Montrose boss Paul Hegarty admits he was delighted by the support his side received during their crunch pyramid play-off at the end of last season from fans of fierce local rivals Arbroath.
The Gable Endies support turned out in huge numbers for that vital game but there was also backing from Red Lichties fans as well as others from Angus neighbours Brechin and Forfar all hoping Montrose could win to stay in the SPFL.
Of course, they did and Hegarty is sure normal rival service will be resumed when Arbroath come calling on league business to Links Park today.
He said: “To be honest, I wasn’t fully aware of just how huge the rivalry between the two clubs was until I became manager at Montrose.
“However, it was great to see so many Arbroath, Forfar and Brechin fans supporting us in our hour of need against Brora Rangers.
“I think it emphasised that it is a friendly rivalry between the Angus clubs and was pleasing to see.
“There is probably not enough of that in football and the fans were very complimentary after the game telling us they were glad we stayed up.
“So we will look forward to welcoming them back this weekend as we try to secure our first league win.
“We certainly created enough chances last week at Berwick but we were severely punished.
“So we have to be more clinical against Arbroath.”
The Red Lichties will also look to bounce back from their horror show opening day 3-0 defeat from Elgin and manager Todd Lumsden believes they can do it especially in a local derby.
Lumsden said: “There will be no problem with a hangover from last weekend as this game will have a bit of an edge to it. The games between us last season were all dramatic and everyone in our squad will be ready.
“We won a couple of games handsomely and Montrose hit back from a couple of goals down to get a draw in one and then they had a 3-0 success over us. It will be tight however it is a game that we can win.”
Lumsden has added new Andy Ryan on loan from Hamilton Accies and Darren Ramsay has joined on a similar basis from Rangers and debuts could be handed out today.
Kieran McWalter is available again after injury however Colin Wilson is suspended and Mark Whatley remains out with a knee injury.