EAST FIFE manager Dave Baikie has hinted he was quietly happy to see Stranraer’s fixture against Albion Rovers fall victim to the weather on Tuesday night—as it gives his side the chance to win the league themselves.

The Fifers could have claimed the third division championship without kicking a ball in midweek but the postponement of Stranraer’s game at Cliftonhill ultimately means the issue should be decided this weekend.

Baikie’s men will make the trip to face East Stirling on Saturday knowing a win at Firs Park will hand them their first league title in 60 years, regardless of what second-placed Stranraer do away to Forfar.

“It’s left us now with the situation where we can go out and potentially win the title, so it’s in our own hands again,” said Baikie.

“It was a bit of anti-climax against Albion Rovers on Saturday but we actually gained a point to move closer to our goal. We’ve now got a chance to go and finish the job this week.”

The league leaders really should have wrapped up the title at home last week as Stranraer lost 3-0 to Arbroath, but a 0-0 draw with Albion at Bayview put the champagne on ice.

While three points at East Stirling will be enough for the Fifers, they could still be crowned champions even if that doesn’t happen—but only if Stranraer fail to win at Station Park on Saturday.

With the title picture set to be sorted out this weekend, hundreds of Methil fans are expected to make the trip to Firs Park in the hope the celebrations can finally begin.