Arbroath boss Dick Campbell insists his side will be big underdogs against Dumbarton tonight at Gayfield in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.
The Red Lichties brought down the curtain on the regular league season with a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Queen’s Park on Saturday.
That result combined with Alloa’s draw at Raith meant the Angus side were pipped for third spot by the Wasps to ensure they would face Championship outfit Dumbarton this evening.
Stevie Aitken’s part-time side have defied the odds since winning promotion in 2012 to retain their place in the second tier of Scottish football.
They have had a desperately-disappointing end to this season though losing nine of their last 10 games.
However, Campbell knows that Dumbarton still possess enough quality and higher-league experience to make them firm favourites to progress against his side.
Conversely, all the pressure will be on the Sons and he hopes his players can capitalise.
The manager, who has a fully-fit squad at his disposal, said: “I named my team on Monday night.
“Saturday was obviously disappointing and it wasn’t the way we wanted to finish the regular season.
“However, it is what is in front of us that we are fully focused on now.
“It is a 180-minute game, so to speak, which we are really looking forward to.
“There are no easy matches in the play-offs and you just have to give it your best shot.
“Dumbarton are a good Championship side and I have all the information I need on them.
“I am very happy to get on with it.”
Campbell added: “The play-offs are a magnificent chance for the boys to win promotion for the second season in a row.
“The lads should relish these games not fear them.
“There shouldn’t be any pressure on them as we are big underdogs – absolutely.
“Dumbarton have been in the Championship for a few seasons now and they will be desperate to stay up.
“So we will have to be at our very best if we hope to have a chance.”
No matter what league Arbroath are playing in next season, Campbell has already started making plans, tying up key players to new deals.
The manager added: “We received a boost ahead of the play-off games with the news that David Gold has extended his deal for another year while Bobby Linn has agreed a two-year extension.
“We are also very close to getting something sorted with Colin Hamilton.”
