While admitting it is vital his squad “play the game and not the occasion”, Montrose boss Paul Hegarty has also stressed to his players the historic importance of the match at Links Park this afternoon.
The Gable Endies play Brora Rangers with their SPFL survival hanging by a thread following the first leg of the pyramid play-off last week at Dudgeon Park.
The Highland League outfit dominated the match but had to settle for a 1-0 winning scoreline with Marvin Andrews conceding an own goal.
Hegarty was far from pleased with his players’ performance and he let them know that.
However, after a good week’s training, the former Dundee United legend is confident that Montrose can overcome Brora and ensure they do not drop into the Highland League next season.
He said: “I was far from happy with the performance last week.
“I would say that only four players mustered pass marks but looking at the bigger picture as we drove back down the road, we are only one goal behind and we will look to change that this Saturday.
“We have to take the game to Brora but at the same time ensure we keep things tight at the back.
“The lads were still on a bit of a downer when they turned up for training on Tuesday night.
“They knew they had let themselves and the club down up in Brora.”
Hegarty, who has previously managed United and Aberdeen, added: “So it was up to myself and John Holt to pick them up and have a quiet word with them.
“This is the most important game in Montrose’s history and we are determined the town will still have a club in the SPFL.
“There are a lot of good people at the club and in the town and we don’t want to let them down.
“We had a good session on Thursday night and the boys look buoyant and sharp once again.
“From a managerial point of view this would be as big for me as keeping Aberdeen in the Premier League.
“However, it is really up to the players now.
“They have to be disciplined and show controlled aggression. If it goes to extra-time and penalties, then so be it.
“But we have to take opportunities when we have them.
“Brora are a side with a good mixture of youth and experience but we have to match them.
“There are no excuses it is win or bust.”
Hegarty has a full squad to choose from apart from long-term injured Bryan Deasley and Paul Harkins.