Stirling Albion manager Kevin Rutkiewicz is hoping his team bounce back after a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Stranraer on Tuesday night.
The Binos had opened up a seven-point gap over the Stair Park side following their 2-1 win at Annan on Saturday when goals from Dylan Mackin and Andy Ryan saw them up to third place in the table.
Stranraer's Andy Stirling scored the only goal on Tuesday but Elgin's defeat at Stenousemuir kept the Binos in third before Stirling go to Cowdenbeath on Saturday and host Edinburgh City next Tuesday prior to the post-split fixtures begin on April 24.
After the Stranraer game Rutkiewicz said: “It was a poor performance. We looked lethargic all night
"We will have to improve on Saturday. The players are going to have to pick themselves up."
The loss to Stranraer came after a tough 2-1 win at Galabank against Annan, a result which pleased the boss.
He said: “I’m delighted we got three points on Saturday because it’s a place we have not had it easy in the past.
“I was frustrated we lost a sloppy goal at Annan when the boys switched off at a crucial moment.
“We’re making things difficult for ourselves at times and we need to be a bit more clinical both in the attacking and defensive areas and then we can enjoy the last 15/20 minutes of games.
“You are always looking to strive for excellence and I thought we were in control of the game for long, long spells but there were short periods when Annan did have us on the ropes a bit."
Andy Ryan missed the Stranraer game due to suspension after bagging his 10th goal of the season at Annan and Rutkiewicz was delighted to see the summer signing from Dunfermline hit double figures.
He said: “He took his penalty well and also played a big part in the first goal.
“He has been worth his weight in gold and just needs to keep it going."
Stirling Albion’s League 2 game against Cowdenbeath at Central Park this weekend will kick off at noon, along with the rest of the SPFL fixtures, due to the funeral of Prince Philip which begins at 3pm on Saturday.
The Blue Brazil had been in poor form since the resumption of football last month but beat Elgin City 1-0 on Saturday and drew 0-0 at Albion Rovers on Tuesday to move eight points clear of bottom club Brechin City.
Stirling defeated Gary Bollan’s men 1-0 at Forthbank in December and enjoyed a 4-1 victory on their last visit to Central Park in February.
