Petrie calls on Gable Endies to be ‘right at it’ against derby rivals

Montrose manager Stewart Petrie is urging his players to be right “at it” in this afternoon’s Angus derby with Forfar after a below-par performance in defeat last week at Stenhousemuir.

The Gable Endies travelled to face Colin McMenamin’s team in confident frame of mind after a thumping 5-2 win over Brechin the week previously.

However, they struggled to get out of first gear at Ochilview and there was no way back for Petrie’s men after they conceded the only goal of the game in the 68th minute.

Now, the Links Park boss is looking for a big improvement against a Forfar side who are six games unbeaten in the league, sitting in third place in the table.

Petrie said: “We were disappointed last week.

“We just never seemed to get going and the longer the game went you were thinking the first goal was going to be vital. Fair play to Stenny, they got it and defended well after that.

“We just couldn’t break them down. We weren’t at it and if that’s the case you are not going to win games – it is as simple as that.

“We now have a derby which is a great game to bounce back into. Forfar are going great at the moment and have a right, good experienced team.

“So we know how difficult the game will be as they will arrive full of confidence.

“We will have to do a lot better than last week if we want to get anything out of the game.”

Forfar manager Jim Weir is adamant there is a lot more than local pride at stake when his side pitch up at Links Park.

The main reason is that winning could put pressure on League One leaders Arbroath.

The Loons are unbeaten in six league games and sit third on goal difference behind Raith Rovers at the moment.

Weir said: “It will be another fiercelycontested local derby.

“We have done well against Montrose so far this season by winning two and drawing one.

“In fact, we have done well across all the Angus games, and we will look to keep that going.

“I am sure that Montrose will want to turn that around but there are plenty of other reasons why this is such a huge game.

“Raith, who are alongside us, are playing the leaders Arbroath, and East Fife, who are just below us, are not playing.

“If we win, we will pick up points on one if not both of the top two and also increase our advantage over East Fife before they play catch-up.

“Arbroath are well out in front but if they lose in Kirkcaldy it would be great if we won as it would put a bit more pressure on them.”

Brad Spencer returns from the two-game ban he picked up when he was sent off on his debut at Arbroath.

Stewart Petrie expects difficult game today.