Andy McDonald insists that the Peterhead have to start distancing themselves from sides beneath them in the table by winning games against them.
The Blue Toon go into today’s game against Dumbarton, a point above their hosts in 8th position, and McDonald knows that taking all three points at the Moreroom.com Stadium is a must to start creating some breathing space.
McDonald said: “It is important that when we play the teams roundabout us, we take the three points. We need to start distancing ourselves from the bottom and create a gap. We want to start looking up the table rather than down.”
After last week’s draw with East Fife, the former Elgin City man believes that it was two points dropped rather than a point gained, despite going a goal down as he explained: “Having gone a goal behind you are happy to get something from the game but at the same time we’ve got to be looking to win games like that, especially at home.”
“It is probably two points dropped but one point was better than none.”
The 23-year-old thinks that stopping the Sons attack will be key to winning the game as he said: “We set out every game to try and getting a clean sheets would put us in a good place to start with. Going into this game, I think it’s vital we do that to help us take all three points.”
The last time the Toon played Stevie Farrell’s men, they enjoyed a 5-0 success at Balmoor, but McDonald expects a very different game this time round.
“Every time you play the same team in this league the games are always different” said McDonald before adding: “They very rarely go the same way. Hopefully we can put in a good performance and if it goes the same way it would be perfect. The league is so crazy that one result can completely change your standing and that’s why it’s important to pick up the three points and get a bit of momentum.”
Peterhead go into the game with a number of players missing through injury and McDonald thinks that this opens the door for others in the squad to stake a claim in the starting lineup.
The one-time St Mirren stopper said: “Obviously we don’t want to lose players to injury, but the guys that get the nod have the chance to prove a point to the gaffer. They can show that they should be playing every week and ensure that when the guys are back from injury that they don’t go straight back into the team.”
Along with Jason Brown and David Wilson, McDonald has formed a partnership in a back three, but with the latter out of today’s game, McDonald knows that the Balmoor men will need to adapt.
McDonald explained: “It’s a blow because we’ve worked well as a back three, but we need to take it in our stride and take it as it comes. Whatever formation or personnel we play, we need to be resolute and stick together.”
“I enjoy playing the back three because it gives a bit more freedom and I find myself getting a bit more space to get the ball. That allows me to get forward more and get involved in the game more but the may thing is stopping Dumbarton scoring.”
