The last time Albion Rovers faced an opponent from Raydale was the 10th August 2005 – a 2-1 defeat to the original Gretna FC in the First Round of the 2005/06 Scottish League Cup.

Gretna 2008 have had a grim start to the league campaign, losing all four games, and conceding almost a third of the 91 goals against them, last season – picking the ball out of the net 25 times in four games.

However, the Anvils did go down swinging last weekend against league leaders Bo’ness United – losing 2-0 in a very well contested game. Manager, Bryan Gilfillan hasn’t faulted effort, but knows they need to get the small things right, and soon.

Albion Rovers have only played one league fixture due to participating in the Viaplay Cup Group Stage.

They opened their inaugural Lowland League campaign with a 2-1 defeat at home to a strong Hearts B side – with Adam Fernie scoring Rovers’ first ever Lowland League goal.

Gretna 2008 and Linlithgow Rose have only met each other once, previously – with The Rose comfortably defeating The Anvils 5-1 at Prestonfield in the 2019 South Challenge Cup.

It would be difficult to imagine a worse start for Gretna 2008, as their opening fixtures saw them lose 7-0 to both Hearts B and East Kilbride.

The Black & Whites need to start finding the back of the net soon if they want to pick up points – a tough task to be had, considering they’ve only scored eight goals in 2023.

Linlithgow Rose are finding their feet in the Lowland League, having been promoted as East of Scotland Champions.

Having secured an opening day victory with a 3-1 win over Stirling Uni, they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Broomhill, midweek. But, The Rose will be hoping to capitalise on the poor form of Gretna 2008.

Both sides met each other on three occasions, last season – twice in the League, and in the Lowland League Cup First Round.

East Kilbride will feel the more confident of the sides – putting 18 goals past the Raydale side in season 22/23, and not conceding any.

Calvin McGrory’s stunning strike five minutes from the end was enough to secure a 2-1 win over Broomhill, The Kilby will be looking to make the long trip home with all three points, tonight.

Gretna 2008 will be looking to quickly forget the 7-0 loss on the opening day at the hands of Hearts B.

The Anvils will need to shake off the concerning form, as they’ve only picked up one point since their last competitive win – a 2-0 home victory over East Stirlingshire, way back on 14th January 2023.