Montrose manager Paul Hegarty has warned his players to up their game after going from the “sublime to the ridiculous.”
The Gable Endies went into last Saturday’s home League Two clash against Elgin City in buoyant mood having beaten leaders Forfar 3-1 at Station Park in their previous game a fortnight earlier.
However, they proceeded to produce a dismal display and were thumped 5-0 by Jim Weir’s men at Links Park.
Now they face an awkward-looking Scottish Cup second round tie away to Preston Athletic.
Hegarty is demanding better from his players and, having had the Pennypit Park side watched, knows Montrose will be tested this afternoon.
He said: “It was a sore one for us last weekend but we have to recover from it.
“The players have to look at themselves after that Elgin game.
“After beating Forfar before that, we went from the sublime to the ridiculous.
“It was the same tactics and the same team in both games.
“Now we have to makes amends but this will be a difficult cup-tie.
“I watched Preston Athletic play Civil Service Strollers the other week and, although they lost that day, they were very physical and it’s clear they won’t let us settle easily.”
Andy Steeves, who has not featured since the goalless draw against Berwick a month ago, is still injured.
