McInally happy to go unnoticed

Peterhead have pushed themselves quietly into the League 1 promotion race on the back of four wins and a draw in their last five games.

However, manager Jim McInally - whose team are in sixth place but lie only two points outside the top four - reckons their cover will be blown if they win at third-placed Forfar this weekend.

McInally said: “We have not had much attention as there are a number of sides in this league on strong runs. Ray McKinnon has led Brechin to 14 games undefeated and we are the only team to have beaten Airdrie in nine games.

“Stranraer went four months without losing, so while we are doing well we do not need to shout about it. If we win this game our lack of attention may change as it would put us right in amongst things.

“Forfar have been in the top four longer than most sides this season. You have to give them credit for doing that when there are two full time teams in this league. It is difficult to maintain a challenge when injuries and suspensions start mounting up - Forfar have been affected by that, but they are still up there.

“They are a strong team that has evolved over the years. They seem to get stronger every season and they have an experienced manager in Dick Campbell who has good contacts in the game.
 
“Another thing that has helped Forfar and other clubs in our league is that full-time teams are working with smaller squads now and that has resulted in better quality players playing in League 1.

“We were able to bring Nicky Riley in during the January transfer window and Dick has three or four players like Nicky who would normally be at a full-time club. Guys like Dale Hilson, Danny Denholm, Stephen Husband and Gavin Swankie are all cracking players who, if they were playing 10-15 years ago, would have been at a higher level.”

As well as Riley, McInally brought in Kevin Dzierzawski on loan from Queen of the South but has called time on plans to add a striker - as he was not sure if he could get better than he already has.

He said: “I had thought about adding a striker but I want one who is going to be better than what I have already. Bringing in someone who would be better than a fully-fit Andy Rodgers, and better than the boys playing just now is difficult, so I did not spend any more time looking. We will go to Forfar with what we have.”

Craig Stewart