STREETWISE Heriot’s skipper Keith Morton insists he won’t be fooled by the lowly league position of Arbroath when he leads his side into battle at Lochlands.
The hosts lie second bottom of the pile in the wake of a rocky start to their campaign, but Morton laughed off the notion that the Angus men will be a soft touch this weekend.
He said: “I don’t think there’s ever a good time to be going up to Arbroath. Whatever XI they put out will always be well led by Marc Petrie and be extremely competitive, particularly on their own patch.
“We’re very much looking forward to the match because it’s always a great venue to play at – and they always get plenty of supporters coming through the gates.”
Morton welcomes back seamer Elliot Ruthven, who has shaken off the effects of illness.
Petrie’s strugglers are boosted by the return of all rounder Calvin Burnett, who has battled back from shoulder surgery.
The skipper stated: “The honest appraisal is that our form has been pretty poor and well below the standards we set for ourselves. Hopefully our fighting victory over Poloc in the Scottish Cup can inspire usagainst a very good Heriots side, who have been one of the top performers in recent seasons.
“Though Calvin won’t be bowling, he will still contribute immensely as a batsman.”
Shaun Christie and Euan Small are unavailable, while Ryan Cameron is promoted after a string of strong performance in the seconds.
Pacesetters Forfarshire will be tested to the full by a Carlton combine that has found rhythm.
New signing from Arbroath, Fraser Burnett, is not available to square up to his former Tayside foes.
Elsewhere, champions Grange ought to be too powerful for Watsonians at Raeburn Place.
And for the first time in many years, Stoneywood-Dyce will start as favourites in the Granite City showdown with Aberdeenshire at Peoples Park.
Stew-Mel will have instant revenge on their minds at Barnton as they collide with RHC, convincing victors in the cup derby last Sunday.
