Montrose boss Stewart Petrie admits the prospect of a plum home Scottish Cup tie against Dundee United is all the motivation his players need ahead of tonight’s third-round replay with Annan.
The Gable Endies will travel to Galabank mightily relieved they are still in the tie after surviving a late scare at Links Park on Saturday in a match that ultimately ended goal-less.
The two teams will battle it out once more this evening with everyone knowing that a glamour game with Robbie Neilson’s promotion-chasing Championship outfit awaits and Petrie is fully aware of what is at stake in the borders.
The manager said: “Annan hit the post with the last kick of the game on Saturday so we are relieved to have this second chance.
“I don’t think any team did enough to win the game.
“There were very few chances but we didn’t reach the standards we have set for ourselves.
“We have to give credit to Annan as they came and made it difficult for us, there is no doubt about that.
“So we will certainly freshen things up a little bit now.
“We will probably also change the shape. We tried a shape on Saturday that turned out to not quite suit us.
“So we will change some personnel and the way we play as well.
“It will be a different game down there, the pitch is tighter and they will certainly be up for it.
“Whoever wins has a fantastic tie to look forward to and if that doesn’t motivate my players, then nothing will.
“I don’t know the last time the club had a decent home draw in the cup but we have to take care of Tuesday first and foremost. All our thoughts are geared towards that. It is a big, big game for the club.
“Hopefully when we are coming back up on the bus we can then start talking about the United game.”
Graham Webster returns to the squad and Jordan Millar is fully fit however Montrose will be without the suspended Michael Bolochoweckyj.
The experienced centre-half was shown a straight red card in the final minute of Saturday’s game, the second time he has been dismissed this season.
Petrie added: “I haven’t seen the incident back but I will have a chat with him.
“He was sent off for a head butt which from our point of view is very disappointing.
“It was something we prided ourselves upon last season that we didn’t have any red cards at all.
“It is something I don’t like and we will address that internally later in the week.
“Michael has let his team-mates down but and will be disappointed himself and what he has done but it means someone else will get a chance.”
