WHEN Meadowbank Thistle were relegated at the end of last season,

Terry Christie had mixed feelings. He had no sympathy for those members

of the board who had forced him out as manager, but he was bound to feel

sorry for the players and other friends at the club when they lost

first-division status.

Having leap-frogged Queen of the South by beating them on their own

ground last week, Christie's Stenhousemuir try to do the same today to

Meadowbank. This will be seen by some as a revenge mission, but everyone

involved is too professional to allow distractions to interfere with the

straightforward task of gathering points in a the quest for six

promotion places.

Eddie Hallford again is ruled out and Steve Dickov could earn a

starting place for Stenhousemuir, who have doubts about Jimmy Fisher and

Tommy Steele. Meadowbank, the second division's representatives in the

semi finals of the B & Q Cup, will be without Graeme Davidson while

Bobby Williamson and Mark Duthie are doubtful.

Stranraer, even with Kenny Brannigan still ruled out, should retain

the leadership by winning at East Stirlingshire. Home manager Billy

Little hopes that Ian McAulay is fit enough for a full game in midfield

and even more so that Brian Ross will be able to come into the defence.

If that looks like a fair away bet, the most logical correct score

forecast at Alloa is a 1-0 home win. Queens Park had their first away

point last week with a praiseworthy draw at Meadowbank, but they picked

up a few knocks and coach Eddie Hunter will have to delay his selection.

Home manager Billy Lamont has doubts about Mike McAnenay, Robert Lee,

and Steve Ramsay. Alloa should prevail on their own ground where no game

has produced more than one goal this season.

All the other home sides are higher placed than their visitors. Queen

of the South, only two points from the top, welcome back Tommy Bryce for

the visit of Berwick. Cowdenbeath have Bobby Russell, David Watt and

Willie Callaghan doubtful for the trip to Forfar.

Albion Rovers front men David Seggie and Martin Scott may miss their

journey to Montrose, but Arbroath are in better shape for their visit to

Methil.

Danny McGrain's team fresh from last week's 4-2 win at East

Stirlingshire, have reinforcements in the form of Jeff Strachan and

Brian Mitchell while East Fife add Alan Irvine and Robert Scott in place

of absentees Dougie Barron and Dougie Hope.