Forfar manager Gary Bollan has warned his players that they can’t keep giving Arbroath the chance to leapfrog them.
On three occasions their Angus neighbours have failed to take advantage of a Loons slip-up, the last of them being seven days ago when both teams lost.
But Bollan knows that they won’t be able to keep counting on such charity.
Forfar welcome Clyde to Station Park today and Bollan said: “We actually started well but we then lost a comical goal and deflated us.
“It was strange coming in after the game as there was no relief at finding out that Arbroath had lost as well.
“There was just added disappointment that we had missed the chance to go four points clear with just three games left.
“Arbroath have had three chances to overtake us recently and we cannot keep giving them opportunities.
“We have discussed in great deal with the players about the need to look after ourselves in a league as competitive as this.”
Clyde are enjoying a resurgence under the youthful leadership of former Dundee and St Johnstone striker Peter MacDonald and John Paul McGovern, and came back from 2-0 down to Elgin to win 3-2.
With David Goodwillie in their side, it goes without saying who the chief danger man is.
Bollan said: “Clyde have added experience to their team with John Paul taking on a playing role as well as his manager duties and bringing David Goodwillie in.
“I have known David since he was a kid and know how good a plyer he is. I know that we have to nullify his threat, however we cannot get too fixated about him because he scored a hat-trick against Elgin.
“We have good players in our team and what they do is far more important to me. Clyde will be coming here knowing that they are facing a really strong team.”
“Every game is crucial for every team and we need to find a way to win to come out on top. We were doing it earlier in the season so the capability is there.”
Bollan has a fully-fit and suspension-free squad to choose from.
