HAVING seen their last two matches against Clyde and Peterhead called off due to the cold snap, Berwick Rangers travel to Clackmannanshire today to take on leaders Alloa Athletic.

The Wasps are unbeaten in their last 14 matches and Berwick manager Ian Little faces a daunting task when he leads his side out at Recreation Park.

Although the Borderers have drawn their last two games, they have not beaten Alloa since the second leg of the Second Division play-offs final in 2006, a game which Little missed through injury having come off early during the 4-0, first-leg defeat.

Putting those results aside, Little said: “We have done well in those last two matches with Alloa and came back from two down to earn a draw last time out.”

That was in December and is one of only four points the Borderers have collected in their last seven matches, losing the other three.

Although Berwick have not won since a 5-3 victory at Montrose, Little still feels reaching the play-offs is attainable.

He added: “It is quite a tight league and there are several teams pushing for that last spot, ourselves included.

“Queens Park have to be the favourites having had prior experience, along with Peterhead as well.”

Other than the long-term injuries, there are suspensions for Lee Currie (one match) and Kevin McDonald (three), with Little reasonably happy with his current squad of players.

It is a match the Borderers are looking forward to despite the challenge of facing the division’s top side.

Litytle said: “It is always good to play a team at the top of the league and it is a challenge for the boys. We just need to tighten up our defence slightly.”

PETER MANN