At the start of last season, Arbroath FC entered into an agreement with Joma to provide training kit, playing kit and replicas for 2 seasons. In recent weeks however, Joma advised Arbroath FC that they were no longer prepared to meet the terms of the agreement for a second season. Despite attempts at negotiation to resolve the matter and after a great deal of consideration and thought, it has been decided that it is in the best interests of the Club and its supporters, to cease its dealings with Joma. Subsequently, representatives from the Club have been actively involved in sourcing a more acceptable deal with a new supplier for training kit, playing kit and replicas in time for the new season. Arbroath FC is delighted to be able to announce that a new deal has now been agreed with Bukta who will provide team wear and replicas for next season. Details of the new home and away kits will be available soon.
Arbroath have signed former Raith Rovers striker, Steve Hislop. Steve played 46 times for the Kirkcaldy side between 2007 and 2009 and netted 17 times. He lists Ross County, Livingston, Inverness CT and Gillingham among his former Clubs.
Arbroath Football Club are looking for any volunteers who would be willing to drive a minibus for the youth teams to take them to their matches next season. If anyone is interested then please contact the Club Secretary at g.j.callon@dundee.ac.uk.
The following pre season matches have been arranged. Spartans (h) on Saturday July 11 at 3pm, Dundee United (h) Friday 17th July (Kick off TBC), Queen’s Park (at St Andrews) Saturday 18th July (Kick off TBC) and Dundee (h) on Monday 27th July (Kick off TBC).
During the summer months there are several jobs that need done at Gayfield in preparation for the new season such as painting, weeding etc. Any assistance of any kind from any supporters willing to help out will be greatly appreciated by the Club. If you would like to help out then please email me at g.j.callon@dundee.ac.uk.
After fighting off interest from several other Clubs, John McGlashan is delighted to have agreed terms to bring Steven Doris back to Gayfield for next season. Steven had been on loan late last year from St Johnstone and played an important part in turning a losing streak into a run of several wins. St Johnstone had freed the attacking midfielder at the end of the season. McGlashan has also agreed terms with Barry Sellars, Robbie Raeside and Paul Lunan for next season and brought in Jamie Redman, an attacking midfielder from Edinburgh University who have been doing well in the East of Scotland League.
McGlashan gets his man
ARBROATH MANAGER John McGlashan was a happy man yesterday after persuading former St Johnstone player Steven Doris to commit his footballing future to the Red Lichties.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder made a positive impact during a loan spell at Gayfield last season, scoring twice during six appearances.
“We tried, unsuccessfully, to get Steven back on loan during the second half of the season but St Johnstone were going for the title and Derek McInnes, quite understandably, wanted a full squad at his disposal,” McGlashan said.
“Steven made a big impact during the time we had him here, not only with the players and staff but also with the fans.
“There were plenty other teams looking for his signature and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to join us.
“I’m personally grateful to the directors for backing me on this one because, hopefully, Steven will have a big part to play for us next season.”
The fact that Doris has decided to forego full-time offers, despite being released by Saints, to join the part-time Angus second division outfit also pleases McGlashan.
“He had options to remain full-time but that tells you how much he’s committed to the Arbroath cause,” he added.
“He really enjoyed his spell at Gayfield and he wants to play as much as he can.
“He’s taken a career decision here because he knows we can offer him the platform he needs.”
McGlashan now has the backbone of next season’s squad in place and is looking to add just one or two more names.
“I’ve 18 or 19 signed so we’re not far away,” he continued. “I’ve one or two irons in the fire and I’d like to bring in another striker and maybe one more.
“No players will be coming to Gayfield simply for the wages though.
“We have a big team ethic here and they have to buy into that first and foremost.”
Arbroath have arranged a friendly match v Dundee on Monday the 27th of July at Gayfield. Kick off time will be posted once confirmed. Negotiations are ongoing with regards to other friendly matches in the run up to the new season.
