Arbroath vs Albion Rovers FC preview - Old foes set for Second Division reunion

Posted Saturday, August 06, 2011 by PA

Arbroath will be missing striker Steven Doris as they take on old Third Division foes Albion.

Doris was given his marching orders last weekend against Livingston and now starts a two-match suspension.

Manager Paul Sheerin faces an anxious wait before finalising his side as Beau Busch, Craig Wedderburn and Gavin Swankie are all facing fitness tests to determine if they can take part.

And Sheerin is hoping last Saturday's 6-0 defeat against Livingston will actually help his side.

"It was a disastrous day but hopefully some good will emerge from it as Livingston exposed flaws in our side that had not been unmasked during pre-season," he said. "It also ensured that no-one in Arbroath colours is feeling complacent about a tough season ahead."

Arbroath go into the clash having defeated Albion in the race for the Third Division title last season.

Rovers will include former Airdrie and Ayr defender Bobby Donnelly as a trialist.

Defensive duo Simon Marriot and Todd Lumsden are all out through injury and that has prompted manager Paul Martin to bring Donnelly in.

Martin also has other concerns with midfielder Scott Chaplain and striker John Gemmell missing through suspension, however Steven Canning returns from a ban.

Despite meeting a side they faced last season, Martin is delighted to be starting Second Division life at Gayfield. He said: "We are beginning a whole new chapter for this club and, while it will be tough, I am delighted to be going to Arbroath again."