Arbroath travel to East Stirling today looking to get their promotion push going again.
And despite a wretched run of only one win in 12 games, assistant boss Todd Lumsden insists the spirit within the Gayfield camp is good.
Allan Moore’s side went down 2-0 to East Fife last Saturday to slip 11 points behind leaders Albion Rovers, but the management and players are still united in their promotion push.
Lumsden said: “A lot was made about us spending 45 minutes in the dressing room after the game last weekend but it was a really good session.
“The players were asked for their input and they spoke just as much as the manager and me.
“It was a conversation as opposed to reading the Riot Act.
“There were no raised voices or shouting or bawling with the players giving a lot of honest opinions over things everyone can do better.
“We are all on the same-lines and there was a lot of togetherness expressed as opposed to finger pointing.
“There were no confrontations, or falling out, it was more of a case of telling the players how well they played and asking them what they feel can be done to turn good performances into wins.
“Over 36 games you finish where you deserve to finish.
“If that is second and third then that is what it is.
“We would have taken that back in July and if we get promoted via the play-offs then it will be a very successful season.
“We need to ensure that the players are focused on that.
“There is no point in looking at where we have been, we have to focus on where we are going.”
The Shire defeated Arbroath in their last meeting earlier this month in a game that has typified the Red Lichties’ recent luck.
Lumsden continued: “The last time we met them we had 18 attempts on goal and they had one.
“They left with a 1-0 win.
“The players are as disappointed as us.
“We are playing good football and there are only two games in our recent spell Berwick and Montrose where we have not deserved anything.
“Hopefully we can play well and get the win this time out.”
Ryan McGeever is out with an ankle injury, as is Adam Hunter, while Dylan Carreiro will also be absent due to illness.
However, Liam Gordon has a chance of returning.