Season Tickets for 2009-10 are now available from Gayfield and can be bought on weekday mornings from 9.30am until 1pm. The prices have been held the same as lat year and cost £180 for adults, £90 for OAPs, £60 for Juveniles (Under 16) and £30 for Juniors (Under 12). Season Tickets are valid for all matches, including cup ties for the season.
Keith Gibson has signed for the Lichties for next season.
Arbroath Football Club are hosting an evening of swing music with Alan Mowatt on Saturday the 20th of June. The event will take place from 7pm onwards in the Gayfield Hospitality Suite and tickets are priced at £25, which includes a 2 course meal, complimentary glass of wine and coffee. Dress code is smart and casual. Tickets can be purchased from Gayfield on weekday mornings between 9.30am and 1pm and from Thorntons WS from 9am until 5pm, Mondays to Fridays.
From Friday's Herald - BOSS BEGINS TO BUILD FOR NEXT SEASON
"I'm not just going to sign players for the sake of it because I don't want to change the team completely"
THE SEASON may be over but there will be no time to rest for Arbroath manager John McGlashan.
The Lichties' boss will be starting pre-season training in mid-June, giving him just over four weeks to finalise his squad for next term and bring new faces into the side.
On top of that he will be deciding which of his current players to retain for the new campaign and organising pre-season friendlies.
He revealed to HeraldSport: "I have been seeing all the current squad on a one-to-one basis and discussing their futures with the club.
"Unfortunately I have had to let some players go and it's not nice but it is part and parcel of the game.
"I have decided to let go Steven Weir, John Fraser and Nicky Smith.
"However, in the case of Nicky Smith, I think he has been really unlucky because he has been plagued with injury pretty much all season so it has been hard for me to see how he can fit into the team."
Arbroath took a point from their final game of the season
McGlashan also hopes to bring in three or four new players but says bringing in too many new faces will ruin the team's strong spirit.
He said: "I will only sign new players if I think they will bring quality to the team and offer something different.
"I'm not just going to sign players for the sake of it because I don't want to change the team completely.
"I have been at clubs in the past where in pre-season they have brought in too many new players and it ruins what the team is all about.
"I think it's very rare that it is successful and it usually breaks team spirit."
The manager may also look to the lower leagues of Scottish football for new players saying: "There have been some great successes with players making the jump up to higher leagues.
"Both Robbie Ross and Bryan Scott have done it so I won't rule out looking for players in a similar way."
Last Saturday's match against Raith Rovers was almost a washout as heavy rain battered Stark's Park but Mr McGlashan said there was no way the game wouldn't have gone ahead.
He commented: "Even though the conditions were pretty bad, the referee really couldn't have postponed the match because of the sheer number of supporters who had come to watch Raith get the league trophy presented to them.
It was rainy against Raith.
"A lot of Arbroath supporters also made the trip and it would have been a wasted day for them if it had been called off.
"Even though we were out to win the match as always, the result wasn't going to make a great deal of difference to the league table so I think that's why the referee was happy to play it.
"If more had been riding on the result, I think it might have been a different story."
"I also thought that both teams were lucky not to score but our 'keeper Darren Hill pulled off what has to be the save of the season from Iain Williamson's shot," he added.
Next season, the Gayfield supremo hopes Arbroath can build on their seventh place finish and push further up the league.
He concluded: "I could see us beating the better teams in the league such as Brechin and Peterhead so there is no reason why we can't aim to finish higher next time."
Darren Hill, Scott Morrison, Kevin McMullan, Steven Rennie, Jamie Bishop, Alan Rattray, Paul Watson, Marc McCulloch and Bryan Scott have all penned new deals to stay at Gayfield for next season. Robbie Ross and Ian Dobbins still have a year to go of their contracts with the Club. Discussions are ongoing with other players, including some from outwith the Club with regards to signing for the new season. Steven Weir, John Fraser and Nicky Smith have not been offered new deals.
From the Sunday Mail - Division 2: Raith Rovers 0 Arbroath 0
May 10 2009 Chris Gallagher
JOYFUL John McGlynn last night admitted lifting the Division Two trophy meant more to him than winning the Scottish Cup with Hearts.
