Win boosts Reds ahead of run-in

Apr 1 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Wednesday

THE race for the play-offs now looks like a three-horse race following Albion’s 2-0 win against East Fife on Saturday.

With six games remaining, the Fifers are six points adrift of the Binos – themselves only two points behind Peterhead and four behind Brechin.

Recent reverses against Brechin and Queen’s Park looked to have derailed Albion’s promotion but no other team has picked up the ball and headed for the play-offs.

And Albion’s victory on Saturday coupled with Brechin’s surprise 1-0 loss to Arbroath means everything is still to play for.

League leaders Ayr United could play a major role in deciding who goes up. They, along with Raith, would need a major collapse to halt their progress but the Honest Men still have to play the Binos, Brechin and Peterhead.

Albion’s run-in reads Ayr (A); Stranraer (H); Raith (H); Peterhead (A), East Fife (A) and Queen’s Park (H).

Peterhead have to meet Alloa (A); Brechin (H); Stranraer (A); Stirling (H); Arbroath (A) and Ayr (H).

And Brechin finish the season with matches against Queen’s Park (H); Peterhead (A); Ayr (H); Raith (A); Stranraer (H) and Alloa (A).

East Fife manager Dave Baikie virtually gave up on his side’s chances after Saturday’s loss. “Something crazy would need to happen now,” he admitted.

But Albion boss Allan Moore is fired up and ready to face up to the first of six crucial games for the club – Ayr United at Somerset Park on Saturday.

“When David McKenna missed that chance in the first minute I though it was going to be like last week again,” said Moore.

“The first half was difficult but playing against the wind in the second half helped us because we kept the ball on the ground.

“After last week’s disappointment at Hampden, the spirit in the team is great and we hope to put pressure on Peterhead when we go to Ayr.”

Moore had some praise for his goalscorer. “He has a great touch but he isn’t as prolific as perhaps he should be,” he said.