ANNAN Athletic are calling on fans to pack out Galabank for tonight’s crunch clash against East Fife.
The club wants supporters to turn out in their numbers, be Wullie Gibson’s 12th man and help roar the Black and Golds onto League One survival.
A bumper crowd is expected for the game, which is being screened live on BBC Alba.
Athletic trail by a single goal on aggregate following an eventful 3-2 win for their rivals at Bayview on Tuesday in the first leg.
Athletic manager Gibson, serving a suspension for too many yellow
cards, watched from the stands as his side fought back from 2-0 down to level things at 2-2, through an own goal and an Aidan Smith header.
But the remaining stages of the game were nervy and Annan were lucky to escape only a goal behind.
They ended the match with nine men after Scott Hooper and Layton Bisland were both shown red cards. And goalkeeper Jamie Smith made an unbelievable save in added time to stop the Fifers from adding a fourth.
Annan Athletic Supporters’ Club (AASC) is playing its part in bringing the noise to the winner-takes-all tie by paying for each of its members’ match tickets.
The fans’ group also covered the cost of the team’s coach travel to the first leg.
AASC chairman Ross Johnstone said: “Everything’s to play for on Friday. It should be a great atmosphere. We need to pack the ground.
“We know it’s going to be tough. East Fife are strong and we’re missing some key players, but fans can — and will — play their part in spurring the team on by being that proverbial 12th man.
“It will mean everything to fans, players and everyone involved in the club if we were to be successful in maintaining our League One status for another season, then try to build on that.
“Our fans have been great. Paying for our members’ tickets on Friday is our way of thanking them for the tremendous support they’ve shown, home and away. We know it’s appreciated by Wullie, his players and everyone at the club.”
Praising supporters after Tuesday’s game, player-manager Gibson said: “Our fans have been tremendous all season. They’ve really got behind me and the team. With everything that stands on Friday night’s game, I’m sure they’ll turn out in their numbers.”
Annan directors hope that football fans from across the region will get behind the team.
Club secretary Susan Bryson said: “It’s a game which means so much to the club and community. Fans turning out in force will make a massive difference to the players.
“We’re really grateful to Annan Athletic Supporters’ Club for their continued support, including stepping up to cover the coach costs this week. The tickets for their members on Friday is a tremendous gesture.”
n Kick-off at Galabank tonight is at 7.30 pm. Season tickets are not valid for this fixture.
