Third Division

EAST Stirlingshire will be keen to keep the pressure on league leaders Livingston this afternoon when they host struggling Stranraer.

Jim McInally has led his side to five wins on the bounce as they moved to within two points of the summit while also having a game in hand over their closest rivals.

Remarkably, each of these victories have come by a one goal margin with the last three finishing 1-0. Although the season is far from over, East Stirling look certain to at least contest the play-offs in May as they enjoy a ten-point cushion over fifth-placed Queen's Park.

Stranraer began 2010 with their first win since October when they edged out Montrose by the odd goal in nine. They then held Livingston to a draw last weekend which extended their unbeaten run to three matches; their best of the season to date. Such inconsistency means that Stranraer are unlikely to be in with a chance of returning to the Second Division this season as they sit nine points off the final play-off spot. With only two wins on the road this season, all indicators point to East Stirlingshire recording their sixth consecutive win.