Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
League One spot is the key
With the end of the season fast-approaching for both Albion Rovers and Airdrieonians survival will now be the aim - and both clubs will be targeting the fabled 40-point mark.
The number is long-touted by pundits down in England as the checkpoint of Premier League survival, however since the SPFL introduced the play-off system it has also been key for League One clubs.
Since the league overhaul in Scotland, just edging over the 40-point mark has seen clubs avoid the dreaded relegation play-off spot and hold their place in the third-tier for another year, with the average points total for survival sitting at an achievable 39.
The Diamonds, who under gaffer Stephen Findlay and the new board, have built a capable side that leave humiliations to East Fife, Arbroath and Cove Rangers as distant memories.
With takeover turmoil and financial cost-cutting gripping New Broomfield at the start of the season, Airdrie fans will be thankful that it seems like only a matter of time for them until they reach the 40 point mark. In fact, despite being tipped by some for a relegation scrap at the start of the season they would be expected to push on from that total.
Putting to bed any chance of relegation will allow the board, management and players a chance to look ahead to next season - and as chairman Bobby Watson said at the Q&A with fans - plot a promotion bid.
For Albion Rovers, the need to add to their current points tally is even greater.
The club finished third bottom last term - with 42 points - but have dropped down the table at an alarming rate.
The early-season promise earned boss Brian Kerr plaudits as they came within touching distance of a place in the top two early in the campaign.
However, with a shoestring budget and with a constantly growing injury list the pressure is on to rescue their season.
With players set to return for the run-in Kerr will be confident he can see the players to safety - despite Queen’s Park and Forfar having similar aspirations.
It could be a big summer for the club, with chairman Ronnie Boyd stepping down and the potential of another rebuild job on the playing side ahead of them - with only three first-team players remaining between the squad last season and this term.
A relegation is something they could clearly do without.
Next month, with just three games left of the season, there will be a Monklands Derby.
The question both clubs will be asking now is can we hit 40 points before then, or do both clubs risk being sent into a relegation tailspin by their not-so-friendly neighbours?