Montrose are looking to strike a big blow in the League Two title race when Peterhead come to Links Park this afternoon.
But it won’t be a knock-out one, manager Stewart Petrie has insisted.
The Links Park boss and his players will embrace the pressure of the contest between two sides separated only by goal difference at the top of the table but has stressed that there will be 21 points left to play for after the full-time whistle has blown.
“It’s another game,” he said. “There’s certainly a bit more significance on it because you don’t get another crack at opponents after this.
“But there won’t be any medals decided tomorrow, that’s for sure.
“You can’t count Stirling Albion out.
“And the run we had ourselves last season shows how much ground you can make up in the last quarter. Stenhousemuir are capable of that.
“I certainly don’t see the game as pivotal.”
Petrie is hoping that Montrose supporters will make home advantage count.
“It would be get if we got a big crowd,” he said.
“I’m repeating myself but it really does make a big difference. The players get a buzz even from seeing the place fuller during their warm-up.
“We had 1,300 in the ground when there was a deal for kids and the players responded to it.”
This isn’t a revenge mission but losing 6-2 to Peterhead in December hasn’t been erased from the Montrose players’ minds.
“The last time they came here they gave us a doing,” said Petrie.
“It wasn’t six breakaways, put it that way. Our keeper had a couple of really good saves.
“They were worthy winners and they have individual quality to do that to teams.
“Up there we got our tactics spot on and nicked a goal late on.
“This time it might take a mistake or a moment of brilliance to win the game.”
He added: “Everybody will be desperate to play. Top of the table matches are special, whatever level you’re at. There’s nothing better.
“They are all big games now.
“The players have coped with that well so far and hopefully that will continue to be the case.”
Iain Campbell and Matty Allan could both return to the squad.
