Annan Athletic boss warns players about the menace of Montrose

Annan boss Peter Murphy has warned his players to be ready for the menace of Montrose in tomorrow’s clash.

The Galabankies make the long haul north to face the third top outfit after their 5-1 away win at Edinburgh City while Annan were pegged back to a late 2-2 draw at home to Kelty Hearts after surrendering a late penalty.

Murphy said: “It will be a tough game there is no doubt about that and we need to start the game right.

“If we do that then it gives ourselves a chance to be in the game.

“Montrose hit five last weekend and this is going to be a very difficult away game for us, but my players have been playing with confidence recently and hopefully we can carry that through to this game.”

The Galabankies were twice ahead against Kelty before finishing with a point and Murphy said: “We bombarded them in the first half and it was only in the last 10 minutes that they bombarded us and we gave away a penalty.

“We really should have scored in the first five minutes which would have set us up for the day, but we did really well.

“It is a big trek for us and as I said, a really tough game after they scored five against Edinburgh City in their win.”

Murphy has a few players on the casualty list including skipper Steven Swinglehurst following his cartilage operation plus Scott Hooper. And now Kai Nugent has been ruled out following a knock in last weekend’s game.

The gaffer said:“We are missing a few players but the lads are playing with confidence and playing well.

“But we just need to be a bit more ruthless with our opportunities.”