Arbroath boss Dick Campbell is hoping an Angus derby at Forfar this afternoon will be the perfect fixture for his side to bounce back in after last weekend’s frustrating defeat against Albion Rovers.
Brian Kerr’s side beat the Red Lichties 4-1 at Gayfield with Campbell left scratching his head that his team did not take something out of the game.
Now, though, he is determined to get back to winning ways at a club where he spent nearly eight years as manager.
Campbell, who last night signed Montrose striker Gary Fraser on a one-month loan deal, said: “Last Saturday was incredibly frustrating.
“We went to Ayr two weeks ago and won against a full-time side with possibly the best performance since I took over at Arbroath only to be beaten 4-1 at home to Albion Rovers.
“Our goalie didn’t have a save to make for most of the first half and they scored two great goals in quick succession.
“But we went up the park, hit the bar and then missed an absolute sitter.
“In the second half we had waves of attacks but conceded again. It was a very strange game.
“Brian was very complimentary about us but I wish we could have played them again this week.
“However, we do have the ideal game to bounce back after last week’s defeat with a big derby up at Forfar.
“I was a month short of spending eight years there and it is a great club.
“Like us, they were promoted last year and they are struggling to find their feet a bit.
“This is a derby though and whoever wants it most on the day will come out on top. Hopefully it is us.”
Campbell made his move for Fraser as he has major selection problems in attack.
He added: “We do not have our troubles to seek up front.
“Bryan Prunty and Josh Skelly were already out with injuries picked up during bounce games in the international break while Gavin Swankie is unavailable.
“Steven Doris was stretchered off against Albion Rovers. Thankfully he has not broken his leg as was first thought but he has strained the ligament behind his knee and will be out for at least another fortnight.
“So it is good to have Gary on board.”
