Campbell seeks positive response after Methil loss

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell is looking for some “payback” from his players against Ayr this afternoon at home after a desperately disappointing result and display last week on the road.

The Lichties travelled to East Fife in buoyant frame of mind on the back of a thumping 7-1 win over Airdrie seven days previously.

They took the lead in Methil but then the roof caved in on them in the second half, conceding three goals in just eight minutes.

Campbell was far from happy with what he witnessed but he is going to give the same group of players the chance to make amends today against Ian McCall’s Honest Men, who are currently sitting second top of League 2 on goal difference behind leaders Raith Rovers.

The Gayfield gaffer said: “I have an issue with last week.

“It was incredible as we were winning 1-0 and the game could have been finished at half-time but then we lost three goals in eight minutes.

“It was a horrible day I have to say with both sides struggling to put three passes together. Our mentality was too soft but I am not going to hang anyone out to dry.

“That is why I am probably going to go with the same team although I might change things round in terms of the shape.

“It is important to look at the bigger picture and we are still in the top four but the players know they let themselves down so I am sure there will be a response against Ayr.

“We should do well because they are a full-time team and are favourites. I think it will be tight but I am expecting a big, big payback from the players.”

Campbell boosted his squad on Thursday with the addition of highlyrated Hibs midfielder Scott Martin on an emergency loan until January.

The manager added: “I am delighted to have signed Scott.

“Any player who comes into my club has to better than what I’ve got. I had him at Forfar and he has a three-year contract with Hibs which shows you how highly he is regarded.

“So I am looking forward to seeing him in an Arbroath shirt.”

Meanwhile a scan has revealed that Steven Doris, who has been sidelined since injuring his knee against Albion Rovers on September 9, will not miss the rest of the campaign.

Campbell said: “We got good news about Doris on Thursday.

“We had feared it was his cruciate ligament and he could have been out for the season but it looks like he has a wee nick in his cartilage.

“Josh Skelly will probably be out for another four weeks after a recurrence of his hamstring problem.”

Highly-rated Hibs youngster Scott Martin has joined Arbroath on loan.