Hilson will boost Lichties goal tally, claims Campbell

Arbroath manager Dick Campbell is hoping that new signing Dale Hilson will help the Lichties score more often in the Championship – starting tonight in their rearranged game at Alloa.

The Gayfield boss recruited the 27-yearold for a sixth time at the weekend from Forfar and he is set to feature against the Wasps.

Campbell said: “When I was at Station Park I took Dale on loan four times from Dundee United and signed him permanently as well. It is great to have him on board again as I know what he can do for us.

“It is a chance for Dale to play at a higher level again and he is determined to make the most of it.

“He will be involved at some stage against Alloa.”

Campbell explained why he was keen to pay a fee and allow Steven Doris to join the Loons in exchange for Hilson.

“It is not rocket science,” he said.

“We have the third best defensive record in the Championshipbutwehave scored the fewest goals.

“On Saturday against Falkirk in the Scottish Cup we had 70% of possession but never created a good chance. That needs to improve and Dale will help with that.”

Hilson’s arrival has been timed perfectly as the League 1 champions are entering a crucial period in their season.

“This is a really important time where we face four tough games in 11 days,” Campbell continued.

“We have Alloa tonight and then Partick Thistle on Saturday in the league.

“We are ahead of both sides at the moment and I want to still be saying that come the weekend.

“We then face Falkirk in the Scottish Cup with the chance of earning a tie with Hearts before facing Dundee United at Tannadice in the league.

“That is a hard run for a part-time side. However, I will use that as motivation for our players as a lot of people will be expecting us to go out of the cup and slip down the table.”

Campbell has a fullyfit and suspension-free squad to choose from.

Alloa meanwhile may have exited the Scottish Cup at the weekend but they still have 16 cup ties to play, according to manager Peter Grant.

Saturday’s 3-2 knockout from Inverness Caledonian Thistle still rankles with the Wasps boss.

Grant said: “We played really well against Inverness and losing was sore as we fought back twice before being punished for a lapse of concentration.

“It is good to go again so quickly.

“We have 16 cup ties left togetthepointsweneedto stay in the Championship. We are four points behind but our plan is to defeat Arbroath and get closer to Partick.”

Neil Parry, Andy Graham and Alan Trouten have all been ruled out with Adam Brown, Steven Hetherington, Jon Robertson and Kevin O’Hara major doubts.

Dale Hilson in action for former side Forfar against St Johnstone captain Jason Kerr.