Gary: We Won't Gret Easy Ride

Mar 9 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

Gretna V St Mirren Tuesday, Kick-Off 7.45pm

BATTLE-SCARRED St Mirren ace Gary Mason has warned his team-mates to be wary of Gretna because he knows they'll keep believing in survival till the bitter end.

The midfielder endured the worst year of his career last season when Dunfermline were relegated. But the Fifers fought like lions the second last day.

Mason insists the Gretna players feel exactly the same - and with three games against the basement boys to come he isn't taking anything for granted.

Victory for Gus MacPherson's side at Fir Park in midweek would surely seal Gretna's fate but Mason expects it to be tough.

He said: "It would give us a huge advantage if we win but it won't be an easy game because they've improved recently.

"Last year was the worst period of my career because I'd never been in that position and it's not nice.

"But at Dunfermline we gave it a right go.

We came back strong in the last 10 games or so after seemingly being dead and buried. So it's never over until you're officially down.

"We always felt we could pull it back and I know the Gretna boys will feel the same.

"When I came here I wanted to make sure I never experienced relegation again and we're looking above us now rather than below.

"Top six is realistic for St Mirren - that has to be our ultimate goal."

Mason has formed a productive midfield partnership in recent weeks with Andy Dorman who signed from MLS side New England Revolution in January. With Mason anchoring it has allowed the Englishman to bomb forward and grab crucial goals.

Gaffer MacPherson has praised Dorman's contribution and said: "From the first training session I could see what a talent he is.

"Andy was just what we needed - a box to box midfielder who can create and score goals.

"He looks a complete player and can make a real name for himself in Scotland."