The Courier
ARBROATH MANAGER John McGlashan is urging his players to show what they are made of tonight when they face Clyde at Gayfield in a rearranged league fixture which could have an enormous bearing on both sides' fortunes.
McGlashan said, "If we take all three points then that will take us back into the top half of the table and let us finish the first quarter of the season on a positive note.
"On the other hand, if we allow Clyde to beat us then they will lift themselves off the bottom and only be a point behind us so this is a very important game for both sides."
He added, "It just shows how close and competitive this division is turning out to be when one rearranged midweek match can have such a potentially dramatic effect on the league positions and, having come through something of a barren spell, we have to make the most of our return to form.
"In our last two outings we have taken four out of six points from Alloa and Stirling Albion—and it could easily have been six out of six—and we have to continue to build on that.
"Clyde, despite their lowly league position, have a core of players who have experience of a higher level of football than most of my squad and, as always, we will have to be at our best to get the result we know we can achieve."
McGlashan said, "Our home form has been pretty inconsistent but our supporters have stuck with us and, having now hopefully turned the corner, they deserve to see us repay their loyalty at Gayfield."
Arbroath's only injury worries are Alan Rattray, who hurt his foot in the Alloa game, and Steven Doris (knee), who are both doubtful, while Keith Gibson is available.
Press & Journal
Arbroath face 'awkward' game that may label them
Published: 14/10/2009
ARBROATH manager John McGlashan knows tonight's home match against Clyde could prove pivotal in the Gayfield men's season.
A win would putthem level on points with Cowdenbeath and Alloa in the play-off places, but a win for Clyde would put the Bully Wee within a point of McGlashan's side.
He said: "This is a really awkward game for us as the outcome will see us labelled as either a top-half or a bottom-half side and I know what I want us to be.
"Clyde will have taken a boost from their win against Stenhousemuir and they have a lot of experience in their side so we need to be on our guard."
Midfielder Keith Gibson is added to McGlashan's squad after overcoming an ankle injury, although Alan Rattray and Steven Dorris look set to miss out through knocks.
Clyde full back Robert Halliday is suspended following his red card in the weekend 2-1 win against the Warriors and attacker Dave McKay remains out due to ligament problems.
Paul Stewart has shrugged off a knock to be included in the Bully Wee travelling party and Broadwood manager John Brown said: "Paul is fit to be included and we are in good shape for this game.
"The players have been working extremely hard and we deserved our win on Saturday although our goalkeeper Calum Reidford made some great saves."