Gable Endies aiming to bolster their hopes of play-off spot

Stewart Petrie is eagerly anticipating a crucial encounter as his Montrose side bid to solidify their position in the promotion play-off places.

Petrie’s side visit Edinburgh City this evening, knowing a victory would take them four points clear of Cove Rangers, who sit just outside the play-off spots.

The Gable Endies return to Meadowbank for the second time in 10 days after their previous trip was cut short due to Storm Kathleen.

They came up against more challenging conditions during their 0-0 stalemate with Alloa on Saturday, though managed a resolute display to move above Cove and back into fourth.

“It’s always a massive game when you are playing and nobody else is playing in the league,” Petrie said.

“It gives you an opportunity to go and get a result and pick up points on most teams.

“A point on Saturday was a great result – when you go to Alloa and get a point you are always happy.”

Montrose received a boost as Annan defeated Cove on Saturday and, as the season reaches its conclusion, there are four sides vying for the final two play-off spots.

A fantastic run of results has propelled Kelty Hearts into contention, but the fate of Petrie’s side remains in their own hands.

“I think we’d all be lying if we said that we didn’t take a look at the results elsewhere – it’s close and has an impact on ourselves,” he said.

“You look at yourself first and foremost – it did mean we moved ahead of Cove – but it’s ultimately about what we do over the next four games.”

The Links Park gaffer has no fresh injury concerns heading into their meeting with

Michael McIndoe’s already relegated City team.

It has been a turbulent campaign for the Citizens, who have suffered financial difficulties and an abundance of players departing the club as a result.

On paper, it may point to a comfortable success for the promotion chasers, though Petrie insists that will be far from the case.

“They’ve got some talented players as well, so we’re expecting a tough, tough game,” he said.