Montrose v East Fife: Shields reckons squad depth has been key

Montrose manager George Shields reckons that having strength in depth is the key to the Gable Endies’ bright start to the season.

A 2-1 win at Clyde on Tuesday night saw the Links Park side consolidate their position in third place 3 points behind leaders Arbroath and Shields is convinced that a strong bench is a major part in their early season success.

Shields said: “We are pleased with how the season started with four wins from six games. Two wins at home and two away is good going and great for confidence.”

“We signed Lucas Birnstingl and Leighton McIntosh in the past week and that has given me a squad where everyone is fighting for a starting place.”

“In the past we have probably had 12 or 13 players that you would start and not a great deal of strength on the bench.

“We now have a squad of 21 and anyone of them could play from the start so I am delighted with that.”