Paisley Pirates travel to Dundee Tigers on Saturday hoping to secure the SNL title.
The Pirates lead Aberdeen by two points and victory over the Tigers will guarantee they finish top of the table due to their head-to-head record against the Lynx.
Despite having their fate in their own hands, Pirates’ boss Ian Turley is wary of the challenge posed by the Tigers.
“I can think of easier places to be going than Dundee to face the Tigers,” he said.
“They’ve had a difficult run of late and will be looking to turn us over, as they’re wanting points to put them in a good position come the end-of-season play-offs.
“We’re where most teams would like to be, but once again we’ll need to be at the very top of our form, play with total commitment for sixty minutes and carry the wee bit of luck that you sometimes need.
“We had a good result at Kilmarnock last weekend, but the 11-4 margin wasn’t as straightforward as it looks.
“On Saturday we need to be sure we are entirely focused on the job in hand, which is to come away from that arena with both points.
“It’ll be hard going, of that I’m certain, we very rarely have an easy time of it against them, particularly at their place.
“However, we have players all over the team who can score goals, so if one line isn’t firing, another line is capable of doing the business.
“It’s the team ethic that’s worked for us all season long, so that won’t change on Saturday, I’ll be relying on every single player donning a Pirates’ top to make a telling contribution.
“Our supporters also have a very important role to play – by getting to Dundee on Saturday and cheering on the boys from the first puck drop.
“I know a number of fans have already said they’re going, and it’s important we get as many of them there as possible, making as much noise as possible, and being part of the team effort which has taken us this far.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday
Dundee Tigers v Paisley Pirates
North Ayrshire Wild v Dundee Comets
Sunday
Edinburgh Capitals SNL v Aberdeen Lynx
(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)
