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Having secured a much-needed victory at Dumbarton last weekend, we are now on the verge of clinching what will be just our second tilt at the SPFL play-offs.

We need a maximum of four points from the last three games to guarantee that, but a win over Alloa Athletic on Saturday will be enough, and would also reinforce our bid to finish runners-up which brings with it home advantage in the second leg of the semi-final.

Paul Hartley knows all the possible permutations, and understands the pressure; he wants it done this weekend, but admits it will be a demanding ninety minutes with Alloa still eyeing up a top four place themselves:

“I have felt all along the battle for the play-offs would go to the end of the season, and not so long ago there were still seven or even eight teams who might have made it. Now it’s down to four of us fighting for the three places and it’s all to play for.

“We have the chance on Saturday to secure our spot, everyone will be well aware that a win over Alloa does it, so it’s a massive game for us.”

“We won the first couple of meetings this season, and last time down there we were so far on top at 1-0. That was the best we have played in terms of creating chances, but we kept missing them, and allowed Alloa back in. They spooked us that day and took the points, which was a tough one to take.

“They’ve got a strong squad, good players in the final third, and they are a threat. We need to be ready for that, and I am sure we will be.”

As well as the importance of taking the three points at Dumbarton last week, Paul was delighted to see Dylan Lobban get his first couple of goals in senior football. He says the teenager, and fellow Aberdeen loanees Findlay Marshall and Adam Emslie, have made a major contribution, and believes the loan market will be crucial for Cove in the years ahead:

“I love the wee man, love his attitude to the game, and he’s a brilliant boy to work with. I’m really pleased we’ve got him here; he has been absolutely outstanding for me and has a great desire to train and play hard.

“He has been excellent at right-back, can play wide as he did last week, and I also think he could do a good job in the middle of the park. He deserved his inclusion in the SPFL team of the week.

“The loans have worked well for us this season, the three boys and Liam Parker in particular, and that has to be the way ahead for us. It has been a good relationship with Aberdeen, and I’m hoping that will continue. It benefits us, but also gives the kids the chance to fulfil their potential and enhance their learning.”

Crucially, after a season of long-term injuries and key players missing large chunks of the campaign, with Mitch Megginson now free from suspension, the manager should have a full squad at his disposal for the first time since the end of August:

“That would be nice, something of a luxury for me given how short we have been because of injuries throughout the year, and having options will be a big thing with the important games we have coming up.

“We know three points against Alloa does it, but that’s easier said than done, especially at this stage of the season; it’s all about coping with the pressure. I have every faith in the players, and I know they will give everything in a bid to bring the success we all want.”

A big home support would be a real lift for the players; tickets can be purchased in advance at the CRFC website

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