Arbroath assistant boss Ian Campbell hailed his side’s attitude, claiming they’d play with the same intensity against Celtic or Real Madrid as they did in the 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Forfar.
The Red Lichties were favourites to win the game and did so comfortably, ensuring there was not a third round upset at Gayfield.
The visitors were punished for slack play with the Championship side capitalising on errors for their first and third goals.
Potential banana skin
Despite facing a side two leagues beneath them, ‘Pink’ believes his players went about their business professionally but could have added to the scoreline.
“Forfar are having a good season and there are no easy teams,” he said.
“It’s a game that could have been a banana skin for us. Forfar have been playing well in their league and you can see why; they are a decent, well-organised team.
“I thought we went about our business properly. We came in from the first half 2-0 up, but it could have been a wee bit more than that. I think we were on top for most of it.”
Campbell also praised the team spirit at Arbroath with players battling for each other on the park.
He said: “If you’re playing for Arbroath you need to give everything you’ve got plus 20% and those guys do that.
“The camaraderie, the way we go about getting the ball back and playing the way we want to play. You saw the way we closed down people today.
“We could have been playing Celtic or Real Madrid, we’d have been doing the same. That was the pleasing thing.”
Strength in depth
Arbroath were without key forwards Joel Nouble and Anton Dowds due to their Scottish Cup unavailability as part of their loan agreements.
Despite the pair missing, the Lichties were able to rely on other squad members to step up.
“You only need to look at the bench to see the strength of squad that we have.
“It’s an opportunity for these guys to show us what they can do and show a positive attitude.
“You can’t take anything away from these players. They give everything they’ve got and their attitude to winning is first class.”
Club hero Bobby Linn was given a rare start today. Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Pink was still full of praise for the veteran striker: “Bobby got on well.
“He’s a force to be reckoned with. He’s got serious pace and just drops the shoulder and goes by them as if they’re not there.”
