Thoughts of entering the SPFL play-off cannot enter Cove Rangers’ players heads until the Highland League title is secured.
That is the view of leading scorer Mitch Megginson, who netted a pivotal late winner against Brora Rangers on Wednesday to push Cove closer to their second title in three years.
Cove have 11 league fixtures and Highland League Cup commitments to fit in before April 14, with a potential play-off against the Lowland League champions scheduled to take place on April 21.
A meeting with representatives from both leagues and the Scottish FA over fixture congestion did not yield any immediate changes.
Former Dons striker Megginson said the league leaders cannot look too far ahead but believes they can come through the hectic schedule.
He said: “At this stage, we just need to win the league first. Until that’s mathematically sealed, we can’t think about the play-offs. We’re fully focused on Wick this weekend and they’ve picked up recently. They’ve had a few good results and they’re well-organised.
“It’s going to be tough on the legs but we can’t make excuses. The chairman and the board members all supply us with protein to recover and the boys know how important it is what we do away from here. We’ve got a professional squad and will look after ourselves.”
Cove are four points clear of Fraserburgh in second with three games in hand. They take on Wick Academy at Bellslea Park, Fraserburgh, today before returning there to face the Broch on Tuesday in a Highland League Cup semi-final.
Fraserburgh will hope to keep pace with Cove with a win at home to Rothes today, while victory for the Speysiders would see them move to within a point of sixth-placed Brora.
Any slip-up by the Broch could see Inverurie Locos moving into second spot should they get the better of Lossiemouth at Harlaw Park.
Fort William’s search for a first win of the season goes on and won’t be easier as they welcome Huntly to Claggan Park.