Ferguson: All the pressure is on The Blue Toon

STENHOUSEMUIR V PETERHEAD

Stenhousemuir have secured six wins and a draw in their last eight games with visitors Peterhead, but Ochilview manager Brown Ferguson reckons that his Warriors are the underdogs in their League 1 play-off final.

Ferguson said: “Facing Peterhead will be a difficult challenge. They were the favourites to win the league and whilst they didn’t manage to do that they will be looking to get promoted via this route. “We have had good results against them over the past couple of seasons. Playing them brings out the best in our players and I know that their manager Jim Mcinally rates us highly but we cannot fail to recognise how good they are.”

Ferguson added: “They have quality players and are strong favourites so there is a big task ahead of us but we are looking forward to it after a good 90-minute performance and win at Hampden against Queen’s Park.”

Colin Mcmenamin is the only absentee, the striker missing out with a broken arm.

Peterhead boss Jim Mcinally is not getting too hung up on his side’s record against Stenhousemuir.

“It is part of life that we look back on what has happened before but it depends on how you do it,” he explained. “The last time we were at Ochilview we won 4-1 and I would take that now before a ball is kicked. What has happened before has happened.”

Mcinally will send his players out to win the opening 90 minutes.

“The play-offs are all about scoring more goals over 180 minutes than your opponents,” Mcinally said. “You can sit in and end up with the penalties and there is no point going down a silly route like that.

“We will look togo out and win this leg and then do the same on Saturday.”

David Mccracken is included after a calf problem and he could start.