Brechin lost their status as the only unbeaten side in League 1 last weekend when Ayr United won 4-2 at Glebe Park but there was no feeling of despondency in the Angus air.
Ray McKinnon’s side have regrouped and are ready to go again this weekend against Forfar at Station Park - with winger Bobby Barr determined to help ensure that local pride takes a boost.
Forfar are third in the table, two places and two points ahead of their local rivals, after being pegged back for a 2-2 draw with Stirling Albion at Forthbank last week.
Barr said: “Last Saturday against Ayr was disappointing as it was a really close game and we were ahead twice but never completed the job. The sending off of Greg Cameron and giving away two penalties knocked us out of our stride.
“In saying that, we have had a really good start to the season and, when you consider that we lost late goals to Stranraer and Peterhead to draw games, it could have been even better. We could actually be top if we had won those two games.
“However, those are the fine margins that games are decided on. If we get a few breaks and turn draws into wins later in the season then we will get those points back and climb the table.
“With Arbroath not in the league this season, Forfar is the only derby we have so it has taken on extra importance. As players, we go out looking to win every game but winning this one will mean a lot to the people of Brechin.
“It is important to the fans and everyone associated with the club that we do well at Station Park although it will be tough. Forfar have a really strong squad as they have had for a few seasons.”
The former St Johnstone, Albion Rovers, Livingston and East Fife winger is looking to play his part in a Brechin success by upping his strike rate.
The 26-year-old: “My own form has been OK and I feel that I have been hitting a good level of consistency in recent weeks but one thing that I need to do better with is in the taking of chances.
“You could say I pinched a goal from Alan Trouten in the recent 5-0 win over Stirling Albion when I touched one of his net-bound shots over the line. I was conscious I had to get off the mark for the season and that was too good an opportunity to miss! Last season I managed to get seven goals and I am looking to better that this time out.”
The Glebe Park side are determined to put in a promotion push after disappointing 2013/14 season, when manager McKinnon was rarely able to field a full-strength side due to injuries.
Barr said: “Up until the Stirling game we had been doing well to avoid injuries. Alan had missed a couple of games but it was a lot better than last season. Callum Tapping took a knock to his knee that day and will be missing for a while but thankfully things are looking better overall on that front.
“Last season was not great for anyone and it got off to a bad start for me when I injured my groin in the very first game. I needed an operation to get myself 100% right. I could play but not train and that was me for most of the season so hopefully I’ll be OK this time. We have a decent squad and we can finish at the top end if we avoid too many injuries.”
Craig Stewart
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