Steven Doris believes on-song Arbroath can finally edge ahead of long-time leaders Forfar this weekend.
The Loons have led the way all season and were 11 points ahead of the Red Lichties after winning at Gayfield just two months ago.
But Arbroath have roared back into contention and Saturday’s comprehensive win at 10-man Annan ensures they will head to Station Park just a point off the pace and within striking distance.
Doris, who bagged a hat-trick at Galabank, said: “The Forfar game is massive now.
“It’s been looking like a big game for a while now and we’re looking forward to it.
“It’s a local derby and we’re the two top teams in the league.
“There’s been nothing between the teams in the games we’ve played already so it should be a great game.
“I think we’ve definitely put pressure on Forfar. They had a fantastic run at the start of the season and opened up a big gap.
“But we’re hopeful that we’re putting our run together at the right time.
“They’ve been up there all season and full credit to them for that, but hopefully we can beat them on Saturday and finally get ahead of them.”
Annan had Steven Swinglehurst controversially sent off for a tackle on Ross McCord in the first minute, and the Arbroath midfielder picked himself up to net from the resulting free kick.
The 10-man hosts hit back to lead through Peter Weatherson and Jordan Stewart.
But Doris’s hat-trick of headers and a strike from Bryan Prunty secured an emphatic victory.
Doris added: “Sometimes you’ve just got to be in the right place at the right time.
“My goals were all about the deliveries.
“It’s my first hat-trick in five years, so I’m delighted with that, especially at this stage in the season.
“I had a sticky start to the season personally, but the manager kept faith with me and I’m repaying him now.
“There’s nothing better than scoring goals in a team going for a title. That’s what you play football for.”