Annan target packed ground for play-off final showdown
Annan Athletic fans have called for a packed Galabank tonight as they bid for Scottish League One survival.
Wullie Gibson's side host East Fife in their play-off final second leg, trailing 3-2 at the tie's halfway mark.
The televised showdown with Dick Campbell's side has seen the Annan Athletic Supporters' Club (AASC) do its bit to help fans be Gibson's 12th man.
They are paying for each of their members' match tickets, having also covered the cost of the team's coach travel to the first leg.
AASC chairman Ross Johnstone said: 'Everything's to play for and 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.
'We're under no illusion that it's been a hard season, with a lot of injuries to key players, but we're hopeful that we can get the job done.
'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.'
Annan's 3-2 defeat at Bayview in the first leg saw red cards for Scott Hooper and Layton Bisland. They will be suspended along with player-boss Gibson, who is out of the play-offs through yellow card totting-up. East Fife boss Campbell was also sent from the touchline in the first leg.
Annan host East Fife tonight, trailing 3-2 from the first leg (Image: Ben Carmichael)
The game is live on BBC Alba and Gibson has hailed the contribution of supporters.
'Our fans have been tremendous all season,' he said. 'They've really got behind me and the team.
'With everything that stands on [tonight's] game, I'm sure they'll turn out in their numbers.'
The club's secretary Susan Bryson added: 'Our supporters are brilliant. The atmosphere on Friday should be fantastic. 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.'
Kick-off at Galabank tonight is 7.30pm. Season tickets are not valid for this fixture, with tickets available via the Fanbase app and the ticket page at www.annanathleticfc.com, as well as on the gate.
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