Can Peterhead win Ladbrokes League 2 title after taking top spot?
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The tussle for the Ladbrokes League 2 title took the latest of its many twists and turns on Tuesday night, as Peterhead leapfrogged Montrose into top spot with a 2-1 victory over Clyde.
The Blue Toon may only be top on goal difference as it stands, but they seem to have well and truly got their blip out of the way.
Fixture congestion around the end of January saw a first real poor run of the campaign for Jim McInally’s men. But they appear to have put that to bed, with the midweek triumph over the Bully Wee marking five games unbeaten for Peterhead.
One key reason for their resurgence could lie in the promotion-winning pedigree around Balmoor. McInally led the club to the League 2 title back in 2014, and has also enjoyed title-winning experience a level above – as Greenock Morton gaffer.
And the 54-year-old has managed to recruit players with similar success stories to this corner of Aberdeenshire.
The likes of Wullie Gibson and Nicky Riley have promotion-winning experience elsewhere, while star striker Rory McAllister was part of Peterhead’s 2004 vintage. Meanwhile, the rock-solid David McCracken has been part of two sides who’ve reached the Scottish Cup final.
Speaking of McAllister, the 30-year-old has been nothing short of sensational this term. Currently joint-second in the League 2 scoring charts, he’s chalked up 18 goals in 23 games.
For all their strengths, rivals Montrose just don’t have a striker of that quality. And come ‘squeaky-bum time’, McAllister’s goals could be the difference in the title race.
With nine games remaining, the pair will face off once more this season, in what could be a title decider. And the Blue Toon will certainly fancy their chances at Links Park, having won six and drawn two of the last nine meetings.
McInally and co. will also be heartened by the Gable Endies’ recent wobble. They’ve failed to win either of their last two games, including a 2-2 draw with lowly Berwick Rangers.
This title race is far from over, but right now it’s the Blue Toon who look to have the advantage.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