The Rovers boss was the Jambos' no.2 when they won the cup in 2006 after beating Gretna in a penalty shoot-out.
But he revealed he experienced a bigger buzz from leading Rovers to the Division Two title.
McGlynn (below) said: "This is a big, big achievement for me, probably greater than winning the cup.
"When I was at Heart it meant a lot to me to win the cup as an assistant. But as a manager you have the weight of the club on your shoulders. This really lifts it off."
A pre-match downpour made the pitch tricky and Rovers' first chance Williamson's header from a Craig Wilson cross was saved by Darren Hill.
Robert Sloan almost put the home side ahead eight minutes later with a 50-yard lob but the Arbroath keeper scrambled the ball to safety.
Seconds later, Jamie Bishop's back-pass stopped in a puddle, letting in Stevie Hislop whose shot was pushed out by Hill.
The rain kept pouring down and it was difficult to move the ball on the water-logged pitch. A 30-yard strike from Arbroath's Paul Watson almost skidded past David McGurn.
In 76 minutes, a drive from Raith Gareth Wardlaw crashed off a post.
And Arbroath's Robbie Raeside made a superb goal-line clearance 10 minutes from time as Marvin Andrews prepared to head home.
Arbroath boss John McGlashan said: "The game should not have gone ahead and I'm glad it finished a draw."
The Lichties lined up at Starks Park against the league champions with Hill, Rennie, McMullan (is this Flyers last game for the Lichties?), Raeside (is Robbie about to hang up his boots?), Bishop, Dobbins, Lunan, Watson, Ross, Sellars (is Barry going back to Forfar?) and Forsyth (young Lichtie POY who returning to Dundee - only loan player in today's starting 11!!). On the bench were Burns, Black (is Roddy away?), McCulloch (next season's captain?), Gates (assume he is on his way) and McGowan (another loan player - has not delivered for the Lichties when on loan from Clyde but who can guess the workings of the manager's mind!!).
No scoring or changes at half time and after 64 minutes Roddy Black replaced
Flyer.
Loan Clyder McGowan replaced DI Ross after 73 minutes. Scott Gates probably made
his final Lichties appearance when he replaced Sellars on the 90th minute.
There was no scoring
and the Lichties secured their first point of the season against the top two teams
in the Second Division - however I reckon that this is not an indication as to
how the Lichties would do next season as the Rovers had the League won and were
probably just going through the motions prior to the promotion celebrations!!
From Saturday's Courier - Lichties determined to be party poopers
ARBROATH boss John McGlashan has vowed that his team will not be travelling to Kirkcaldy simply to make up the numbers when RAITH ROVERS parade their division two crown this afternoon.
The Lichties head to Fife for their final game of the season, knowing that Rovers’ players and fans will be looking to celebrate their newly acquired ‘league champions’ status in style.
But John MacGlashan is equally determined to end Arbroath’s season on a high and he has promised that his men will not roll over as a result of the day’s party atmosphere.
An awful lot of credit must go to Raith Rovers' management, players and everyone else associated with the club for their success this season,” he said.
“But no manager goes into a game without expecting to get a result and we’ll be going into our final game looking to secure a victory as much as Raith Rovers.
“We are not going there to roll over and hand them the game on a plate. That is not going to happen.
“So whoever represents us on the day has a duty to our fans to get all three points.
“We’re not trying to be party poopers but we’ve got our own focus. Raith, as league champions, may be looking to sign off with a victory, but we’ll be looking for a victory of our own and a chance to send our support home very happy.
“Our final game is very similar to last week’s match against Peterhead. Again we’re playing against a team in the top half of the table—in this case the champions.
“But in our last three away games we’ve won two and drawn one, so our away form has picked up considerably of late and we’ll go expecting a result,” he added.
Two or three fringe players may be given an outing for Arbroath this afternoon as a result of injuries or efforts to avoid suspensions.
Both Keith Gibson and Alan Rattray are one booking away from a suspension. However, McGlashan is keen not to begin the 2009/2010 season at a disadvantage so may rest them for this afternoon’s clash.
