Arbroath assistant boss Ian Campbell calling on his side to raise their game

A 1-1 draw for the Red Lichties at home to fourth-placed Greenock Morton on Saturday combined with a 4-0 defeat for basement side Hamilton Academical at Queen’s Park edged Campbell and his brother Dick’s side two points clear of bottom spot.

They’re now second bottom on 13 points from 17 games, with Accies on 11 and third-bottom Cove Rangers on 18.

Campbell reckons a point was a fair return from Saturday’s match – secured by a David Gold equaliser on 47 minutes after Lewis McGrattan had put their visitors in front in first-half stoppage time – but he’s confident his side can do better going forward.

“It was probably a fair result,” he told the club’s Facebook page.

“We had three or four gilt-edged chances in front of goal with only the goalie to beat.

“You can see why Morton are doing well. They’re a very good, organised side, a lot of team spirit and one or two players who are game-changers. They’re a good-quality side and they’re up there on merit.

“From our point of view, it was a sticky game. Could we have played better? Definitely, absolutely. Can we finish a little better? I think so.

“At least we’re making chances and there’s a bit to build on.”

Next up for Arbroath is a break from league action this Friday for an SPFL Trust Trophy fourth-round tie at home to Dunfermline Athletic at Gayview Park, with kick-off at 7.45pm.