FROM the outside looking in, it’s a match of biblical proportions for a team of Arbroath’s standing. But for Dick Campbell, Friday’s Championship-deciding trip to Kilmarnock will be just another day at the office.
At least that’s the way the charismatic Red Lichties boss was seeing things last night as he dismissed any notion of pressure on the part-timers ahead of the do-or-die clash.
Just one point stands between Derek McInnes’ favourites - the team of Lafferty, McGinn and Shaw - and Arbroath, who were tipped by most to finish in the Championship’s bottom-place at the start of the season.
With only two games to go, yesterday’s impressive 5-1 rout of Queen of the South means it’s as much in Arbroath’s hands now as it is in Killie’s. File Friday under the ‘mouthwatering’ category.
"I didn't think it was a 5-1 game,” said Campbell, who could guide Arbroath back to the top flight for the first time since the early 1970s. "All I was looking for was to make the game alive for Friday and it certainly is now. What a game that's going to be.
"I'm looking forward to it, I really am. I have nothing to lose whatsoever, neither have my players or my club.
"We have confirmed our second place at least in the league now so let's go to Kilmarnock and see what happens.”
If Arbroath are to snatch the momentum ahead of the final day of the season, Campbell knows they will have to start much better than they did against the doomed Doonhamers.
After failing to heed several warning signs, they went behind to an Ally Roy header and looked rattled, only to play their way back into the contest and head in at the break ahead, thanks to goals from Colin and Jack Hamilton.
An Innes Cameron own goal - coincidentally, on loan from Kilmarnock - made it three, before Jack Hamilton quashed any remaining doubts with a stunning fourth. James Craigen’s late strike was just the icing on the cake.
"We didn't start the game well and I was contesting some parenthoods at half time I can assure you!" said Campbell. “We were fortunate to be 2-1 up at half time, but the second half was just constant waves of attacks.
"Jack Hamilton's second goal was world class.If it was in the Premier League, it would be Goal of the Season. What a hit it was..
"I'm delighted we scored five because it puts us two goals ahead of Killie on goal difference.
"I don't know how many times we have managed to comeback this season. It's great."
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