Peterhead manager Jim McInally is playing down the significance of his side’s trip to leaders Montrose today.
The Blue Toon are six points behind the Gable Endies, but have played two games less than their rivals and McInally knows the destination of the title will not be decided this afternoon.
He said: “It’s a good game to look forward to as it’s the two form teams in the league. We’ve won eight of our last nine and Montrose are unbeaten in their last 10 games so it has all the makings of being a great game.
“We’re disappointed we’ve slipped back and while we have the two games in hand on Montrose we’d much rather have the points. People are billing this as a decider but it’s not as we’re not even halfway in our season yet.”
Willie Gibson missed training on Wednesday due to illness but the Blue Toon manager hopes the attacking midfielder will be fit enough to play some part in the game today.
He said: “Willie would not have been able to train on Thursday either but has is eating and feeling better although we have another important game on Tuesday against Elgin so I’m not going to throw all my eggs into one basket just because we are playing Montrose.
“He will play some part in the game but I’d say it is doubtful whether he will start as he will be fatigued after having a sickness bug.
“Paul Cairney trained on Wednesday but it was clear he wasn’t well and he has since phoned me to tell me he has tonsillitis so he won’t be involved but Scott Brown is back.”