DUNFERMLINE stood out as the team to beat in the race for League One promotion before a ball was kicked this summer.

But, ahead of his side's Pars clash this weekend, Morton boss Jim Duffy reckons everyone in the third tier will fancy their chances.

After missing out on a return to the Championship last season as they suffered a play-off final defeat to Cowdenbeath, Jim Jefferies' side were well fancied to go close, and better, this term.

It is Forfar who currently lead the way in a tight and hotly-contested division where just 15 points separate the Loons and bottom-of-the table Stirling after 10 games.

Victory at East End Park would be a timely boost for Duffy's side after a defeat to Ayr United last time out.

And the Greenock gaffer is looking forward to a crunch clash as they look to move up from their current berth of fourth in the standings.

He said: "I don't think there is anyone in the league that could say they don't have ambitions to be challenging for at least the play-offs.

"Every team is capable of it and you only need to look at the results week in, week out to see that. It will be a difficult game going to East End Park.

"Dunfermline are a big club and, like ourselves, they have got high expectations of what they want to achieve.

"We want to get back on track after last weekend's disappointment."

Duffy saw his side lose their unbeaten Cappielow record last weekend as former Ton star Scott McLaughlin netted the only goal of the game.

Defeat to the Honest Men leaves the Greenock side fourth in the League One standings, but well in the mix for a shot at promotion.

Duffy wasn't too despondent about Morton's showing against Mark Roberts' side, but is keen for a more clinical touch in Fife this weekend.

He said: "I didn't think we played that badly but there weren't many chances.

"Ayr had two and took one, we had three or four good ones and didn't take any.

"I didn't think we played that badly or deserved to lose the game, to be honest.

"We weren't at our best, but we weren't second-best either in terms of our play.

"We need to have a bit more composure in front of goal. If we had had that, we would have taken something from the game.

"We have to show the same appetite and desire but a bit more in and around the box."

Morton will make the trip to East End Park without three key players as Michael Miller and the McCluskey brothers -Stefan and Jamie - all remain on the sidelines.

Defender Sean Crighton also missed out against Ayr last weekend after suffering a medial ligament injury against Brechin City.

But the 24-year-old could make a return to the Ton squad at Cappielow to bolster the backline.

Duffy said: "Last week we had four players out - Michael, Stefan and Jamie and Sean.

"Sean has got a chance and we will see how he is, but I don't think the other ones will be ready unfortunately.

"Jamie and Stefan will be struggling and Michael will definitely be out."