The only other player who is doubtful is Bryan Scott, who has still not fully recovered from a hamstring injury.
The Kirkcaldy club are expecting more than 3000 supporters to watch their final fixture of the season at Stark’s Park, after which club captain Iain Davidson will hold aloft the second division trophy.
Rovers have been in unstoppable form since losing at home to closest challengers Ayr United in March, going on an eight-game winning streak in the league which has seen them score 17 goals and concede just once.
Victory over Arbroath would equal the club’s record of nine straight wins, previously achieved in 1938, 1947 and 1985, and Rovers fans have been urged to get along early to sample some of the pre-match atmosphere.
Although out through long-term injury, top scorer Kevin Smith will take what is expected to be his final bow in front of Rovers fans at half-time before he officially returns to Dundee United following his loan spell.
Fellow loan signing Iain Williamson, who is out of contract with Dunfermline this summer, is unlikely to play after picking up a knock last week but will also be part of the celebrations.
From Friday's herald - LICHTIES' BOSS LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
ARBROATH manager John McGlashan may have been concentrating this week on finalising his squad and tactics for tomorrow's fixture against league champions, Raith Rovers, at Starks Park, but he also has one eye on the future and what his set-up for next term will be.
He told HeraldSport: "We have yet to take a point off either Raith or Ayr United this season. I know that Raith have won the league and they will be looking to finish off the season in style in front of their own fans.
"There will be a bit of a party atmosphere as the league trophy is being presented after the game.
"There is every chance if we get a result at Kirkcaldy we can leapfrog East Fife. This would be a great ending to the season for us.
"As for the game itself, there may be one or two players who have not featured of late getting a run out, but there will not be many."
The boss is under no illusions. He concedes that it will be a hard game, but says it is one the players are looking forward to.
He went on: "It's a big game. We started the season off with a good win and we are going to try to end it with another good win. We are certainly not going there just to make up the numbers!"
Mr McGlashan revealed that Jamie Bishop may miss the match. He explained: "Jamie may be doubtful for tomorrow's game as he suffered an injury in the incident that led to the penalty in the Peterhead match on Saturday. He has an impact injury to his foot, and there is a bit of swelling. He took part in a light training session on Monday, but was involved in the full training programme on Wednesday.
"Just because it is the last game, I don't want people to put themselves forward if they are not fully fit. If Jamie is not quite right, then someone else will take his place.
"We thought Brian Scott would be okay for the final game, but he is not going to be fit enough so he will also miss out. Mark McCulloch trained this week and will feature at some stage on Saturday. It is important for me to see Mark again. He has been out for two or three weeks with a knee problem but I want to see him playing before the season ends. He is a good player and we need him back."
The manager confirmed he had made a start this week to discussing contracts for next year with some of the players. He stated: "My intention is to make sure that by Wednesday I will have got round everyone and they will all know what their situation is - the ones who will be offered terms and those who won't be.
"I know it is unsettling for everybody when we are at this stage of the season so I want to get round the players as quickly as I can. Some will leave, some new faces will come on board and some will accept the terms that we offer. Generally speaking, there is a good bunch of guys here. They have worked well over the last season and I do not really have any complaints.
"Standing still is not an option, so we need to continue to improve in certain areas. Although we are a competent Second Division team, we need to be better than that. I believe that we need to bring in new players and there are half a dozen that I have touched base with over the season.
"Now I will see if I can bring them onboard, then I feel we would have as good a chance as any of the other mid-range teams of getting into the play-offs next year. That is the aim. Hopefully we have done enough this year to encourage the players we are looking at to join us for next season."
Lichties young player of the year, Craig Forsyth, has been given a fresh two- year deal by Dundee, has thanked Arbroath for helping him secure that contract.
From Thursday's Courier - Forsyth has spent most of the present campaign on loan at Gayfield and admits that’s done wonders for his development.
“I feel I’ve really benefited from playing 25-26 games for Arbroath,” he said. “That first-team experience has definitely brought me on and it was great that I was able to help them remain in the second division. Now comes a big, fresh challenge. But, hopefully, I can step up here next season and be involved."
