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We resume our League One campaign this weekend against Montrose, bidding to maintain what has generally been an impressive record against our rivals from just down the coast, and to kick-start our season.

Twelve months ago, we went into this fixture having taken a single point from our first four league matches. Mitch Megginson got the only goal of that one, getting us up and running  for a journey that took the team all the way to the playoff final.

Now, after back-to-back defeats against Queen of the South and Stenhousemuir, Paul Hartley hopes history is about to repeat itself:

“We would certainly like that. I gave Mitch as much of a rest as I could on Tuesday night, we need to try to keep him as fresh and fit as we can, that’s key for us, as he’s obviously been our main goal threat for years. He knows the league, he knows how to play the position, and I’m hoping he will be as much of a threat as he usually is.”

Overall, we have lost just three of the league encounters between the sides and were unbeaten against Montrose last time round, albeit thanks to some late heroics to snatch a 2-2 draw in the most recent meeting.

The manager expects another tight one:

“It’s always tough against them, but we’re at home, and we need to get back on track. It’s up to us to approach the game in the right manner and have a good attitude. We’ll be trying everything we can to get the three points.

“They can be difficult opposition to judge, they change their shape throughout the season, and you have to try to predict what they’re going to do. I watched them against Airdrie in the cup, and they gave a good account of themselves, so I know what we’re up against.

“Their personnel hasn’t changed that much, although they have brought a couple in, and like us, they will be hoping to be in the mix for promotion. For various reasons, it would be a really good game to win.”

Arron Darge and Mikey Doyle both entered the top ten of our SPFL appearances list in midweek, each playing their 84^th matches for the club. Paul says the consistency levels shown by the pair has been hugely important to the team:

“They have been excellent signings for us, you know what you’re going to get from them pretty much every week, and it says a lot for their attitude and fitness that they have played so many games. Mikey has only missed one match since joining us almost two years ago, and that was down to suspension! They’re great boys, and I’m delighted for them.”

Fraser Fyvie will be missing again, the likely length of his absence should become clearer once the club gets the results of his scan, but there might be better news regarding Declan Glass, who has been out for the last couple of games. The midfielder has now returned to training.

Tickets for the match should be purchased in advance at THIS LINK

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