And the 30-year-old defender – a Super Premier title winner with Irvine Meadow in each of the past two seasons – says he is relishing an almighty run-in scrap, beginning with tomorrow's must-win clash away to Ardrossan Winton Rovers.
He said: "It's down to the nitty-gritty now with us having seven games left to play and realistically it will be a tall order to win all of them.
"We will be going for it, but I think it's inevitable that points will be dropped.
"It's crazy to think that as things stand, everyone from Thorniewood United down in third bottom place could end up promoted, so maybe it's best we adopt a short-term view and aim for nothing more than to still be in contention with two to three games left."
Injuries to centre-half Shaun Dillon as well as full-backs Josh Mullen and Chris Malone are threatening to force MacDonald into sweeping behind a totally rejigged backline tomorrow, with Kilbrinie sitting nine points adrift Hurlford United in second place. He added: "Probably not all the guys will be declared fit, which is disappointing as you want continuity.
"I've particularly enjoyed teaming up with Shaun, who in recent matches has looked as good as any central defender in this division.
"He is a no-nonsense player who can also be tidy on the ball, keeping him fit and free of suspension would be a marvellous boost. The same can be said of David McGeowan."
Kilbirnie's fervent followers can look forward to a new face in their line up tomorrow after co-bosses Stevie Swift and Mark Crilly secured the loan signing of versatile Irvine Meadow ace Frank Gibson.
But reports of released Medda striker Keigan Parker also figuring in the visiting ranks were scoffed at by Swifty earlier today.
He revealed: "People are putting two and two together to make up five, but the truth is Keigan approached Mark and myself for training facilities to keep up his fitness levels and we were only too happy to oblige.
"He is not someone on our radar and I would imagine he might end up with the likes of Cumnock, who are supposedly keen to sign him."
On the Ardrossan encounter he added: "We simply cannot afford any slip-ups and anything less than three points would be disastrous as something has to give in a number of other games involving promotion-chasing clubs.
Meanwhile, the clash between Renfrew and Cumbernauld United marks the departure of young Frew midfielder Drew Ramsay, formerly of Clyde, who is playing his last game for the Western Park outfit ahead of emigrating to Australia.
Co-boss Martin Ferry said: "It's a blow and I'm not going to pretend otherwise. He has been a really good prospect.
"But he is keen to take up the offer of a contract out in Australia and we don't feel it right to stand in his way."
Elsewhere, Hurlford make the journey through to meet a Yoker side currently suffering a dip following their Emirates Junior Cup exit to Camelon.
Boss John Brogan's desire to turn things around has led to him offloading midfielder Steven Wedlock to Wishaw this week and placing experienced Whe Ho pair Michael Tolland and Darryll Boyd on the transfer list.
However, there appears to be no truth in terracing rumours reckoning this "clearing the decks" is paving the way for the acquisition of recently-released Rutherglen Glencairn hitman Paddy Flannery.
It's a case of one in and one out at the Glens, where veteran goalkeeper Alan Colquhoun has signed back on again.
While another goalkeeper returning to a former club is Kieron Cannon, who is one of two newcomers on board at Arthurlie along with ex-Irvine Meadow defender J.P. McKeever.
