Contenders face each other as title race tightens

Seven games left, six teams still in contention for the title – and the top four of them are in direct opposition this afternoon.

Pacesetters Prestwick entertain second top Ferguslie at the start of a threeweek spell that also sees them line up against Ayr and Uddingston, the sides occupying the third and fourth slots.

It is a daunting prospect for Prestwick, who only joined the top flight last season, but Andy Tennant, their coaching consultant, believes his players are up for the challenge.

He said: “Our aim was to beincontentionatthestart of this period and now the plan is still to be in a strong position at the end of the month.

“The team ethos each week has been to stay in the game and it’s the same looking at the bigger picture: we want to stay in the game and have a chance of winning the title going into the final week.”

Prestwick are on an impressive four-game winning run but Ferguslie, who have also had their turn at the top of the table, returned to form with victory over Ayr a week ago.

Tennant added: “Ferguslie are a very strong side and it’s going to be another tough game where the guys are going to have to dig deep.”

Ferguslie skipper Jamey Carruthers said: “I’m not surprised that Prestwick are in a strong position as they have a good balance of youth and experience and I’m sure they will offer us a really tough test, as they always do.”

If Prestwick hold pole position, derby rivals Ayr are not far behind and they can enhance their prospects with a home win against an Uddingston side who have lost their last two games.

Poloc, who share fourth spot, have home advantage against Greenock and are bidding for a fourth straight win while the visitors still have work to do to ensure top flight status.

Champions Clydesdale can climb into the top half of the table with victory over Dumfries at Titwood while East Kilbride should advance their survival prospects when they entertain winless Kelburne.