Third Division: Coughlin eyes play-offs

STENHOUSEMUIR can effectively seal their place in the play-offs if they defeat Annan Athletic at Ochilview this afternoon.

After their title challenge fell away earlier this year, John Coughlin's side also looked set to miss out on the play-offs, but back-to-back wins over Berwick Rangers and Albion Rovers mean they currently occupy the final play-off place and sit two points ahead of today's opponents. The three previous games between the sides have all ended all square, however, and it may well be next week before Coughlin can start looking ahead to the end-of- season event. Annan looked set to finish their maiden season in the football league in the top four but after going three games without a win, their participation in the play-offs is now in doubt. With a home fixture against league leaders Dumbarton next weekend, Harry Cairney's side have not had the easiest of run-ins and he will know that anything other than a victory today would represent a serious blow to Annan's promotion hopes.

They will, however, look to their win over the Sons last month as an indication that they can see off Stenhousemuir today and put themselves back in the driving seat for the play-offs.