Arbroath are so close to sealing the League 1 title, the club’s fans already have the champagne on ice – however boss Dick Campbell insists there is still a lot of work to be done before the corks can start popping.
The Red Lichites returned to winning ways last week after two defeats, beating East Fife 2-1 at Gayfield and are now 13 points ahead of Angus neighbours Forfar with just seven games of the season remaining.
Jim Weir’s side are on a tremendous run of form but if they lose tomorrow at Airdrie and Arbroath win, the title could be wrapped up when the two teams meet at Station Park in a fortnight.
However, the Gayfield gaffer is too long in the tooth to start counting chickens, insisting he is just fully focused on this afternoon’s game at Stranraer and is taking absolutely nothing for granted against a team who are still fighting for their League 1 survival.
Campbell said: “We obviously still have that points cushion but after losing our two previous games there was a bit of pressure on the lads last week against East Fife.
“However, they responded well and I thought they fully deserved the win, especially considering everything that’s at stake.
“I don’t think East Fife could have any arguments about the outcome.
“I thought the lads were back to their best and they deserve a lot of credit for that.
“So there is absolutely no reason to change the team for the trip to Stranraer.”
Campbell added: “It has been a happy hunting ground in the past for us but Stranraer still have a lot to play for as they look to pull away from the bottom of the table and we will be in for a tough game.
“People may already be looking at what might happen in the next couple of weeks but we will ensure that everyone is just fully focused on what is in front of us – the game with Stranraer.”
Campbell’s squad is in rude, good health apart from Danny Denholm who injured his hamstring in training at the start of the week and he is doubtful for the game at Stair Park.
