Daniel Higgins reckons Cove Rangers have proved they deserve to be among the promotion contenders in League One.
Cove sit third in the table with three games left in the split, with leaders Partick Thistle heading to the Balmoral Stadium this evening.
In their first season at this level they have continued on an upward trajectory and remain in contention for the big prizes.
The 2-2 draw at Falkirk on Saturday was another impressive display against full-time opposition, with the possibility of the two sides meeting again in the play-offs.
“I think we have (proved they deserve to be up there,” said Higgins. “The talk was when we came up from League Two, it’d be about staying in the league. We know we’ve got a really good group and Cove’s mentality, since I joined anyway, is they’re used to winning.
“Every player gets that. We’re not used to getting beat. People maybe didn’t expect us to be where we are right now but I’m not surprised by it.”
Saturday’s results allowed tonight’s opponents Thistle the chance to open up a four-point gap at the top of League One.
The Jags are yet to beat Cove this season, however, losing 1-0 at the Balmoral Stadium in October and being held to a 1-1 draw at home last month.
Higgins added: “It’s going to be hard – Partick are flying – but we need to apply ourselves and see what happens.
“We beat them at home and drew 1-1 at Firhill. It’ll be hard game but in this league it’s all about momentum. They’re putting up a run of games so we need to be the ones to stop that, if we want to have a chance of finishing first.
“If not, we’ll see where we are come the end of the season.”
Cove were handed one of the most difficult run-ins by finishing third before the split, with four games in seven days.
After the Thistle game, Cove head to Montrose on Thursday night then finish at home to Airdrieonians on Saturday.
Higgins added: “That was only my second game this year but the boys have played loads of games recently.
“I think sometimes the game takes over and you don’t really think about it (tiredness). The adrenaline is pushing you through.”
Higgins came back into the Cove team on Saturday, making only his second appearance this year.
He was drafted in due to Ryan Strachan’s suspension and has been impressed with the form of both the ex-Peterhead defender and loanee Ross Graham.
He said: “It obviously came because of what happened on Tuesday night. Ross and Strachs (Ryan Strachan) have been brilliant so I can’t have any complaints.
“It’s been hard for me getting an injury but you’ve just got be patient and ready. I think I put in a good performance at the weekend and the gaffer knows I’m always ready to play.
“No-one likes not playing but when the boys are doing well, that’s what you want to see.”