The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Rivals’ celebrations spurred Lichties on in chase for title
LEAGUE TWO: Arbroath striker on brink of second championship win
Arbroath striker Steven Doris insists Forfar’s Gayfield pitch celebrations earlier this year have inspired Dick Campbell’s men to the brink of the League 2 title.
When Forfar beat Arbroath at Gayfield at the start of February their wild celebrations with the vocal away support signalled their belief that the championship was within their grasp.
But a capitulation since then, coupled with Arbroath’s revival, has turned the tide on Forfar and put Campbell’s men on the brink of the title.
Their latest win, against play-off chasing Elgin, was far from easy but a Ryan McCord hat-trick was enough to ensure Jamie Reid’s effort and Jassem Sukar’s own goal were little more than consolation efforts.
Striker Doris said: “After they beat us Forfar were celebrating on our pitch like it was all over and that really hurt.
“When you see your rivals celebrate like that then it really upsets you. We were down in the changing room after that but the manager got our heads up and made us believe we could still do it.
“The manager has never given up. Even though we were 11 points behind and people were saying it was over, he never believed that.
“We have clawed it back and are now top. I would rather we were top at the end of next weekend but we go into the final game knowing a win guarantees us the title and that’s a great feeling.”
Doris is the sole survivor from the Arbroath side that clinched the League Two title in 2010 – their first championship in 132 years.
And with a trip to his old side Stirling standing between Arbroath and the league, Doris senses a place in the history books.
He added: “Someone said to me the other day that I will be the first player to win two titles with Arbroath, if we do it.
“That would be a great achievement for me but I’m not taking anything for granted. We hope the fans come down to Stirling next week in their droves and cheer us on and – if we win – then we will be champions.”
McCord’s end of season scoring streak has been pivotal in Arbroath’s recent success.
He grabbed a hat-trick on Saturday with a free-kick, shot on the turn and close range effort earning him the match ball. His treble took his tally to six in five games.
Manager Campbell said: “Ryan has been very important for us recently.
“His goals have been crucial and I’ve always known he’s capable of hitting the back of the net.”
Former Lichtie Reid’s half-volley and a Sukar own goal header weren’t enough to salvage anything for Elgin.
Reid’s day of woe was completed when he was sent off midway through the second half for dissent and his side now need a favour from Clyde at Montrose to sneak a play-off place.
By contrast, Arbroath have set up a helicopter Saturday. If they better or match Forfar’s result on the final day, the Lichties will be crowned champions.