Murphy's Annan set for 'massive' survival shootout today

Peter Murphy’s Annan Athletic face a huge end-of-season showdown today as they bid to complete their great escape.

Annan head to Stirling Albion needing just a point to seal Scottish League One survival.

But if they are beaten, Murphy’s side would be overtaken by Stirling – and left facing the play-offs to try and remain in the third tier.

Annan remained ahead of Stirling last weekend with a dramatic 3-3 draw with Champions Falkirk.

Their superior goal difference gives them the advantage as they prepare for today’s do-or-die finale at Forthbank Stadium.

But manager Murphy admits this is a one-off clash where form does not come into things.

“It’s a massive game, at this stage of the season,” said Murphy, speaking in a club interview.

“We’ve given ourselves an unbelievable chance.

“A few games ago we were nine points adrift, but our form since then has been excellent.

“But I think form goes out of the window. Stirling know they need to win, we know we need to not lose.

“It’s going to be an exciting game, really exciting, one we’ll hopefully enjoy and see if we come out on the good side of it.”

Eighth-placed Annan’s second half of the season has been in markedly improved contrast to their early form in their first campaign in Scotland’s third tier.

Following last season’s promotion, they won just two of their first 20 league games.

But they’ve chalked up seven wins and four draws from their 15 games since then under Carlisle United legend Murphy in his seventh season at the Galabank helm.

In their previous encounters with ninth-placed Stirling this season, Annan are unbeaten after two wins and a draw against Darren Young’s Binos.

Stirling defeated relegated Edinburgh City last time out after a spell of just one win in nine. Their boss Young said: "We look forward to it, it is what it is, the last game of the season – a winner takes all game.

“I’m sure the fans will turn out and hopefully we can make it a big atmosphere, an atmosphere like from last season [when Stirling won League Two] to stay in the league.”

Annan, whose squad will include the recently-released Carlisle loanee Kai Nugent, are hoping to avoid the play-offs where Peterhead, Dumbarton and Spartans will be hoping to join Stenhousemuir in being promoted from League Two.