Elgin City striker and Buchan boy Ryan Sargent aims to spoil possible champions Peterhead’s title party in William Hill League 2 derby
A Scottish football league title could be decided this weekend but one player is determined to spoil the party.
Former Fraserburgh striker Ryan Sargent knows better than anyone about the Buchan rivalry between his former club and neighbouring Peterhead.
On Saturday, Sargent is aiming to lead Elgin City to victory in a crucial League 2 north derby against leaders Peterhead.
A win for the Blue Toon visitors could land them league trophy if nearest rivals East Fife slip-up, while success is equally crucial for City with their play-offs place by no means guaranteed.
Last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Edinburgh City prevented the Black and Whites from moving a step closer to their promotion dream, and Rosehearty-based Sargent is still beating himself up about a chance he missed in that match.
He was put through on goal at 0-0 but his effort was blocked, and Edinburgh weathered the Elgin storm to score twice and boost their own play-off chances.
“We actually played really well until they scored their second goal,” he said. “Up until then, the game plan was working.
“At least we're creating chances and we just need to put them away. I know one of the chances was myself and I’ve been kicking myself about it all week.
“But, now it's out the window and I just need to focus on my next chance, and I need to score it.”
Sargent is likely to resume his place in Elgin’s front line for Saturday’s vital clash, and would like nothing better than to score against the team he has enjoyed a rivalry with over the years.
“I felt it when I was in the Highland League and with me signing for Elgin at the start of the season, it’s still there.
“I feel like I've got the Broch (Fraserburgh) on my shoulders and it’s like I’m trying to win it for them as well.
“It's a massive, massive game for me personally and for the club because both teams are going for something. Peterhead's obviously going for the league and we're going for the play-offs.
“It’s going to be an exciting game on Saturday, hopefully with a big crowd and, fingers crossed, it goes our way.”
An attendance of 1356 saw the festive derby between the sides at Borough Briggs with Elgin winning 2-0 to end the year on top of the table.
City also attracted four figures for their match against fellow challengers East Fife and Sargent says it makes a big difference playing in front of good numbers.
“We won both of those games and it’s just like an extra man. It feels like an extra man,” he said.
“It's hard to explain it but you feel it when you're playing and the crowd's on you. Even when you're counter-attacking, when the crowd starts lifting.
“It'll be exciting to play in front of hopefully another 1,000-plus crowd.”
City won the first two league meetings between the teams before losing 2-0 at Balmoor in the last meeting on March 1.
“We know how to play against them, we know their qualities, we know their weaknesses. So, it's just a case of just refreshing again just for the last two defeats.
“Just doing well in training this weekend, and just going for it Saturday.”
Sargent hasn’t found the net for City since scoring a Scottish Cup double against Kelty Hearts which earned the club their money-spinning fourth round tie against Aberdeen.
“It's been a while, but I've been playing well. I’d love to get one on Saturday but I don’t really care who scores as long as we win.
“We’ve got three cup finals to play but we're just focusing on Saturday, making sure we get back to winning ways again.