Christie challenges Bonnyrigg to crank up pressure on champions-elect Linlithgow

Unbeaten all season, Mark Bradley’s men are 20 points clear of nearest challengers Bo’ness, with Bonnyrigg four points further back.

Even though they’ve got five games in hand on the leaders, Christie acknowledges his side probably need a miracle to hang on to the title they won in dogged fashion last season.

“Linlithgow are a good team and the title is now theirs to lose,” he said ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Sauchie (1.45pm kick-off). “You need things to go your way to be successful, as they did for us last season. They are winning the tight games and that’s what you need.

“All we can do is try and go out and win our next game and show a level of intensity in our performances. If we can hang on to their coat-tails, then we can be in a position to try and capitalise if they do eventually slip up.”

Bonnyrigg have banished a tough period at the tail end of last year by embarking on a three-match winning run.

“We have managed to steady the ship, so to speak, and that’s been pleasing,” added Christie, who is bracing himself for a hectic end to the season.

“We’ve got a hell of a catching up to do as we’re behind as it is and the weather has also taken its toll on games recently.”