Peterhead manager Jim McInally insists there is no home hoodoo over his side.
The Blue Toon have failed to win any of their last four matches at Balmoor but boast a fine recent run away from home where they have collected 10 points from the last 12 on the road.
As his side makes the trip to East Fife today, however, McInally believes it is the Fifers rather than form which his players should concern themselves with.
He said: “I love playing games at Balmoor and if there is a better pitch in Scotland I’ve yet to see it. Other than 15 minutes of madness against Airdrie our performances have been good but we haven’t been taking our chances.
“That’s why I don’t pay any attention to the idea our home form is an issue. Our away form recently has been decent but that’s because we have taken our chances but I’m more concerned about facing East Fife than I am about home or away records as they have had an Indian sign over us so far this season.
“They beat us 3-0 at Balmoor in the league and won 2-1 when we played there in the League Cup in July. They’ll be fancying their chances against us and will also want to impress their new manager Barry Smith, so from our view there can be no excuses for this one. We know we’re facing a very difficult game.”
Midfielder Jamie Stevenson is fit again, while attacker Nathan Blockley also returns after missing the 1-1 draw with Alloa last weekend due to illness. However, midfielder Ryan Strachan remains out. McInally said: “Ryan has been struggling with a knee ligament injury. He is running OK but feels pain in the joint afterwards, so we’re hoping some rest will cure it. It will be another couple of weeks before he is back.”