Webmaster says - I still wonder what the real benefits of signing loan players are!! Where are the Lichtie youngsters?
This years player of the year was Robbie Raeside,
the Young Player of the Year was Craig Forsyth and the Players Player of the
Year was Darren Hill
At the POY dance on Saturday Gibby shows another
reason why McGlashan signed him for Arbroath - a man of many talents!!
From Monday's Courier - ARBROATH manager John McGlashan has set his sights on challenging for a top four place next season after watching his side comfortably match promotion hopefuls Peterhead in the Gayfielders’ final home fixture.
The Lichties twice battled from behind to grab a share of the spoils and they came within inches of securing all three points late on when Barry Sellars’ spectacular overhead kick was tipped over the bar by Peterhead keeper Paul Jarvie.
McGlashan said of the 2-2 draw, “We would like to have won today but it wasn’t to be. We were always chasing the game and never got our noses in front, but the players responded well as they have done all season.
“We’ll get one or two new faces, hopefully, in the summer and we’ll try to challenge for that top four place.”
Stuart Anderson gave the visitors an 11th minute lead when he fired low beyond Darren Hill from 20 yards.
The home side equalised in the 34th minute, Kevin McMullen splitting the Peterhead defence with a wonderful through ball which Steven Rennie clipped over the advancing Jarvie.
The Red Lichties were chasing the game again early in the second period, however, when Jamie Bishop was adjudged to have fouled Craig Gunn inside the box.
Anderson stepped forward to send Hill the wrong way from the spot kick to claim his second goal of the afternoon.
Arbroath refused to lie down and pulled level again a few minutes later, Robbie Ross grabbing his third goal in as many games when slotting low beyond Jarvie after being put through by Sellars.
A David Ross lob was pushed over the bar by Hill as Peterhead went looking for the winner, but Sellars’ late effort almost gave Arbroath victory.
Well
worked Lichtie free kick
Classic STV
like coverage of Rennies goal
Ross's goal
Sellars overhead kick
General action
Congratulations to the team for surviving in the Second Division.
This will be my last eset of observation and in my opinion the season has been summed up the home crowds for the last two important home games of the season (509 and 599). OK we won one and drew one but the majority of play over the two games featured the Lichties defending (Yep we scored 4 goals, hit the bar twice and Sellars had two other great efforts but the defensive nature of the team does not lead itself to the home fans getting behind the team).
Looking back over the season I see Robbie Ross as the main plus point and Dobbins as a good return amongst a lot of neutrals and negatives.
The manager must look at the quality of his last summer signings when he revamps his squad this summer as yesterday's squad featured two players who had been signed in the January transfer window and three who were on loan. If you add in the signing of McCulloch and the loan signing of the guy from St. Johnstone that makes a total of 7 players he has brought in to replace thos he signed in the hope if making an impact upon the Second Division.
Forget the old friends bit John this summer, if you want to be a good manager you must make hard decisions and get rid of some of the guys you like and please, please play at least two forwards at home (Sellars is not a forward and will never be regardless of what he tells you - he has scored more goals from midfield than as an alleged forward and if he is not fit suitable for midfield well!!).
It looks like Black and Gates are out of favour so they should be released along with quite a few others.
This was a season where we have lost fans through apathy (and death in a couple of cases) and I know that I am losing my enthusism to attend matches which in the past I would never have missed even when staying in Orkney.
Anyway we have avoided the play-offs and hopefully next season we will see Gayfield as a place where teams dread coming to face the Lichtie goal machine!!
All the best for tha last game and 2009-10 season.
Gavin (retiring webmaster in Aviemore)
From Sunday Mail - Division 2: Arbroath 2 Peterhead 2
May 3 2009 Graham Mann
BEAMING Arbroath gaffer John McGlashan is already looking forward to next season after watching his team secure Second Division status.
The home side held on for a well-deserved draw against promotion hopefuls Peterhead.
McGlashan said: "It's been a good season without being spectacular.
