Supporters’ club buys members’ tickets for Friday night’s League One Play-Off Final
Annan Athletic fans say they will be Wullie Gibson’s 12th man and help roar their side to League One survival.
A bumper crowd is expected at Galabank on Friday night with supporters urged to turn out in force for the play-off final second leg against East Fife.
The Black and Golds trail by just a single goal following an eventful 3-2 win for their rivals at Bayview on Tuesday.
Annan Athletic Supporters’ Club (AASC) is playing its part in bringing the noise to the live television 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.
“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.”
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: “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, including stepping up to cover the coach costs this week. The tickets for their members on Friday is a tremendous gesture.”
Ahead of this season, AASC injected more than £20,000 into Annan’s playing budget through its Wullie’s War Chest fundraiser.
Kick-off at Galabank on Friday is 7.30pm. Season tickets are not valid for this fixture. Tickets can be bought via the Fanbase app and the ticket page at www.annanathleticfc.com, as well as on the gate.
The match will also be broadcast live on BBC Alba, with Annan-based pundit Cammy Bell part of the commentary team
