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PETERHEAD travel to take on league leaders Montrose today with Balmoor boss Jim McInally saying that whatever happens now, 2017 belongs to the Gable Endies.

The Blue Toon gaffer said: “There is no doubt Montrose have had a fantastic year under Stewart Petrie.

“Over the calendar year they have been the best side in the division, they would have run away with the title if it had been played from January to December.”

“Stewart has done a terrific job putting together a squad who are competitive and offer different types of threat. They can be direct, can attack you with pace and are also very dangerous at set pieces.

“I know this will be a really tough game for us. We did beat them over the two legs of the play-off semi-final back in May but a lot has changed since then in our squad while they have kept a right good core together and continued to build.”

McInally’s side go into the meeting six points behind with two games in hand and he added: “Nothing will be decided in this game but it would be a nice one to win and put going top of the table in our own hands.”

Montrose manager Petrie said: “We may be doing well but Peterhead remain the benchmark in this division.

“They have a squad jampacked with experience and after taking a bit of time to adjust following relegation they have gone about their business very efficiently.”

“I am delighted to have had such a tight game with Stirling last weekend ahead of this one.

“The 1-0 win was the perfect preparation as they were looking to draw closer to us. Another result like that would be great.”