The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Lichties look for timely boost
ARBROATH: Victory the aim for Gayfield boss in bid to build momentum
Newly-appointed Arbroath boss Todd Lumsden is looking to end the Lichties’ League 2 season with a win over visitors Berwick Rangers today and continue positive momentum towards the playoffs that start next midweek with the visit of Queen’s Park.
Lumsden, who was appointed to the post on Thursday after stepping up from assistant manager when Allan Moore was dismissed, has been in charge as Arbroath have drawn with the Hampden side and champions Albion Rovers.
He has seen enough in those two games to be confident that promotion could still be achieved despite a wretched run that has seen only one league win in 17 games.
Lumsden, who will bring in former Gayfield striker Steve Hislop as his assistant, said: “People talk about momentum and the play-offs but first and foremost I want to end the season with a win. We have not had a win now for seven games so it would be nice to end that run.
“Momentum comes from the way you are playing and we have been building that with good performances in our last two games. The players have taken confidence from two good displays and a win and playing well against Berwick would help that along further.”
Conceding late goals have cost Arbroath wins in Lumsden’s games in charge but the new boss is hoping that they prove to be a blessing in disguise.
“Looking at it positively that could be a great learning experience ahead of the play-offs,” said Lumsden before adding: “The players now know exactly what can happen if you do not see things out.
“Queen’s Park’s goal came from not clearing the ball out of the park and it was an unfortunate goal that denied us a win at Albion Rovers.
“We were naive in giving them the ball back at a bounce up when we were the ones in possession when play stopped.
“Berwick beat us well at their place in the last game and it would be good to make up for that.”
Scott McBride, Paul McManus and Adam Hunter all miss out through injury with Craig Johnstone rated as a doubt. Jonny Lindsay is back in training but is unlikely to feature after two months out injured.
East Fife hope to join the Lichties in the play-offs.
The Bayview men need a point against Elgin to be sure of facing either Ayr or Stenhousemuir next midweek. With Annan three points and seven goals behind, only a day of calamitous proportions will deny the Fifers an extension to their season.