CONFIDENT Arbroath skipper Marc Petrie expected his side to bounce back to refresh their Eastern Premiership title challenge today - at the expense of the reigning champions.

Petrie and Co square up to Carlton at Lochlands in the wake of last weekend’s defeat at Glenrothes.

And the captain insisted there are no jitters in the camp as he returns to lead the Lichties into battle with the campaign reaching its half-way point.

Petrie said: “Our performance at Gilvenbank was very disappointing.

“I know we were missing a few main players, but I thought we still had enough talent to come away with the result we wanted.

“We were just not playing to our usual standards, however now we are keen to move on and get back to normal.”

Petrie added: “Carlton will make things very tough for us and we are aware of the capabilities of guys such as Fraser Watts and Ali Evans.

“We must believe in ourselves and remember that in the past we have usually recovered quickly from any setback.”

Arbroath are still without Ross McLean and both the Burnett brothers, while Greig Peal will have a late fitness test.

Along with Petrie, spinner Craig Ramsay returns.

Glenrothes, meanwhile, will aim to keep up the momentum when they take on leaders Grange, who also lost their 100 per cent record with their tension-packed tie against Aberdeenshire.

Forfarshire ought to continue their revival by getting the better of SMRH at Inverleith.

And basement boys Falkland will be hard pressed to make an impression on Watsonians at Scroggie Park.

Aberdeenshire will be fancied to make home advantage count when Heriot’s head north.