to Gretna FC 2008 once again to provide the Roller Coaster.

Tomorrow’s visitors, Threave Rovers, should provide no scares on the face of it. Winless in ten games, having scored only six goals all season, on paper they should provide no contest for the massive array of talent Gretna manager Stuart Rome has worked tirelessly to assemble.

But still their supporters minds will dwell on the highs of the close run thing against Queens Park, when they went out of the William Hill Scottish Cup at the last gasp; the fantastic performance at Gala, where four goals seemed scant reward for a performance of breathtaking artistry and endeavour; the under-rewarded domination of Stirling University in the first half last week and the denouement of the second period.

The gremlin in the Raydale faithful’s dreams is Vinnie Parker. The Rovers’ goalkeeper, once on Gretna’s books has come back to haunt them. Time and again when these two teams have met and only one man has stood between a Gretna forward and a certain goal; that man has been Vinnie Parker.

But if Vinnie’s looking for motivation this Friday night it can only be that he has nothing to lose as he stands in the Threave goalmouth looking down the double barrel of Gretna’s shooting power – Anderson and Milligan. The arrival of Scott Milligan from Dalbeattie has not only added firepower to the Gretna attack but it has freed up Iain Anderson to slip the shackles and get back on his own personal goal quest. His goal last week was as fine an example of the forward’s art as you will see. And if these two should falter, waiting in the wings is Mark Worrall, ready to show he will not be overlooked.

At the other end of the field, the returning Ryan McGuffie has made the centre back slot his own. The competition for the hammer to strike the Threave attack on his anvil is between Dean Rea and Steven Rudd.

There is a question mark too, over the goalkeepers berth. Jamie Greenall had to be substituted last week with a cricked neck following a challenge, so the way may be clear for Graham Wright to make his return.

Competition for places all over the park is the underlying theme for Gretna this season. It is a laudable achievement for Stuart Rome in the relatively short time he has been back in charge that he has built such a strong squad.

Gretna goes into the halfway point in the league in mid table with a game in hand. With only two lowland league games being played tomorrow, a win could put them right in the mix for honours in the New Year. Kick off on Saturday at Raydale is 3pm. On Saturday evening there is a quiz night in the wee bar. Let’s hope it’s Gretna asking the questions on Saturday afternoon.