The Lichties were left without six first team players as they dropped to ninth spot in the league following their 2-0 defeat by Raith Rovers on Saturday.

It would be fair to say that John McGlashan's side were equal to Rovers for much of the game. And while the home side probably shaded their rivals in terms of goalscoring chances, crucially the visitors took their opportunities when it mattered.

Despite another defeat, Mr McGlashan remains upbeat and took a number of positives from the game.
He told HeraldSport: "Raith had slightly more quality then us. We created just as many chances but a couple of wonderful saves from their goalkeeper stopped us from getting back in the game."

Reviewing his team's performance over the first quarter, the manager said: "We have been a wee bit naive at times but hopefully the close calls in some games will swing our way as the season progresses. It's been an enjoyable experience so far but we need to turn good performances into points.

"I think we are unlucky to be in ninth spot but I'm not too concerned by league placings at this time. We've seen every team now and think there is very little between many of the clubs."

With no game this weekend Mr McGlashan hopes to organise a Friday evening tie at Gayfield against a local junior side while some of the team will play against Dunfermline at East End Park on Tuesday night.

Paul Lunan, Roddy Black (both hamstring) and Paul Tosh (thigh) all missed the Raith game with minor problems but should be fit to face Alloa and may participate in the forthcoming bounce games.
Alan Rattray is another casualty after breaking his scaphoid, a tiny bone in the wrist.

That leaves Paul Watson who is set for a scan with a troublesome hamstring injury.

Mr McGlashan said: "He's taking longer than expected to recover." Arbroath fans will be disappointed to learn that the same assessment can be applied to Bryan Scott.