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Paul Hartley is hoping for a repeat performance from last Saturday’s excellent showing at Stenhousemuir when Arbroath come calling this weekend.

The 4-0 win at Ochilview was our biggest of the season and kept us firmly on track in the promotion battle. Another three points against the league leaders would see us draw level with them, and that is exactly what the manager is targeting:

“It was a very good team performance last week, the players did everything we asked of them both offensively and defensively, so we are going to need more of the same.

“When you win against one of your direct rivals it’s really important, and we are going to have to do the dirty side of the game as we did at Stenhousemuir and look to use the quality we have.”

Having already lost twice to Saturday’s visitors, Paul is well aware of the challenge they pose:

“They have had a really strong few months since the two lads (Colin Hamilton and David Gold) took over, so we are going to have to be ready for them.

“Our form has been good, even in the game we lost at Queen of the South, so I’ve been really happy with the boys, and we’ve had continuity of selection, which helps.

“We feel as if we’re getting stronger, there are a few more options on the bench. February is going to be an important month with four home games, and we will be looking to take as many points as we can as we head towards the run-in.”

Arbroath have not played in almost a month since their 3-1 home loss to Alloa Athletic on January 4^th but remain top of the table with games in hand over all their rivals. They have had a busy month, bringing in Sam Stanton, Billy King, Andy Winter and Kieran McKechnie, so it will likely be a much changed line-up from our last meeting in mid-November.

Quinn Coulson, signed on loan from the Gayfield side, is ineligible for this one, but apart from Liam Parker and Will Gillingham, both nearing a return, we have no new injury concerns.

With a busy month ahead at Balmoral Stadium, and some key matches, the manager is hoping for a big turnout:

“It would be great to have that and I’m sure there will be a decent crowd for what is a big game. The players should be bouncing into it full of confidence, and the fans can definitely play their part.”

Tickets can be purchased in advance at this LINK

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