Peterhead defender Andy McDonald accepts the club’s run of form cannot continue – or they risk being cut adrift.
The Blue Toon have been bottom for much of the League One season and have just one win from their opening 14 games.
They face Airdrieonians this weekend and while Clyde are still within touching distance above them, Kelty Hearts in eighth are already 11 points clear.
For McDonald, who has comeback from injury recently, it is not too late to turn things around but Peterhead need to get things heading in the right direction.
“We can’t afford to keep going the way we are going otherwise we’ll get left behind,” said McDonald. “But I don’t feel it’s too difficult a task for us to turn round.
“We maybe need to steal a win somewhere we’re not expected to and build on that.
“Everyone knows we’re not doing well enough and it’s not acceptable. But we’re still in touch distance of ninth and a wee run of form can change things quickly.”
McDonald has overcome a double injury worry to make himself available again.
The former St Mirren and Elgin centre-back suffered a shin problem against Falkirk last month and has also been troubled by an Achilles issue.
“Both were causing a bit too much pain to be playing but I’m happy enough to play now,” added McDonald. “The Achilles issue is one I’ve had for a few months and I’ve been doing a lot of rehab work to strengthen the area around it.
“We’ve not been doing too well this year so I don’t want to be missing too many games. I want to be able to help the boys as much as I can.”
The Blue Toon will be without trialist Florent Hoti for the game. The ex-Dundee United midfielder, who had played the last two games for the Buchan side, has joined Championship side Arbroath.
Peterhead also confirmed yesterday that striker Chris Kisuka had left the club after three months.
McInally told the club website: “We brought Chris in and gave him a platform to make his mark as SPFL player. We had hoped that there would have been a way for him to combine training and playing for the club along with his commitments outside of football in the West of Scotland.”
“Unfortunately, that has not happened and we have agreed to part ways. He is a big character and I hope that he enjoys what he goes on to do.”