Peterhead will make the long journey to Stranraer for tonight’s Scottish League 1 fixture knowing that they can move into the play-off places with a victory.
A last-minute penalty from Rory McAllister gave the Blue Toon a 2-1 victory against Stenhousemuir at Ochilview on Saturday and they can stretch their unbeaten run to four matches by avoiding defeat at Stair Park tonight.
Manager Jim McInally knows it is a good opportunity for his side to move into the play-off positions but has questioned the logic of the timing of the match, which was rescheduled as it clashed with the Balmoor side’s Petrofac Training Cup semi-final match against Livingston.
McInally said: “We just have to deal with the situation. I do find the fact that it is an 8pm kick off bewildering, especially as we have to get back home again after the match. But it is not easy for Stranraer either as most of their boys are based in Glasgow and still have to make their way to and from the game as well.
“It could be worse. The match could have been played in the middle of winter, so we will just get on with it.
“We go into the match after winning three points on Saturday and, hopefully, we can do the same again.”
McInally says he will be forced to make a change in his defence this evening, with Scott Ross unavailable for selection.
Nicky Riley, Dean Cowie, Bryan Gilfillan, Fraser McLaren and Ryan McCann will all miss out through injury.
McInally said: “Scott can’t get off his work which was why I had Ross Smith on the bench on Saturday.
“He is due in for an operation soon, so I needed to look after him against Stenhousemuir knowing that we will need him against Stranraer.”
Blue Toon midfielder Jamie Redman wants another three points from his side to make the long trek to Stranraer worthwhile.
He said: “If you were to choose one place you didn’t want to go on a Tuesday night it would definitely be this one.
“It is because of the way the Petrofac Training Cup worked out and we just have to deal with it. I think in the last three seasons we have been to Annan on a Tuesday night four times.
“We seem to have a habit of getting these games and it is awkward for the guys with full-time jobs.
“It will be a hard game but we are at the stage of the season where we can carve our own destiny. There are three vital points up for grabs and we have to be professional about it.”
Stranraer are unbeaten in six league games but manager Stephen Aitken expects a stern test against Peterhead. He said: “After a slow start to the season, moving into a top four play-off place is a great incentive for us.
“Peterhead are coming here after a late win at Stenhousemuir and are going for the same target.
“They have good experienced players in their squad and any team in our league would want to have the likes of Steven Noble, Andy Rodgers, Rory McAllister and Jamie Stevenson in their ranks.
“We will need to play well to get anything.”