Elgin City skipper Archie Macphee says his side must cast aside thoughts of catching League 2 leaders Forfar and focus on consolidating a play-off position.
Forfar have raced 11 points clear of the Black and Whites, who are third ahead of today’s game against Annan Athletic at Borough Briggs.
With Annan six points behind City, defender Macphee is intent on extending the gap as the Moray outfit look to secure a play-off place for the second successive season.
Macphee said: “It’s a massive game. Annan are sitting fourth but if we get the win we will go nine points ahead of them which would put us in a good position.
“We just have to concentrate on ourselves. All we can do is try to finish as high as possible.
“Hopefully, that is in the play-offs. Ideally, we would be right up there challenging Forfar but if not then the play-offs is our aim.
“There is not much between ourselves and Forfar but they have ground out results.
“They have won seven or eight games by one goal, whereas we have lost seven or eight games by one goal.
“I don’t know what it is but we’re just looking to finish as high as we can.”
Elgin have lost both meetings with Annan this term without finding the net but Macphee is confident his side can build on last Saturday’s fine 3-0 away victory against Montrose.
The 23-year-old said: “We haven’t beaten Annan this season. They are a sticky side, well-organised and big physically. We just have to go out there and play the way we have been recently. It was brilliant to get back to winning ways against Montrose last week. We hope to build on that momentum against Annan.”
Macphee says he and his team-mates will be determined to impress manager Jim Weir today in order to keep their places for next week’s Scottish Cup tie against Caley Thistle.
The former Nairn County player added: “We just have to focus on this game but anyone selected this week will want to remain in the team the following week.
“It’s a massive match for the club and for the north. Everyone will want to do their best to make sure their name stays on the team sheet.
“We will concentrate on Annan first but I don’t think many people in the team will want to miss out on next week’s game.”