‘Wounded lion’ stands in way of Lichties cup run

Arbroath have already beaten today’s rivals Ayr twice at Somerset Park in the league this season, writes Neil Robertson.

However, Lichties boss Dick Campbell is taking nothing for granted when his side visit the same venue in the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The Angus club’s latest triumph over the Honest Men came just two weeks ago as they stunned Ian McCall’s men 2-1.

Campbell is now wary of the “wounded lion” but he is determined his players will make it a hat-trick of wins in Ayr with the cup being vitally important to Arbroath for a number of reasons.

The manager said: “There is supposed to be a covering of snow on the pitch at Ayr but hopefully the game will go ahead as planned.

“We will just prepare as normal for what is a huge match for us.

“We should probably approach it with some trepidation after beating them on the last two occasions we have been down there.

“It is a massive cup tie for everybody and there is also big money to be made in the cup – it could be worth around £40,000 to the club.”

Campbell added: “When you count the gate and the cash you get for progressing to the next round, it all adds up and is a money-spinner – but it is the same for Ayr.

“We will beware of the wounded lion and they will still be heavy favourites.

“We don’t have Ryan Wallace (cuptied) but I will probably put Gavin Swankie up front and bring in Danny Denholm or Bobby Linn.

“It is sod’s law. I put them on the bench last week to keep them fresh for the Ayr game but the team were outstanding in beating Queen’s Park.

“However, it is a good headache to have.”

Gavin Swankie: likely to be pushed up front for today’s tie at Somerset Park.