Brechin boss Darren Dods will treat Stenhousemuir with a lot of respect this afternoon despite the Warriors propping up League One.
This game against the basement boys does, on paper, give second-placed City an ideal opportunity to put pressure on promotion rivals Livingston and Alloa, with third hosting first at the Tony Macaroni Arena today.
However, Dods is taking absolutely nothing for granted at Ochilview.
The main reason is that, although their opponents were hammered 5-0 by Stranraer last weekend, their three results before that were a win at East Fife and draws against Alloa and Peterhead respectively.
Dods, who is looking for his own players to bounce back after a 1-0 defeat to the Wasps at Glebe Park last Saturday, said: “With Livi and Alloa playing one another this does give us a chance to put the pressure on if we win.
“However, it will be tough down there on the artificial pitch against a team desperate to bounce back after their last result.
“Stenny have had some heavy defeats but they have had one or two decent results and performances as well.
“So will be treating them with respect because I know we will have to play well down there to take anything from the game.
“Of course, we have to bounce back ourselves but I saw signs in that Alloa game that were quite positive.
“We did better in the second half and had a decent shout for a penalty.
“I think we maybe could have expected to get a draw out of it in the end.”
Dods will have the same squad available to face the Warriors.
Chris O’Neil, who has been missing for the last few weeks, will be sidelined again but could come into contention for next weekend’s home game against Livi.
Meanwhile, Brechin’s Christmas Eve trip to Alloa will now kick off at the earlier time of 1pm at the request of both clubs.
