The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Peterhead are looking up
Morrison says his team and rivals would add to League 1
Peterhead chairman Rodger Morrison believes both his club and Montrose deserve to win promotion to League 1 this season.
The destination of the League 2 title will be decided on Saturday when the Blue Toon and the Gable Endies play their final games of the season.
Montrose hold the advantage as they have a three-point lead but Peterhead will win the title on goal difference if Elgin win at Links Park and the Blue Toon beat Edinburgh City at Balmoor.
Both clubs have exceeded Arbroath’s title-winning tally of 66 points last term, with Montrose on 76 and Peterhead on 73 but only the champions will gain automatic promotion with the runners-up having to endure the play-offs. Given the destination of the League 1 and 2 titles are
“It’s been a long time since Montrose have been up there”
still undecided, the SPFL has chartered helicopters to deliver the trophies on the final day of the season.
Morrison hopes the consistency of the two clubs is rewarded with promotion.
He said: “This is a cup final for the club and I know how much the backing of the support is appreciated by the management team and the players.
“It’s been a long time since Montrose have been up there challenging and if they do go on to win the league and promotion then good luck to them. Whatever happens on Saturday hopefully both teams will be playing in League 1 next season.
“I believe both teams could add something to the division.”
Jim McInally’s players are the underdogs for the final game of the campaign but Morrison is refusing to give up hope his club can win the championship on what promises to be a dramatic final afternoon this weekend and hopes the Peterhead fans will turn out in big numbers to back the team.
He said: “We’re still in it and it’s all to play for going into Saturday’s games. Montrose are in the driving seat but Elgin will push them all the way. They gave us a really tough game on Saturday at Borough Briggs and a draw would probably have been a fairer result, so we were delighted to come away with all three points.
“It doesn’t matter what’s happened in the previous 35 games; it’s what happens in the 36th one which matters now and I’m sure both Montrose and ourselves will have to deal with nerves as much as the opposition.
“Knowing Jim McInally I don’t think for a second he’ll be anything other than attack-minded from the first whistle to the last. It’s a huge game for us and we’re hoping the Peterhead fans will come out and get behind the team.”
McInally revamped his team following relegation from League 2 in the play-offs last summer and, regardless of the outcome of this campaign, Morrison believes the Blue Toon squad will be stronger for the experience.
He said: “Jim wanted to go about things differently this season when it came to rebuilding the squad.
“Our intention has always been to go straight back up to League 1 but Jim wanted to bring some younger players into the side so they could gain experience.
“League league and 2 is a tough being able to play football is not enough. There is a physical element to it, too, and it has been a big learning curve for the younger members of the team.” well as a complimentary drink to seasonticket holders over the age of 18.
Adults will be able to attend for £10, with concessions down to £5 and schoolchildren able to get in free in the hope of seeing the side gain their first win of the campaign.
A statement on the club website said: “This weekend’s game against Queen of the South brings the curtain down on what has been a long and difficult season for everyone connected to the club.
“The club extends an invitation to our loyal season-ticket holders (over 18s only) for a free drink in the City Club prior to the match (any time between 1pm and 2.50pm.)”
“What has been a long and difficult season for everyone”