Match Preview: Arbroath v Berwick Rangers – SPFL Ladbrokes League Two
After a result against Cowdenbeath which lifted the ‘Gers side off the bottom of League Two and into 8th, John Coughlin and his men will be looking to build on an uplifting performance by bringing more points home from an Arbroath side they are thus far unbeaten against this season tomorrow afternoon.
Though conditions are expected to be fierce overnight, the Smokies do benefit from owning pitch covers and recruited a number of volunteers to lay the covers on the pitch on Wednesday evening to give the match the best possible chance of going ahead as planned.
Berwick Rangers Team News:
Robert Wilson remains out with injury
Centre-half Michael Dunlop could be in line to make a second debut for the ‘Gers after recovering from a calf niggle to return to training over the past week, meaning he could face the side he signed from on his 2nd bow for the club.
However, Dunlop’s inclusion would probably be a surprise, certainly to the Berwick fans who witnessed last weekend’s stern defensive performance from a Berwick back four that included a Man of the Match performance from Alloa Athletic loanee Pat Scullion.
One player who is more likely to start against his former side is Gary Phillips, with Coughlin admitting he was very impressed with the versatile former Smokie’s performance out on the left flank during his first match in Black & Gold last weekend.
Robert Wilson remains out with a long-term knee injury. Jack Cook, who signed for the Development Team after trialling during pre-season and going away to America for the first six months of the season has trained with the first-team through the week and will make the trip north after impressing Coughlin.
Arbroath Team News:
Currently occupying 2nd place in Ladbrokes League Two, Dick Campbell’s side are in a rich vein of form having taken 13 points in their last five games, their only ‘slip-up’ a 0-0 draw with Angus rivals Montrose.
There will almost certainly be an official debut for forward Eddie Fearns, who netted for the home side as a trialist in their victory over Edinburgh City last weekend. Fearns signed from Stirling Albion and has also been with Albion Rovers and Alloa Athletic.
Bryan Hodge may feature for having also signed from Stirling Albion, however Campbell may well be without regulars Josh Thompson and Ryan McCord, both of whom picked up knocks during a midweek friendly fixture against Dundee.
Robbie Mutch will definitely miss out, returning to parent club Aberdeen after the expiration of his loan deal, whilst Kane Hester won’t be around after joining Montrose Roselea on loan until the season’s end.
Match Odds:
SPFL title-sponsors Ladbrokes are yet to price up the market on this one, however the home side are favourites with the bookies.
Match Officials:
David Munro takes charge of this one, with Brian Templeton and Alastair Grieve his assistants.
Enjoy the match and safe travels for all who attend.
