Peterhead manager Jim McInally wants his players to embrace the pressure in what could be a season-defining week.
The Blue Toon face Forfar at Balmoor tonight before taking on Stranraer at Stair Park on Saturday as they look to move away from relegation danger.
The Buchan outfit are seventh in League 1, but only two points above the relegation play-off spot, which is occupied by Forfar, with Stranraer sitting bottom.
McInally knows the importance of this evening’s clash and said: “It would be massive if we can win this game. It would push us away from Forfar a bit and set us up well for Saturday.
“We know it’s a big game, but that’s why you’ve got to embrace it and certainly it would be important if we can win. It’s a week that could have a big impact come the end of the season.
“One way or another we know we can put ourselves in a healthy position to stay up or it can go the other way and we could be right in the mire. If we could get two wins this week, it would probably be the most valuable results we’ve picked up this season.
“It’s a five-team league at the bottom of the table and our aim has to be to win that.”
Peterhead lost 2-0 at home to Airdrieonians on Saturday, while Forfar’s game at Dumbarton was postponed.
McInally believes the Blue Toon need to sharpen up in both boxes if they are to get the results they desire this week.
He felt his side were unfortunate to fall behind early in the second half on Saturday after Simon Ferry’s accidental trip on Callum Smith allowed Airdrie’s Andy Ryan to grab the opener from the penalty spot.
McInally added: “We just need to keep working hard and we need a break at either end of the park. We need to stop getting punished for every mistake we make.
“But we’ve got to make that happen ourselves, concentrate more and ensure those things don’t happen. Simon was gutted on Saturday because he felt it was his fault, but what can you do when the guy pulls his foot back to shoot and you’re running back.”
