Peterhead have got it easier compared to Stenny

McInally: Top two await in bid to avoid Blue Toon drop

They face the champions and the runners-up in their final two games of the season but Peterhead manager Jim McInally insists his players have the easier run-in than relegation rivals Stenhousemuir as they try to stave off the threat of the drop from League 1.

The Blue Toon travel to champions Livingston today before hosting second-placed Alloa Athletic at Balmoor in the final game of the season next week.

Bottom club Stenny, who won at Balmoor last weekend to close the gap to two points, travel to Hampden to play Queen’s Park today before hosting Brechin City on the final day of the season.

McInally believes the two clubs’ respective final fixtures favour his side. He said: “Two games to go against the top two teams in the league – easy peasy.

“I’m very comfortable about the last two fixtures we have, while Stenhousemuir have to play two teams trying to reach the play-offs.

“Everyone is telling me we have two tougher fixtures than they do but we’re playing sides who have achieved what they wanted this season while Stenny are playing two teams who are still trying to reach the play-offs and because of that they have something to play for.

“Whatever happens, we all will have played the same fixtures and there can be no excuses but I’m still confident we can win our last two games and if we end up playing in the play-offs it will be a very interesting end to the season.”

McInally has urged his side to play without fear at Livi and believes Peterhead can put a damper on the championship celebrations today.

He said: “It’s Livingston’s big day and we’ll be trying to spoil it. Stirling Albion spoiled ours when we won League 2 and I’ll be reminding my players of that.

“It can happen and we need to be aggressive from the first minute and get in their faces.

“Livingston have a few players who are one booking away from a suspension and they won’t want to miss the start of next season.

“We have to try to take advantage of that and put them on the back foot as quickly as possible.”

On-loan St Johnstone defender Liam Gordon is still absent due to a knee

injury.

“Comfortable about the last two fixtures”

Jim McInally: Easy peasy