Lichties go into play-off clash as underdogs, says Campbell

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell insists his side will be big underdogs against Dumbarton tonight at Gayfield in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.

The Red Lichties brought down the curtain on the regular league season with a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Queen’s Park on Saturday.

That result combined with Alloa’s draw at Raith meant the Angus side were pipped for third spot by the Wasps to ensure they would face Championship outfit Dumbarton this evening.

Stevie Aitken’s part-time side have defied the odds since winning promotion in 2012 to retain their place in the second tier of Scottish football.

They have had a desperately disappointing end to this season though, losing nine of their last 10 games.

However, Campbell knows that Dumbarton still possess enough quality and higherleague experience to make them firm favourites to progress against his side.

Conversely, all the pressure will be on the Sons and he hopes his players can capitalise.

The manager, who has a fullyfit squad at his disposal, said: “Saturday was obviously disappointing and it wasn’t the way we wanted to finish the regular season. However, it is what is in front of us that we are fully focused on now.

“It is a 180-minute game, so to speak, which we are really looking forward to.

“There are no easy matches in the play-offs and you just have to give it your best shot.

“Dumbarton are a good Championship side and I have all the information I need on them.”

No matter what league Arbroath are playing in next season, Campbell has already started making plans, tying up key players to new deals.

He added: “We received a boost ahead of the play-off games with the news that David Gold has extended his deal for another year while Bobby Linn has agreed a two-year extension.

“We are also very close to getting something sorted with Colin Hamilton.”

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell has a fullyfit squad.