Arbroath boss Todd Lumsden is determined to “restore some local pride” in today’s Angus derby.
Montrose visit Gayfield this afternoon with the hosts looking to avenge a painful 3-0 defeat at Links Park that still irks Lumsden.
“The way we played in that game was just as bad as the result makes it sound,” he recalled. “It was a really disappointing day and I felt the disappointment the fans did as did the players.
“The fans were really frustrated that day and they were right to be that way. I remember one lady fan giving me a lot of criticism from behind the dugout and that showed just how much this fixture means to the fans.
“We were poor and I had to take it on the chin. I have met with the supporter since, and things were great, but this game is all about restoring some local pride.”
Arbroath could face the Gable Endies low on numbers as Kane Hester and Jamie Reid have already been ruled out with ankle injuries. Sergio Alvarez and Andy Ryan have not trained this week due to knocks and Lumsden reported that they are extremely doubtful to face Paul Hegarty’s side.
Lumsden added: “We can be as determined as we want to be to win because of the last game between the sides but make no mistake Montrose will want to beat us a second time. If we can match their work-rate, and that is something that we did not do in the first meeting, then we will have a much better chance of securing a win.”
The international break hasn’t cleared up Montrose’s injury list, with Matty Allan, Paul Watson and Adam McWilliam all out. The latter injured ankle ligaments in a closed-doors game against Forfar on Friday. Greg Pascazio is still suspended.
Hegarty knows all about the importance of a derby to his club’s supporters, but he wants his players to maintain their focus.
“It’s not just a normal game for the fans,” he said. “I understand that. I know they treat it differently.
“Obviously it will be talked about before the games with the players but I want to make sure we keep our shape and discipline as on any other week.
“After a great result away to Queen’s Park, I must admit it would have been better if we’d been able to keep going rather than have a break.
“But I was able to give the players a few days off and then we had a closed-doors game against Forfar where guys got game time who haven’t been playing.
“I must admit, if I’d been Gus McPherson I’d have been upset to lose that game. We had one opportunity and tucked it away.
“But we fought well and it was a wonderful three points. I certainly wasn’t upset about the performance.
“There is very little between the teams in this league and we want to keep on the tails of the leaders.”