Arbroath manager Allan Moore is hoping the double boost of a fine performance against Hibs in the Scottish Cup and Albion Rovers faltering in their title bid will help his side at Berwick today.
After putting in a creditable showing at Easter Road last Saturday, the Lichties would have been delighted to see East Fife do them a favour in midweek as closest challengers Albion missed the chance to jump above Moore’s men in the table.
That makes three points against fifth-placed Berwick all the more important this afternoon.
Moore said: “Albion Rovers losing their last two games was a lift for us as we are still top of the league.
“We expected to be chasing Albion Rovers these things can happen in football and we have dropped points that we should not have dropped as well.
“The Montrose game just after New Year still rankles with me.
“We were 2-0 up and then lost two late goals.
“We have not won a game since then so it is still lingering and it will until we win again.
“We started the season by coming back from behind down at Berwick and hope to repeat that success.
“I don’t think their Scottish Cup replay with Spartans will be a distraction from them as they are still looking to get into the play-offs.
“However, I want this game to be decided by what we do and not what Berwick do.”
Goal-grabber Simon Murray is struggling with a groin strain, while Kevin Nicoll and Scott McBride are still sidelined with injury.
However, Ryan McGeever and Thomas Grant are available after being cup tied and Craig Johnstone will return to the fold.
Moore took plenty of positives from his side’s efforts against Hibs seven days ago and reckons his team are looking back to their best.
“We contributed positively to the game and we will take a lift from that,” he concluded.
“Paul McManus and Simon Murray looked a lot more like the strike force they were earlier in the season.
“And Liam Gordon and Liam Rowan did really well at the back especially when you consider they have only just joined us.”