JIM GOODWIN believes his side are more than capable of putting some distance between relegation rivals Falkirk and Partick Thistle when they square off this month.

Alloa face a crucial double-header against both sides over the next two weekends, as their campaign to avoid the drop forges ahead.

The Wasps produced a battling display against Ross County on Saturday, but were denied a share of the spoils as the visitors claimed a last-minute winner at the Indodrill Stadium.

As a result, Goodwin's side remain third bottom in the table, level with Falkirk and a point ahead of Thistle.

However, the gaffer is confident his players will be ready to bounce back from the result, beginning with their showdown at the Falkirk Stadium this weekend.

Goodwin told Advertiser Sport: "Falkirk will be the biggest game of the season so far; they are now level on points with us and they are now beginning to hit a bit of form.

"They went up to Inverness on Saturday and inflicted on them their first defeat of the season. They scored three goals as well, so that tells you what they are capable of.

"But we're a match for anyone on our day and there's no reason why we can't go there and get a result.

"Certainly, our plan will not be to go to Falkirk and try not to lose. We will be looking to win the game."

After Falkirk, the Wasps will travel to Maryhill in the hopes of claiming a second victory of the Jags

Goodwin added: "They're huge games for us; they are back-to-back and both away from home.

"They are very important for us, but they're still games we feel we can win.

"And we've already beaten Partick this season so there's no reason why we can't do it again."

While disappointed they were not able to take a point from Saturday's tie, Goodwin was encouraged by the sheer desire shown by his players.

He said: "Ross County are a good side and were better on the day, it's as simple as that.

"They've got really good players, especially in forward areas, and are among the favourites to win the title.

"But one thing I could never doubt is the effort and commitment from my players. We defended well; Neil Parry made a number of saves; and Andy Graham and Sam Roscoe battled for everything and put their bodies on the line.

"For all they put into the game, I think maybe they deserved a point, but we can't really have too many complaints about the result.

"It's the manner in which we lost the goal, in the last 60 seconds of the game, that was just a bit of a sickener for us.

"Still, we have to be realistic about where we are. Ross County are expected to win the league and our ambition is just to remain a Championship club for next season."