Derek Lyle believes Peterhead’s game with Forfar this weekend is a must-win.
Following Saturday’s 4-3 defeat to Montrose at Links Park the Blue Toon sit just three points above the League One relegation play-off spot.
That position is occupied by the Loons, who visit Balmoor this weekend.
Experienced striker Lyle knows the stakes are high and believes it’s vital the Buchan outfit take the points to move clear of the relegation zone.
The 38-year-old attacker said: “We want to show we’re better than what we showed on Saturday and we need to go on a wee run. We keep winning one then losing one and drawing one, there’s not been consistency. We’ve got a good squad but we need to go and prove it by winning games on a Saturday.
“The next game is a massive one and it’s a game we need to win. “We don’t want to be scrapping at the bottom end of the table fighting against relegation and we need to win the game.”
Lyle was left frustrated by Peterhead’s loss to Montrose.
A slow start ultimately cost the Aberdeenshire side as the Gable Endies raced into a three goal lead inside half an hour.
From 3-0 and 4-1 behind the Blue Toon did rally in the final quarter but couldn’t salvage anything from the Links Park encounter.
Lyle added: “If we start the way we started the second half we’ll win more games than we lose that’s for sure.
“It’s frustrating afterwards because I can’t put my finger on why we’ve started like we did.
“Then in the second half we came out and had a go and were the better team in the second half.
“It’s really frustrating because we’re better than that.”
It was the second time this season Peterhead have lost 4-3 to Montrose at Links Park and both were similar performances, with the Blue Toon also trailing 3-1 in the first encounter in September.
Although Lyle was pleased with the spirit shown by the Buchan outfit, he says being plucky isn’t enough to get results.
The former Queen of the South frontman said: “In both games against Montrose we’ve come back and put them on the ropes in the second half.
“But I don’t think it’s good enough – we can’t keep saying we’re unlucky.
“The second half was a lot better and the boys that came on made an impact.
“We got closer to Montrose after being too disjointed in the first half, I was up front and there was nobody around me.
“But the second half was different we got forward and took a couple of our chances, but it’s still not good enough taking nothing from the game.”