"Hopefully, we can build on what we have achieved and look forward to next season with optimism." Peterhead took the lead in 11 minutes when Stuart Anderson fired past Darren Hill. The home side levelled in 34 minutes, Steven Rennie chipping the ball over keeper Paul Jarvie.
Anderson scored from the penalty spot in 44 minutes and Robbie Ross equalised for Arbroath on the hour.
Peterhead manager Neale Cooper said: "There was no pressure on us and I told the boys to go out and enjoy it but I didn't like watching it.
"We can play a lot better and we'll have to do so during the play-offs in two weeks."
From BBC website
Arbroath 2-2 Peterhead
Arbroath guaranteed their place in the Second Division next season after an entertaining draw with Peterhead.
The visitors took the lead at Gayfield in the 11th minute through Stuart Anderson's 20-yard strike. Steven Rennie equalised after 34 minutes.
Peterhead took the lead again when Anderson scored from the penalty spot after Jamie Bishop fouled Craig Gunn.
But Arbroath levelled on the hour mark when Robbie Ross fired home from Barry Sellars' precise through ball.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arbroath: Hill, Rennie, McMullan, Raeside, Bishop (Watson 56), Dobbins, Lunan, Gibson, Ross (McGowan 81), Sellars, Forsyth.
Subs Not Used: Gates, Black, Darryl Burns.
Goals: Rennie 34, Ross 59.
Peterhead: Jarvie, Donald, Moore, Smith, MacDonald, McKay, Sharp, Gunn (Davidson 68), Bavidge (Kozminski 71), Anderson, Ross.
Subs Not Used: Skinner, Duncan, Kula.
Booked : Anderson, MacDonald.
Goals: Anderson 11, 54 pen.
Att: 599
Ref: T Robertson
From Saturday's Courier - ARBROATH manager John McGlashan is keen to sign off his team’s home league campaign in style against Peterhead today.
The Lichties could still technically find themselves in the relegation play-off spot if they fail to pick up any points from their last two games, and Queen’s Park win their remaining fixtures in emphatic fashion.
But with Arbroath some 12 goals better off on goal difference the odds of such a major upset are unlikely.
So the Lichties will be all but playing for pride when they welcome Peterhead to Gayfield.
But McGlashan’s men will not be wanting for motivation and he is determined to put the final seal on his squad’s division two status, and is also keen to ensure the team brings the curtain down on the season at Gayfield with a good show.
“We’re coming off the back of two wins and I want to finish the league campaign at home by signing off with a victory,” he said.
“It’s not going to be easy because Peterhead are in the play-offs. They aren’t there because they’re an average team and they won’t want to lose momentum going into those games because they’ve got good players.
“But we also want to keep on this run. We’re also six points clear of the bottom two and have a good goal difference but things can change and technically we’re still in the mix for the relegation play-off place. We don’t want to be there and one way we can guarantee not to be is with a result.
“We don’t want to rely on other teams for results and we’re not taking our eye off the ball.”
Arbroath head into the game minus Barry Scott (hamstring) and Marc McCulloch. The rest of the squad have a clean bill of health, but McGlashan may make other changes to the team which won last week after several players impressed in training.
From Friday's herald - LICHTIES AIM FOR METHIL MEN
ARBROATH manager John McGlashan already has one eye on next season.
But the Gayfield supremo's main focus is on beating Peterhead at Gayfield tomorrow (Saturday) and edging above East Fife in the league table. He is confident that is achievable.
He told Heraldsport: "I am very pleased at the way the last month or two has gone, even in defeat. Performances have been decent and we need to ensure that we continue in the same vein for this coming Saturday.
"With it being our last home game we certainly don't want to finish on a downer. Peterhead are in the play-offs. We lost narrowly up north a month or two ago in a midweek game, but we competed well and could have nicked a result."
He continued: "Peterhead are in the position now that we would like to be in next season. They are sitting in fourth place so it will be a test for us and we will see how we compete against a team already in the play-offs. They have got good players and they may even bring one or two new faces in. It will be a tough game and Peterhead will not want to lose momentum going into their play-offs, so they will be coming here to win.
