League 2 featured game

Montrose and Arbroath meet for the fourth time this season on Saturday when the League 2 leaders travel to Links Park.

Allan Moore’s men won 3-1 in the league at Gayfield and progressed by the same score after extra time in a Scottish Cup replay against their Angus rivals.

The Gable Endies are also looking for better fortune in the goalkeeping department after Stuart McKenzie was dismissed for the second time in the opening minutes of a match when he saw red against Queen’s Park last weekend.

McKenzie was also giving his marching orders in a 2-0 defeat from Albion Rovers last month and on that occasion goalkeeping coach John McCafferty had to go between the sticks.

Since then, former Clyde, Dundee, Queen’s Park and Airdrie goalkeeper Lucas Birnstingl has been recruited and he is looking to stake his claim for a regular place by shutting out the Red Lichties.

Birnstingl said: “I actually did not see the sending off last week but it was just one of those things that can happen to goalkeepers. The first time it happened I had not signed so John came on. I signed shortly afterwards and came in for the next couple of games when Stuart was suspended.

“I had no chance from the penalty by Queen’s Park’s and the second goal right on half-time from the set-play was really disappointing. If we went in at just 1-0 down we would have had a chance of getting back into things.

“We defended really well in the second half when they had loads of possession and kept pushing forward. I was pleased with my performance and made a couple of decent saves. I also had to do a bit of sweeping as they were getting balls in behind us. I had to be switched on to that.

“I only knew three or four of their team, which is some turnaround since I left in May. They are a different team, a very solid team, but we saw things out without losing any more goals.”

The win took the Hampden side into second place, with Montrose not suffering too much as they remained in fourth spot.

Birnstingl added: “Montrose’s season has been going OK and we sit in a good position but winning last weekend would have been good as it would have strengthened that position.

“We have done well in the league but it was disappointing to lose to Arbroath in the Scottish Cup. Hopefully we can get things back on track this weekend when we meet them again.

“It is a chance to stake my claim and I want to take it. I want to be the first-choice goalkeeper at Montrose and I have to use this game to show that.”

Despite Allan Moore’s men winning eight games from nine so far, Montrose manager George Shields is looking forward to the challenge of toppling their neighbours.

He said: “We have played them a few times already this season and they are games you do not need to lift the players for. Arbroath are streaking away with things at the moment but we will try and derail them.”

Craig Stewart