The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Campbell targets winning start to Lichties’ hectic spell
Arbroath boss Dick Campbell is looking for his side to make a winning start to what is a hectic spell of seven games in just 21 days when they host Alloa at Gayfield this afternoon.
The Red Lichties’ fixture pile-up became worse last week when their game at Stranraer was called off on Saturday morning because of a waterlogged pitch.
That match has been rearranged for next Tuesday with Arbroath then having away games against league leaders Raith and Albion Rovers, before second top Ayr visit Gayfield, another midweek trip to Alloa all topped off with a home derby against Forfar on March 10.
That will stretch Campbell’s squad to the limit but he is confident they can cope as they look to secure one of the promotion play-off spots.
The manager said: “It was obviously disappointing that the Stranraer game was called off last Saturday.
“The team bus was already on the road when they received the news that the match had fallen victim to the weather. I then decided to go straight to the Alloa game against Forfar.
“I have to say Forfar were very unlucky to lose as they had three great chances late on.
“Alloa are a hard team to beat at home but as ever, I am more concerned with my own team and what they have to do rather than the opposition.”
Campbell added: “There is of course an added incentive for the lads with the right result taking us back up to third in the table.
“With the Stranraer call-off we have a hectic spell of nine games in just three weeks. Playing Tuesday/saturday for a month is incredibly tough especially on part-time players.
“I am confident we have the squad to be able to cope although it will test us and it would be great to get off to a winning start against Alloa.”
Arbroath will be without Ryan Mccord who is still suffering from a hamstring injury.