Montrose boss Paul Hegarty rates his side’s performance against Elgin City last week as the best since he and assistant John Holt took over at Links Park.
The Gable Endies started as underdogs at home to Jim Weir’s table-topping outfit seven days ago but they produced a stunning display to overcome the odds and post a 3-1 win.
Now, Hegarty is demanding his players build on that famous victory in what is a vitally important week for the club with a trip to ninth-placed Berwick this afternoon being followed next Saturday with a game at rock bottom East Stirlingshire.
The manager said: “I would have to say that last week was the best performance since John Holt and I took over at Montrose.
“The boys were excellent from back, middle to front for the full 90 minutes.
“For the first time since we took charge, I actually felt comfortable that we would go on and win the game after going 1-0 up even although we were playing against an Elgin side flying at the top of the table.
“It has probably taken a year for the team to set that high standard and it is important we follow it up and get us up the league as soon as possible.
“This is a vitally important week for us but the players are sensible and are fully aware of that without us highlighting it too much.
“The Stirling Albion game (a 7-0 defeat) was a real turning point and they are determined that won’t happen again.
“They showed that when they came back from 3-1 down in the next game against Annan to draw 3-3.
“That showed the character of the players.
“We now go to Berwick and like all of us still in that pack close to the bottom of the table, they are fighting for their lives.
“John Coughlin has made them hard to beat and we know how tough it will be down there but hopefully we can build on that fantastic result from last Saturday.”
Montrose will definitely be without goalie Alex Tokarczyk who has been ill this week along with Graham Webster who has a groin strain. Long-term injured Paul Watson and Ross McCord also remain out.