Getting serious - first competitive game of the season

Last updated : 25 July 2009 By Fargone

ALTHOUGH THEY still have to complete their programme of pre-season friendlies—they play Dundee at Gayfield on Monday—ARBROATH go into their first competitive game of the new season this afternoon when they face Dunfermline at East End Park.

Having been in the crowd watching the Pars demolish East Fife 7-1 on Tuesday night, Lichties boss John McGlashan knows his side face a significant challenge.

"The cup competition has thrown up an interesting game for us against Dunfermline and it is an excellent tie because it will allow us to test ourselves against a full-time team at a good ground and on a lovely pitch," said McGlashan.

"Because it's our first competitive game, I will be telling the players to go for it but not to be nervous.

"They should just relax and enjoy the occasion.

"Few people will expect us to come away with a result after the East Fife rout but no two games are ever the same and, hopefully, we can progress to the next round of the cup.

"We will certainly not be going into the match feeling like the underdogs and will make sure we give a good account of ourselves."

Scott Gates' broken toe means he is unavailable for the Lichties.