Promotion rivals Morton and Dunfermline meet at Cappielow on Saturday, live on BBC ALBA with a 5.30pm kick-off.
The race for the League 1 title has developed into a fascinating battle – with Stranraer leading the way from Forfar – but Greenock gaffer Jim Duffy always expected a close contest.
He said: “A two-horse race between Morton and Dunfermline may have been some people’s perception at the start of the season but it was not mine. That would have been disrespectful to a number of strong sides in this league and it was never going to happen in my opinion.
“This game is important but it matters no more or no less than any other. All I would say is that this is a game between two good sides that have not been consistent enough in the league so far. Neither of us can claim to be called favourites for top spot.
“Stranraer and Forfar have been more consistent, with Brechin, Airdrie and Peterhead coming into things recently. Winning this game allows us to keep up with the sides in the top group so the three points are very important in that regard.”
The transfer window has been used to good effect by both sides already, with Duffy saying: “Both teams have reshaped their squads since the window opened. Of course, we have Andrew Barrowman coming back here and Ross Forbes is going up against his former club.
“Ex-players can come back to haunt you and we are obviously hoping that Ross does that to Dunfermline and that we keep Andrew quiet.
“I think 5.30pm on a Saturday evening is a first in my career. It will make the day feel a bit longer and our usual preparations will be altered. Our players usually arrive just after 1.00pm and the nerves regarding kick-off begin just after that. We will not have them in on Saturday until 4.00pm and then we can get on with things.
“In saying that, there are a lot of positives to the later kick-off as any game under the floodlights adds a level of excitement. That buzz will hopefully lead to a positive atmosphere and the players will feed off that.”
The Greenock side have racked up two wins against the Pars so far this season and Duffy said: “We have done well against Dunfermline but those last two games count for nothing now.
“In the last meeting at East End Park, Dunfermline played well in the first half and deserved their lead. We were better in the second and managed to turn things around. That success helped us to go on a decent run and the same result and impact this time would be very welcome.”
Craig Stewart
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