Gable Endies boss hoping for a stress-free victory

Montrose have the chance to consolidate their position in the top half of the League 1 table by defeating visitors Dumbarton, with manager Stewart Petrie hoping that if his side prevails his players enjoy it.

The Links Park boss said: “Some people are saying that if we win, we cut the league into two, however all I am concentrating on is staying above as many teams as possible. This game gives us the chance to move nine points clear of Dumbarton and I would be happy with that.

“Our last game against Dumbarton saw us win 2-0 at their place but they have changed their squad around a bit since then. However, you know that any team Jim Duffy puts out will be wellorganised and galvanised by him.”

The Gable Endies are returning to work after a fortnight off and Petrie is hoping to see some smiling faces as he explained: “The players got last weekend off which allowed them to spend time with friends and family. I thought about bringing them in but a bit of recovery time will not have done them any harm and hopefully they will have finally enjoyed the win in our last game.

“We defeated Peterhead 4-3, however the changing room afterwards was the quietest I have ever known from a team that has won.

“We were three up and then 4-1 ahead but we never settled down and were under a lot of pressure at the end. The players felt that they could not enjoy the win but hopefully after a few days they realised that it was a big three points as it kept us well away from issues below us. “I hope they win and enjoy it today.” Everyone in the Links Park squad is available to Petrie apart from recent signing Lewis Hawke who has a family commitment.

Recent signing Lewis Hawke is unavailable for selection.