Action from Saturday's win over Stranraer
"We are desperate to win this game and, potentially, go above East Fife. It is an incentive for us in some ways. I am on the record as saying that I don't like meaningless games. People may have taken it the wrong way a few weeks ago when I said we would rather be fighting for something than just sitting mid-table. Well, we are not in mid-table obscurity. We still have things to fight for.
"We are six points clear with two games to go and as much as people will say, 'You're safe!', I don't see it that way. Although it is unlikely, it is not impossible that Queen's Park will go and get a result against Raith Rovers. And if we don't take Saturday's game seriously, we could end up going into the last game looking over our shoulder again."
The boss said: "East Fife are two points ahead of us and if we can get above them this weekend or the following weekend it would be a great end to the season. That is one of the incentives we are using. The other is to beat Peterhead. They beat us the last time and it is our last home game. We are still not mathematically safe. There are lots of things that will generate the momentum for us to go out and win this game.
"With two games to go I already have an eye on next season. By and large, the majority of the team are almost out of contract so that is something we will be looking at over the next week to 10 days. I think the players have done remarkably well, but, as always, there will be some leaving and new faces coming on board in the summer. Over the next two games, anyone who is borderline might get the opportunity to show what they can do."
Mr McGlashan praised his players for their performance in Saturday's win over bottom-placed and already relegated Stranraer.
He said: "It was a good, solid victory against a team that, although they had been relegated, were dangerous opponents because of the position they were in.
From Monday's Courier - Arbroath a step closer to safety
ARBROATH TOOK a huge step towards second division safety with a comfortable victory over already relegated Stranraer at Gayfield.
Quick thinking and inventive play got the home side off to a good start after Steven Aitken was penalised for a pass-back to goalkeeper Duncan Crossthwaite in the 23rd minute.
Keith Gibson took the free-kick quickly and shifted the ball to Barry Sellars who flicked it into the path of Craig Forsyth who had an easy task heading home.
The visitors’ best chance fell to Stephen McConalogue who had a looping effort cleared off the line by Paul Lunan.
Shortly after the break Sellars almost brought the house down with an audacious effort from inside his own half that had Crossthwaite back-pedalling, but the ball dropped just wide.
The Lichties were not to be denied, and their second goal came in the 55th minute when Ross supplied a cool finish after fine link-up play involving Sellars.
Arbroath could have doubled their advantage but twice the crossbar came to Stranraer’s rescue—firstly from Sellars and then from Ross.
Boss John McGlashan was a satisfied man but warned his players not to celebrate just yet.
“We’ve done extremely well over the last few matches and we need to keep it it—I’m determined for us to finish ahead of East Fife,” he said.
McGlashan was full of praise for the way his team opened their account during the match.
“It was a simple goal really but I was impressed with the inventiveness of it,” he said.
“After we got the second goal I think Stranraer’s heads maybe went down a little and I didn’t see much of a threat from them after that.
From Monday's Courier - Vital away win for Arbroath
ARBROATH boosted their chances of avoiding the relegation play-offs with a vital 1-0 win at Queen’s Park.
Substitute Robbie Ross struck nine minutes from time to pull his side four points clear of their opponents in the scrap to avoid the battle for the drop.
A cautious first half from both sides saw little in the way of goalmouth action.
In the 16th minute Arbroath’s Bryan Scott had a 30-yard drive that Zander Cowie tipped round for a corner then the visitors had claims for a penalty denied when Barry Sellars looked to be held on the edge of the box.
The home side’s only real attempt at goal was a Barry Douglas free-kick that hit the wall.
The second half was much more open with chances at both ends. Queen’s Park captain Richard Sinclair missed with a close-range header and seconds later Sellars was denied by Cowie.
The same player again kept the scoreline blank when he tipped over a Sellars free-kick but then Craig Forsyth set super sub Ross free on the left and he swept the ball home from 16 yards.
