Match Preview: Berwick Rangers v Arbroath – SPFL Ladbrokes League Two
John Coughlin is adamant that facing managerless Arbroath will be no easy task as his ‘Gers side look to leapfrog the Smokies and drag them well into the dogfight at the bottom of the league.
The manager believes the Angus side’s prospective new boss could be watching on from the stand at Shielfield Park tomorrow night, and thinks that could well give the visiting team an ‘edge’.
“I expect the new man to be in the stand and I’m sure that’ll give their players a little bit of an edge because they’ll be wanting to perform for the new guy,” said Coughlin. “It doesn’t make life any easier for us. They’ve got a bit to prove and they’re getting sucked down so they’ll be desperate to rectify that and it’s our job to go out there and do the running.
“We’re at home so we’ve got to go out and win the football match. We’ve done the hard bit of picking up a point away but now we’ve got to change tactically and make sure we’re on the front foot to try and score as quickly as we can against them. I think we’re coming into a bit of form now and I’m really looking forward to the match.”
Berwick Rangers Team News:
Goalkeeper Kevin Walker is available for selection again after serving the second of his two-match ban at the weekend, but Allan Walker will miss out again, this time due to work commitments.
Coughlin has promised a few alterations to his starting XI as he utilises the full depth of his playing squad. “I’ll probably make some changes for tomorrow,” he said. “With the amount of midweek games that we’ve had, it’s the right thing to do. We’ve got players who are hungry to play and hopefully we can get the best out of them and pick up the three points again.”
Arbroath Team News:
The away side have recently added Mark Williams on loan from Alloa Athletic, but will be without Kieran McWalter who ended his Gayfield stay by mutual termination of his contract.
Arbroath parted company with Todd Lumsden and his assistant Steven Hislop at the weekend – but Coughlin believes Lumsden’s replacement could be in the stands watching the Smokies, so the players will be out to impress.
Match Admission:
Fans can enjoy reduced admission as a reward for their loyalty during a difficult period, with prices dropped to the following:
Adults – £10
Concessions – £5
Match Odds:
SPFL sponsors Ladbrokes fancy the ‘Gers to just edge the match despite Arbroath’s managerial shake-up at the weekend.
Berwick Rangers – 6/4
Draw – 23/10
Arbroath – 7/4
Match Officials:
Colin Steven will take charge of the tie, assisted by both Ralph Gordon and Jonathan Bell.
Enjoy the game!
