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We take on familiar opposition this weekend when Montrose make the short trip up the coast to Balmoral Stadium.

It will be their second visit already this season, having triumphed early last month in the SPFL Trust Trophy, revenge for a convincing Cove victory a few weeks before at Links Park.

That 3-0 win was our most impressive performance of the campaign to date, and as the second quarter of the League One season gets underway, manager Paul Hartley is hoping his players can emulate that convincing display:

“It was a strong showing that afternoon, we played some really good football, created plenty chances, and all three forwards – Burrell, Williamson and Megginson – were on target. We also kept a clean sheet, the only one we have so far managed, and that’s what we need to see more of.”

Paul is well aware that the visitors will almost certainly present a stiffer challenge than they did on their home ground:

“They’ve been on a great run since, it just shows what a change of shape or personnel can do and proves that confidence is everything in this game.

“There is no reason why we cannot enjoy a similar spell. We’ve had them watched their last three matches, we know the threat they carry, and we’ll be ready for them.”

The game comes after the international break, an opportunity for a few bumps and bruises to heal, and for the players to enjoy a bit of down time:

“I didn’t particularly like being away, I’m so used to football on my Saturday afternoons, but I think the players probably enjoyed it, and it did give us all the chance to recharge our batteries and be nice and fresh for the second quarter.

“It has been pretty full on since the summer with all the changes and the heavy workload, and we only had the time off because we had lost in the Challenge Cup, so it was an opportunity for some of the boys to go see their families, which is important for them.

“We got back into it on Monday though, the hard work began again, and we’ve got ourselves up and running, ready to go for the next part of the campaign.”

“It was really good to get the win last time out, getting the first three points at home was a real boost, and it was vital to get that feeling. In the past, we were always very strong here, and we need to get back to that. The victory over Annan, even though it got a wee bit nervy towards the end, was a first step towards that.

“Apart from the very top, where Falkirk and Hamilton have opened up a bit of a gap, the rest of the league is very tight, and our full focus is on climbing the table during the next few months.

“Even before the win, we had been playing some decent stuff, and getting the late goals against Edinburgh and Stirling Albion showed real character. There’s a lot of confidence within the group now, and we need to build on that.”

Paul will once again be without the suspended Mitch Megginson, who completes his ban, and long-term injury victims, Luke Strachan and Josh Kerr. While Luke will remain sidelined for some time yet, Josh is getting closer to what would be an ahead of schedule return, the midfielder expected to resume training next week.

Supporters planning on taking in the game on Saturday can purchase their tickets HERE.

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