Arbroath top flight dream moves step nearer after draw with Partick Thistle

Yet Arbroath’s fourth consecutive league draw could have been even better as defender Colin Hamilton fired low into the far corner to give the home side the lead after only six minutes.

In front of 1648 spectators, Campbell's side dominated early on and deserved their one-goal advantage until Ian McCall’s Thistle side improved after the break.

Partick’s fightback saw Thomas O'Brien have to clear off his own goal line before defender Ciaran McKenna drilled the equaliser to secure a point that moves Thistle up to fourth spot.

"It was the proverbial game of two halves really,” Campbell said. “First half, we were well on top and had four chances and I was a bit disappointed to only be 1-0 up.

"Ian obviously had words with them at half-time and they were better than us in the second half, although they didn't create a lot of chances, and I'm happy with a point."

The draw against the Jags came three days after Arbroath were involved in a 0-0 Championship stalemate at Greenock Morton, who have improved greatly in recent weeks since the appointment of Dougie Imrie as manager.

“I thought it was a fair result,” Campbell told the Angus County Press. “I thought both teams played well and were worthy of a point.

"The last two away games have been good draws for us and no goals against so that’s positive.

"Every single game in this division it’s just about focusing on your own team. We are a pretty positive group when we get all motivated.

"I’m thinking that we try and get as many points as we possibly can and see where it takes us.

"And that’s the God’s honest truth. I’m well aware of the position we’re in but don’t under-estimate every single team in our league.

"They are all full-time and they’ve all got aspirations to remain full-time and to do that they need to stay in the league.

"So every single game we play we’ll be fighting.”

When asked if taking Arbroath into Scotland’s top flight would be one of the best achievements in Scottish football history, Campbell replied: “I would imagine so. I would imagine everybody connected with Arbroath would get the coverage it deserves.

"Let’s have a go and see where it takes us.”

The fascinating position at the top of the Championship table currently sees Arbroath in the lead with 48 points from 27 games, a point ahead of second placed Kilmarnock who have played the same number of matches.

Third placed Inverness Caledonian Thistle – who have been on a poor run recently – are third with 40 points from 27 fixtures.

Although Partick are fourth on 39 points, they have two games in hand on the three teams above them.

Arbroath host Dunfermline Athletic in the league this Saturday with kick-off at 3pm.