Campbell targets league success

Cup exit forgotten about as leaders turn attention to winning the title

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell is still hurting over his side’s Scottish Cup exit – but insists it has only made him more determined to win League 1.

The Red Lichties were strong favourites to beat Stranraer at home last Saturday and created a whole host of chances.

However, they could not take them and Stevie Farrell’s team made it through to the fourth round courtesy of a solitary Ian Smith goal.

Back in October Arbroath suffered another loss at home, to Edinburgh City in the Challenge Cup, but bounced back strongly to win the next five league games and Campbell is looking for a similar response starting today against Stenhousemuir at Gayfield.

The veteran boss, who was named Ladbrokes League 1 Manager of the Month for October on Thursday, said: “We created enough chances to win several games but it just wasn’t to be.

“That is cup football though and a lesson learned for everybody. But it is important that we move on quickly and put it behind us.

“I am certainly expecting a response after last week.

“The last time we were beaten in a cup, we went and won the next five games.

“So I am looking for something similar now.

“We know it will be tough against Stenhousemuir. They beat Falkirk last week in the cup and Colin McMenamin has just been appointed as their permanent manager so their tails will be up.

“So we will see what is in front of us. “It was bitterly disappointing going out of the cup but it means we are now 100% focused on the league.”

Gavin Swankie was on the bench last week with Campbell deciding not to risk the influential midfielder as he was carrying a groin injury.

However, he is almost certainly going to be recalled to the starting line-up today.

Campbell said: “Swankie is fit and available again so he will most likely go straight back in.

“Tom O’Brien has picked up a knock and hasn’t trained this week but we will give him every opportunity to prove his fitness.”

Picture: SNS. Dick Campbell proudly shows off his manager of the month award.