Blue Toon can’t afford to lose more ground on Clyde, says Robertson

Peterhead boss David Robertson admits his side cannot lose any more ground on Clyde in the League One relegation battle.

The two sides are already cut adrift at the bottom and face each other this afternoon at Balmoor.

Should Peterhead win, they would get off the foot of the division for the first time since the end of August. If the Bully Wee emerge victorious, then they will open up a five-point gap over the Blue Toon.

“It’s a huge game for us and I’ve said to the players that this is the game we’ll be judged on,” said Robertson.

“We can’t afford to lose any more ground on Clyde but if we get that win, we will go above them for the first time since I’ve been here. That could give us something.

“By doing that, it means we will have scored a goal. The players are confident and I can see them improve every game.

“But this is a must-win game and we’ll be giving everything we have got to do it.”

The two sides between them have won just three games out of a combined 42, with Peterhead’s last win coming in October and Clyde’s in August.

Eighth spot, currently occupied by Queen of the South, is 16 points away from Clyde and 18 from Peterhead.

“We can only focus on the team in front of us,” added Robertson.

“I do feel we’re improving each week.

“We want to get full points against Clyde but after that, we should be going to pick up points against other teams.

“A lot will depend on Saturday. It’s the biggest game in our time at the club.

“It’s a home and the support is behind us.”

Peterhead are hoping to have further signings in place for the game and will have Tom Ritchie available between the posts.

Ritchie was recalled temporarily by parent club Aberdeen to sit on the bench against Hearts in midweek, following a thigh injury to regular stopper Kelle Roos.

“It was a bit of a concern when I got the call to say he was being recalled,” said Robertson.

“It’s something we’re looking to rectify by bringing in another goalkeeper but that won’t happen until probably later in the window.”

“It’s a huge game for us and I’ve said this to the players

Peterhead manager David Robertson.