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Saturday’s encounter weighs in the favour of Saints, although the season’s form has proven little. The start has been inconsistent, Billy Stark said;
"People can be rightly critical of us in terms of consistency but we have proved in various games that we have spirit and resilience. Confidence is everything in football and a run of wins would provide that."
Having come back from the death against Hamilton, and then shown the correct attitude at Ochilview, tomorrow’s tie gives Saints the chance to further expel doubts cast at the management and under performing players.
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"If the fans are looking to me to be prominent, then they are fully within their rights to have those sorts of expectations." He also recognised "I’m sure big things are expected of a few of the guys here and it’s up to us to deliver."
On the doubts that had been lodged from the stands he commented;
"Understandably people were getting a bit edgy and some supporters were getting a bit ridiculous when they were calling for the managers head. Billy Stark’s determination and ambition for the club is beyond question. We were as disappointed as anyone with a couple of our performances "
Bernard, like Stark is calling for the support of the home fans:
"We want, we need, the supporters right behind us. Positive support is vital to any team. It has been frustrating for them in some games and we feel the same way. We set the standard last week in terms of result and performance. We know what we are capable of achieving here but we have to be consistent rather than showing it in fits and starts."
Undoubtedly, if Saints approach the game in the same manner as last week, then the support will be fully behind the team. On the fans subject Stark said;
"As long as they see the players putting everything into a game, we need the fans to be patient and stick with us."
TEAM SELECTION:
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"Brian came off when he felt his groin tightening up so he might not have suffered too much damage. We’ll leave a decision on him to the last minute." Stark said.
Mark Reilly missed training this week but received an injection to his injured ankle and could be involved.
Chris Hay is not going to be rushed back. He has made two false starts at returning to first team action.
Stark said, "The intention is to Chris confident in his fitness and comfortable playing 90 minutes before we involve him at first team level again. If everyone stays fit, then Chris won’t be rushed."
Craig Nelson had his foot scanned which revealed that there is no break.
Martyn Fotheringham was substituted in the reserve fixture against Montrose after picking up an ankle knock, and a late decision will be made on him.
Mark Robertson returns from his suspension.
John Robertson has deservedly been awarded the Citylink man of the month. A turn around in form over the summer, has witnessed Robertson performing on a consistently high level.
LADBROKES ODDS:
Saints are 8-13 to win tomorrow.
DAILY RECORD NIGHT:
There will be a Daily Record Football Forum in the Muirton Suite, McDiarmid Park on Monday 17th November. Doors open at 7.00pm and tickets cost £5.00 per person. A bar facility will be available on the night. The forum will include James Traynor, Murdo MacLeod, John Gagahan and a Saints personality. Tickets are available on a first come first served basis from the Ticket Office at McDiarmid Park - telephone 01738 455000