Hopkin heeds the warning as five-goal Stenhousemuir put Livingston on alert

League 1 leaders Livingston are looking to open up a seven-point lead ahead of facing second-placed Airdrie at the weekend, but manager David Hopkin is looking no further forward than facing Stenhousemuir tonight.

Hopkin said: “We came back from a goal down to win at Stranraer on Saturday and if we could win another away game then we have put ourselves into a good position.

“However Stenhousemuir’s 5-0 win at Airdrie at the weekend is a timely one for us as it shows that we have to give the game our full concentration.”

Warriors manager Brown Ferguson said: “Not many people would have expected us to get a win at Airdrie let alone a win by that margin.

We now need to build on that against the league leaders but based on Saturday’s performance we are ready.”

Alloa boss Jim Goodwin is hoping his side will consolidate their position in the playoff pack in a run of three home games starting with a win tonight against Stranraer.

The Wasps have not played at their Indodrill Stadium since they defeated Stenhousemuir 4-1 on 5 November. Goodwin added: “We have Stranraer, Queen’s Park and Brechin City at home before Christmas. It would be good to pick up as many points as possible and open up a gap on the teams chasing us.”

Stranraer dropped into second bottom position at the weekend but manager Brian Reid saw enough to be pleased. He explained: “The only thing missing was a second goal. It is important, however, to be positive about our display.

“If we play like that again at Alloa but are clinical in front of goal then I will be pleased.”

A Forfar win over Annan at Station Park would move them further clear at the top of League 2 and also see the Loons bounce back from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Arbroath.

Manager Gary Bollan said: “Saturday was disappointing but we have the chance to get it out of our system quickly..”

Annan manager Jim Chapman hopes his threadbare squad will show consistency at Station Park even though their line-up will be inconsistent. He explained: “I would have liked to have said that we will go with the same again after defeating Cowdenbeath on Saturday but it looks like I will have to make changes as work commitments could see some players miss out.”

As well as work commitments restricting Annan, Christian Nade could miss out on a third game as a trialist after being injured against the Blue Brazil.