Arbroath manager Dick Campbell has called for calm ahead of the visit of Raith Rovers today after his side’s play-off hopes hit a couple of bumps on the road.
“There is no need to panic,” said the veteran boss.
“I recognise that we were two goals up in our recent games against Stranraer and Alloa but lost them both by conceding bad goals. There are negatives from both of those games and whilst we will look to avoid the mistakes that cost us the wins we cannot just concentrate only on the negatives.
“We have to look at the positives and build on them as well. We scored twice in each match and scoring goals is always a good sign. Between times we went to Albion Rovers and won 2-1 against a side fighting for their survival so it is not all doom and gloom.”
The Gayfield side have slipped to fourth place but are eight points ahead of Stranraer and an extension to their season would be secured if they win this afternoon and Alloa beat Stranraer.
Campbell added: “We are not in a play-off place yet but we have it under our control to get there and we want to get there under our own steam.
“The last game against Raith felt a bit like a win as we scored a very late equaliser however we have not taken three points from them. It would be great to put that right and I will be making changes to the side to help us do that.
“However I will not be making changes just because of negatives I will be making changes for positive reasons as well.”
Scott Martin is suspended, with Thomas O’Brien and Bobby Linn both doubts.
Raith continue their chase of League One leaders Ayr United but Barry Smith won’t be worrying about what the Somerset Park club are doing at Airdrie.
“We have to look after ourselves and win the games in front of us,” he said. “Arbroath away is always a tough game and this one will probably be tougher after they lost a two goal lead at Alloa last weekend.”
Smith wants his players to show the same qualities that saw them beat Albion Rovers last weekend.
He said: “We were rewarded for being patient and being focused last Saturday. We had opportunities early on but we never took them and the longer the game went on in the first half the more their confidence grew.
“We persevered and got the two late goals and I was delighted for the players. That focus and patience may well be needed against Arbroath as well.”
Lewis Vaughan misses out through suspension.
