The Final Countdown

So, after a long hard season, it all comes down to two matches. All that stands between this Stenny team and promotion is a two-legged tussle with our old rivals from Cowdenbeath. The memory of 2006 - when Cowden pipped us to the title against the odds - remains etched on the collective memory of Warriors supporters, and the players will be desperate to ensure that we are the ones celebrating this time.

Sunday's game at Hampden - the second leg of the semi-final - was undoubtedly nervy towards the end, but we had been the better side throughout, and our passage into the final was nothing if not deserved. It was an excellent team performance, but two players in particular were worthy of special praise - Scott Dalziel, for the skill and tenacity with which he led the line, and Craig Molloy, the best 'midfield general' we've had for many a year.

I don't want to tempt fate here, but I really do feel that we are ready for promotion this time. Whether we will actually manage it is a different matter - Cowdenbeath will be formidable opponents - but I think the time has come to make the step up. I'm not just talking about performances on the pitch, but the club as a whole. We have an excellent team of coaches in place; we have good facilities at Ochilview (most notably the artificial playing surface, which is a great asset); and the club in general is run on a very professional basis. The current stability is a far cry from the way things were a few years back, and securing promotion would be a just reward for all the hard work of recent seasons.

All that remains, then, is for us supporters to turn up in numbers, and show our support for the players as they make one final push. I will not be able to make the first leg, but will be travelling up from London for Saturday's game: Virgin Trains, in their eternal wisdom, have opted to cancel all London-Glasgow services this weekend, but even if I had to walk 400 miles, I'd be there. Because I have faith in this team. It will undoubtedly be difficult, but I think we're going to do it. After five long years in the Third Division, this is our time. COME ON THE WARRIORS!