Brechin manager Barry Smith had hoped that his side’s 1-0 win over Dumbarton a fortnight ago would herald a period of progress at Glebe Park.
However, an injury crisis is occupying his mind before Raith Rovers pitch up at the Angus ground.
Ryan McGeever, Euan Spark, Callum Tapping and Dean Shields are all ruled out for the game and Smith is facing a sweat over the fitness of Jordan Tapping, the match-winner against the Sons, and Scott Robertson.
Dougie Hill looks set to be involved despite not being 100% ready.
Smith said: “It is disappointing that we have not been able to build on the Dumbarton win by working with a fully-fit squad.
“We are stretched and with all the injuries as well as various comings and goings we will not be able to fill the bench.
“It will be a job to shoe-horn players into positions and a formation but we have to simply get on with things. There is no point in feeling sorry for ourselves.”
Smith reckons his former club will arrive at Glebe in a buoyant fashion, explaining: “Their 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Dunfermline was a terrific result. They played well and everyone at the club will have enjoyed beating a local rival.
“They will come to our place looking to build on that and looking for the result that keeps Arbroath in their sights at the top of the table.
“However, it is our job to go out and build on the Dumbarton result and start looking to move up the way.”
Former Falkirk, Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers goalkeeper Graham Bowman is set to be added, with former St Johnstone winger Craig Thomson coming on board after being released from East Fife.
A loan deal for an experienced defender, believed to be Dundee United’s Lewis Toshney, could also come off before kick-off but all Smith would say is: “There is the possibility of having another body in place but nothing is definite at this stage.”
