Ferguslie victory could clinch first ever title

Top meets bottom at Meikleriggs this afternoon in a match of massive importance to Ferguslie and Dumfries.

For leaders Ferguslie victory could be enough to see them clinch their first Western Premier title, while defeat for Dumfries would see the Nunholm men slip closer towards the relegation trapdoor.

Neither club, though, is taking such an outcome for granted, with the Paisley team focused merely on securing the first of two wins which would make the title an absolute certainty and Dumfries refusing to throw in the towel.

While victory today, coupled with a Clydesdale defeat, would see his team crowned champions, Jamey Carruthers, the Ferguslie captain, said: “As things stand we need to win two of the remaining matches to win the league without looking at other results.

“We will simply focus on trying to win a tough match against Dumfries and look to continue our good form.”

Dumfries chairman Andy Reed said: “Taking on Ferguslie will be a big challenge – indeed all our remaining matches will be a challenge – but we are looking to take points from them all.

“The season has been a challenge for Dumfries, especially losing fixtures against teams around us in the league to bad weather and pitch conditions – it is a truly unique season where we have played the least fixtures of anyone in the league.

“We remain determined to retain our place in the division although we know results elsewhere will continue to have an impact.”

Meanwhile Clydesdale will attempt to delay Ferguslie’s celebrations with victory over West of Scotland at Titwood.

Ayr currently occupy the second relegation place but will bid to build on their morale-boosting win at West a fortnight ago when they visit Prestwick.

A win for Ayr would increase the pressure on third bottom Greenock who face a tricky trip to Uddingston, while thirdtop Stirling host Poloc.