The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Petrie relishes pressure of push for play-offs
Montrose boss Stewart Petrie knows his players will be under a different kind of pressure this afternoon – but he insists it is a situation to savour.
The Gable Endies go into today’s League 2 game at Links Park against Clyde knowing that a win would secure a promotion play-off place.
If they do so, it would cap what has been a remarkable turnaround for the Angus side this season.
However, with Clyde also needing to win to escape the pyramid playoffs, Petrie, who saw his side slump to a shock 5-1 defeat to Annan last Saturday, is taking absolutely nothing for granted.
The manager said: “I have to admit I did not see that one coming last week.
“Funnily enough, we started reasonably well in the first four or five minutes but before we knew it we were 4-0 down.
“We didn’t defend set-pieces well and gave ourselves a mountain to climb. Once Iain Campbell had been sent off, we were dead and buried.
“It was just one of those days and it is difficult to put the finger on what went wrong but we will not dwell on it.
“The lads have been really upbeat in training this week and we have all picked ourselves up for what is a huge game for us and Clyde.
“They have loads to play for and we are under no illusions about how tough the game will be.
“However, we also have a chance of securing a promotion play-off spot which is fantastic for the club.
“That brings a lot of pressure but it is a good thing.
“It is a long time since this club have been used to having a challenge like this and it is fantastic for the players. Anything we get is a bonus.
“They deserve all the credit for getting us into this position and it looks like there will be a healthy crowd to hopefully see us secure that play-off place.”
Montrose will be without the suspended Campbell along with the injured Callum MacDonald, Chris Hegarty and Michael Bolochoweckyj while Dylan Thomas has returned to Wales.
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