Stranraer boss Stephen Aitken is hoping his side can repeat their recent Scottish Cup victory at East End Park when they face Dunfermline on Saturday.
John Potter is now in charge of the Pars after the departure of Jim Jefferies this week but Stranraer go into the game two places and three points above their full-time opponents.
Aitken said: “We have prepared as we would have for the game, even though we are anticipating a reaction from the Dunfermline players after the change in manager.
“We do not need to alter too much as we are unbeaten in 17 games and confidence is high. We will keep doing what we have been doing and look after ourselves that way.
“I played against John Potter and he was a tough competitor who played at a good level throughout his career. He will be looking to get Dunfermline up to a high standard of performance quickly and we will be looking to stop him doing that.
“Winning in the Scottish Cup there last midweek was fantastic but to win twice at East End Park in such a short space of time is a big ask. Despite their recent results they are still the favourites for the league. Competing with them is great for us and we are now competing with them with the knowledge that we can win.
“Winning in the Scottish Cup secured us a visit from Sky Sports for the Dundee United game in the next round. The extra revenue will be useful - while Stranraer is now a debt-free club, knowing that money is due to come in helps us to plan on and off the pitch.
“An example of how we are progressing is that the club paid for the players and staff to stay in a hotel last Friday night before the Peterhead game, which is a great way to treat everyone. Going back a few years the club had such little money that we would not have been able to afford a pre-match meal. That shows you how far this club has come.
“Cup runs in this and other seasons, as well as doing well in the league, is generating more support in the town. We are not at the numbers we were 10-15 years ago when Stranraer played at the second level in Scotland but having an extra 10% to 20% through the gate helps generate finance.
“We had a few supporters up at Peterhead as well and that really gives the players a lift when you consider the distance involved. It was great to repay them with a 4-1 win.
“Once this game is out of the way I am sure that both clubs will want to get on top of Forfar who are looking very strong at the moment.”
Craig Stewart
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