ESSM Has A Look At This Weekend's Action

Annan Athletic v Berwick Rangers

With 3 teams battling for what is probably the last remaining Play Off spot (although not mathematically) Annan currently hold the upper hand with there far superior goal difference over Stenhousemuir and Forfar. The SFL new boys have had a fantastic season, and they have raised more than a few eyebrows after many wrote them off as the new whipping boys before a ball was even kicked. The large crowd Annan have being pulling this season will need to get behind there team for what will be a tricky tie against Berwick Rangers this Saturday. Jimmy Crease has slowly managed to turn the fortune of the clubs around, but unfortunately they find themselves second bottom of the league and could find themselves remaining there until the season finishes. With one eye already on next year, Berwick's playing staff will be playing for contract's but it's a game that Annan will fancy there chances in. With home advantage plus everything at stake these are the games the Black & Golds must win if they are to complete this memorable season with the Play Off spot that they now desire.

With a defeat at the hands of Forfar last week and a 1-1 draw with The Shire the week before, some are speculating the wheels are going to fall off, and as many fans will tell you Berwick can be dangerous as well and will fancy the 3 points themselves.
 

ESSM Prediction - Annan to win 1-0

Dumbarton v Forfar

This is most certainly game of the day in the 3^rd Division as the promotion chasers play the play off chasers. It's a must win game for both teams, although for different reason. With The Sons pulling Cowdenbeath's lead at the top of the table to 1 point and Dick Campbell's men looking at stumping Annan and Stenhousemuir to the Play Off spot, both teams will be aware that failure to win this game could have pretty serious consequences. Dumbarton will go into this game with confidence as the last team to beat them were Annan on the 21^st of March and Chapman's men were 2-0 victors only 2 weeks ago. However, Dick Campbell's men should not be written off as with 47 goals to there credit so far this season, Forfar will always look dangerous going forward.

ESSM Prediction - 1-1

Elgin City v East Stirlingshire

Our very own Shire make the long trip up to Elgin this week, looking to keep the pressure on Dumbarton and Cowdenbeath, waiting for the slight possibility that both teams will slip up and drop points. After an impressive win against Montrose McInally's men currently find themselves 4 points off the top spot and an outside chance of grabbing the title from the hands of Dumbarton and Cowdenbeath. This will not be an easy task for The Shire and 3 points MUST be secured against the team rooted to the foot of the table. That position is no stranger to the Firs Park faithful, however a lot of sympathy will be spared as The Shire look to pick up the 3 points we so desperately need. Elgin have seen a gradual improvement under the leadership of ex Dunfermline hitman Ross Jack and come into the game with a good 3-0 win against Albion Rovers under there belt. The highland league outfit with also have one eye on next season and the faithful will insist that Jack's side are not the basement boys for next season, so players are playing for contracts and for many it will be there last chance for football at senior level.

ESSM Prediction - The Shire to win 2-0

Montrose v Cowdenbeath

Montrose's hopes of a place in the Play Offs were dashed last week on the synthetic pitch at "Lesser Firs Park" and they will be looking to put a dent in the ambitions of the Fife side. Cowdenbeath manager Danny Lennon has an injury list and a half to contend with and had to name himself amongst the subs during last weeks game against Dumbarton. Since a convincing 2-0 win against The Shire on the 21^st of March, the Fife side have stuttered with draws against Forfar, Elgin, Albion Rovers and Dumbarton. Lennon will have told this troops that such form does not win titles and he'll be looking for fast improvement by his lads.

ESSM Prediction - Montrose to win 2-1

Stenhousemuir v Albion

Stenny are the final of the 3 that are pushing for the Play Off spot, but confidence does not seem high amongst the Ochilview faithful. The Warriors have had a massive dip in form since the turn of the year. However last Saturday's 3-0 win against Berwick Rangers will have given them a little lift Albion will be looking to stop a team in there tracks 2 weeks on the trot (they face the Shire the following week) and recover from the 3-0 defeat at home to Elgin last week. Going by there messageboards, the Stenny faithful seem to have all but given up on the hope of promotion, but football is a weird and wonderful game and I'm sure there players and management team will be looking to give the boys from Tonka town something to shout about.

ESSM Prediction - Stenny to win 1-0