Smith wants leaders’ scalp in Angus derby

Brechin boss Barry Smith is hoping his players can make it a notable derby double when they face league leaders Arbroath this afternoon.

The 44-year-old had a dream start to his tenure at the Glebe, winning 4-0 against rivals Forfar last week thanks to an Andy Jackson double and goals from Aron Lynas and Cameron Blues.

The result ended a run of three defeats in a row for Brechin and Smith is looking for his players to now make it two consecutive wins when they face Dick Campbell’s unbeaten Red Lichties.

Smith said: “As I said to the players after the game, it is a good start and it gives us a good base to build on.

“It was a good team performance and they worked very hard to get the result.

“Obviously it is pleasing from my point of view to come in and get a clean sheet as well as seeing the strikers and boys from other areas of the park getting on the scoresheet. Training this week has been nice and sharp again.

“The boys have worked hard and they know they will have to be at their very best to get a result on Saturday.

“It doesn’t get much tougher against an Arbroath side who are flying high at the top of the league.

“Dick is a good friend of mine and he has his team playing very well. They are well organised and they have a lot of experience in the team which gives them a good base to work from. They have been excellent this season but we have to approach the game with confidence and the belief that we can win it at home.

“The lads should take belief from winning that game against a Forfar side that had won their previous three matches against tough opposition.”

Smith will still be without three key players with the manager revealing that Paul McLean has been hit with another big blow.

He said: “It is the same squad as last week with Dene Shields, Callum Hendry and Paul McLean still out. Paul has had another setback after suffering a stress fracture of his leg last week in training. So he is out for five weeks.”

Meanwhile, Campbell admits it is difficult to change a winning team, even when players are coming off the bench to score vital goals.

Steven Doris, who has battled back bravely from what was his third cruciate ligament injury, did just that last week as the Red Lichties beat Montrose at Gayfield to extend their lead at the top of the League 1 table to 10 points.

The match was also the third game in a row where Arbroath had kept a clean sheet, with Campbell saying: “Our defence and goalie have been doing really well. We have only conceded nine goals in total and this is now November which is a fantastic record.

“At the other end of the park, our play probably deserves more goals but it was good to see Danny Denholm and Steven Doris back on the scoresheet last week.

“Steven has now suffered three cruciate injuries in his career at Stirling, Dundee and now Arbroath. But he has worked ever so hard to get back. It is credit to the lad. He is causing me real problems now because he is champing at the bit.

“Brechin will be boosted after a fantastic result in Barry’s first game last week, so we know we are in for a really tough game.”

Callum Smith remains out for Arbroath after breaking his wrist.

SNS. City defender Paul McLean has been ruled out for five weeks after suffering a stress fracture of his leg.