Peter Murphy believes the winner of Annan Athletic’s home clash against Elgin City could have a psychological edge in the race for Scottish League Two play-off places.

Murphy’s men start their 2019 programme, and the second-half of their league campaign, in fourth, level on points with Elgin, who they host today (3pm kick-off).

The two teams are 11 points behind third-placed Clyde but six points clear of Cowdenbeath in sixth so, as things stand, look well placed to battle it out for the final play-off berth.

Murphy admitted: "The side who wins might get a bit of a psychological advantage at the start of the second-half of the season.

"There is still a lot of games to play, though. We are six points clear of Cowdenbeath but all sides below us have a game in hand.

“So, I think it’s going to be an exciting second-half of the season.”

The Black and Golds have been better away than at home in the league this term, but will be looking to make a winning start to the New Year at Galabank.

"Our home form has not been as good as it was last season, but our away form has been very good," Carlisle United favourite Murphy said. "It’s just the ups and downs you sometimes get in football."

Athletic ended 2018 with a 4-0 home win over Berwick Rangers, followed by a 1-1 draw at Albion.

In the success over Berwick, centre-back Steve Swinglehurst returned to the side after an injury lay-off in style.

Dubliner Murphy said: "In his first game back, he scored twice and helped the team to keep a clean-sheet.

"He has been at Annan for a long time now. But the other players have acquitted themselves very well, too.”

Tony Wallace has been suffering with tonsillitis and will need to be assessed, while goalkeeper Jonny Jamieson has been struggling with his own long-term illness, while Jack Brannan is Annan’s only long-term injury absentee.

And loan players Lewis Strapp and Ruaridh Langan have returned to Greenock Morton at the end of their loans.

Asked if he would look to add to his squad this month, Murphy said: "We are looking at players in different positions.

"We are not looking at loads of players. I’m relatively happy with my squad, but we are looking for a couple of additions."