Stirling Albion’s slide seen as warning by Montrose

The mid-season slide down the league of Stirling Albion should serve as a warning to Montrose, according to manager Stewart Petrie.

The early League Two pacesetters haven’t won since the first week in November, with their run since then amounting to four defeats and two draws.

There is no sign of something similar happening to Montrose but Petrie certainly isn’t taking the Links Park club’s lofty position for granted as they prepare for back-to-back away games, the first of which is at Annan today.

“We’re not getting carried away with our position in the table,” said Petrie. “There’s a long way to go.

“Just look at Stirling Albion. I’m sure Dave (Mackay) will bring them back up but it shows you how quickly you can slip back in this division. All it takes is losing two or three games.”

Montrose are also discovering that their new status brings new challenges.

“There is certainly a bit of respect when teams play us now,” said Petrie.

“Teams are coming here and making it very difficult for us.

“It’s important that we have different game plans and that we show patience to break teams down. It’s a different sort of problem from years gone by.”

Lewis Milne is set to play today and he may not be the last January signing.

Petrie said: “We might look to start him. He’s a quality player – exactly the type we want in our squad. There may be one or two more coming in.”

Jamie Redman is available, while Petrie will make a late call on Iain Campbell. Martyn Fotheringham is sidelined.

Ryan Ferguson and Danny Cavanagh could be loaned out to get game-time.

Lewis Milne is set to play today. Picture: Kim Cessford.