Arbroath boss Dick Campbell is looking for his team to extend their proud Angus derby record against Forfar this afternoon at Gayfield – and more importantly continue their dominance at the top of the League 1 table.
The Red Lichties are 13 points clear of nearest challengers Raith following the last set of fixtures a fortnight ago when Rovers could only draw against Airdrie while Campbell’s men were beating Stenhousemuir 4-1.
Last weekend, Arbroath were due to be without a game as they had already been knocked out of the Scottish Cup but the manager organised a friendly against a Celtic XI with new signing Greig Spence netting one of his side’s goals in the 4-3 win with Danny Denholm helping himself to a hat-trick.
Now, all attention returns to league business and extending this season’s unbeaten Angus derby record to nine.
Campbell said: “It was a good run-out for the boys against Celtic last week.
“It was definitely a worthwhile exercise.
“I made eight changes from the previous week as I was determined some of the lads who had not been playing regularly needed game time.
“That was why I did not make a substitution during the game.
“It was good to see Danny Denholm scoring a hat-trick and it was also pleasing that our new signing Greig Spence got off the mark.
“Greig and Luke Donnelly are fine additions to my squad and I will not be bringing in any more during this window.”
Campbell added: “I have a full squad of 19 players to choose from as we return to league business against Forfar.
“Forfar probably considered themselves unlucky the last time we beat them and before last week’s defeat in the Scottish Cup against Kilmarnock they had won three in a row in the league.
“As ever though it is my own team that I am concerned about.
“Our hospitality is sold out and we are expecting a big crowd for another Angus derby.
“We are unbeaten in derbies so far this season and that is a proud record we intend to do all we can to maintain against Forfar.”