Arbroath boss John McGlashan’s delight at the victory was quickly tempered by thoughts of future matches.
“That’s a big three points and, while we can celebrate the win, we need to realise that there are still nine points to play for,” he said.
“We’d be mugs to think we are home and dry already.
“We don’t want to rely on other teams...we want to make sure we do this off our own backs.”
From Monday's P&J - McGlashan magnanimous in defeat, to be Honest
Arbroath 1 Ayr United 3
ARBROATH manager John McGlashan could only watch in admiration as table-topping Ayr United overcame his side in an entertaining game.
The Red Lichties gave as good as they got for much of the opening hour, but a quick double late in the second half from midfielder Ryan Stevenson secured the points for the Honest Men.
McGlashan said: “Ayr stepped up a gear in the second half. We gave away a needless penalty and it gave them a big lift. From then we were always chasing the game. The second half showed why they are going for the championship. They got a couple of good goals while we were left to rue missing a few chances we had in the first half.”
Ayr took the lead early in the second half when Lichties defender Steven Rennie pulled Kenny Connolly’s shirt in the penalty box and Chris Aitken scored the spot kick.
Arbroath battled back strongly and substitute Jamie Bishop powered home a Sellars corner to put his side back on level terms before that Stevenson double
From the Sunday mail - Arbroath 1 Ayr United 3
AYR boss Brian Reid's half-time dressing down inspired Ayr to edge a step closer to the title thanks to a superb Ryan Stevenson double.
After a stale opening 45 minutes United took the lead through Chris Aitken's penalty early in the second half only for Jamie Bishop to head Arbroath level.
However the quality of the visitors - and Stevenson in particular - shone through in the end with two classy strikes from the midfielder ensuring the Honest Men remain a point clear of rivals Raith Rovers.
Reid, who has slapped a ban on his players talking to the press during the run-in, said: "In the first half we didn't play like we can and I told the players that at half-time. In the second half we were far more like ourselves.
"With the quality and finishing ability we have it will always give us a good chance if we keep it tight at the back.
"Other teams might let their heads drop when they lose a goal but there's never been a doubt about our spirit.
"That's another game ticked off. We know what we've got to do - we only need to worry about ourselves."
There was little flow to the play in the first half - mostly because both teams had to reorganise after losing defenders to injury early on.
Ayr centre half Martin Campbell limped off to be replaced by Alistair Woodburn on the half hour.
Dean Keenan took Campbell's place in the heart of the defence and coasted through the game.
Four minutes later the Red Lichties lost Alan Rattray with Bishop introduced in a straight swap.
The home side probably shaded it before the break with Barry Sellars striking the base of the post five minutes from the interval with the best chance of the half.
Ayr looked much more likely after the restart and were gifted a penalty in 51 minutes when Steven Rennie's shove on Kenny Connolly was spotted by ref Steven Nicholls.
Chris Aitken sent Darren Hill the wrong way before Nicholls booked Hill and Keith Gibson for their protests.
That should have been it but Arbroath shocked the leaders with a leveller midway through the half.
Bishop timed his run perfectly to power a header into the back of the net from Sellars' corner.
However parity was to last just five minutes. Woodburn laid the ball off to Williams whose wayward shot landed at the feet of Stevenson.
The talented midfielder took out two Arbroath defenders with a swift turn and slotted the ball inside the near post.
And Ayr killed the game three minutes later when Stevenson lashed home Aitken's deep cross to keep Reid's men in pole position for the championship.
Arbroath manager John McGlashan conceded: "We gave a good account of ourselves but were beaten by a better side. We gifted a needless penalty that gave them a lift."
From Monday's Courier - EAST FIFE and ARBROATH served up a largely uninspiring game at New Bayview in Saturday’s goal-less draw, but visiting boss John McGlashan was content with the point that takes the Lichties four clear of the drop zone.
The blustery conditions on the Fife coast certainly did not help the game as a spectacle, but the fact that neither side really managed to create a clear-cut chance until the 38th minute tells its own story.
That fell to the home team’s Jonathan Smart, who headed inches wide from a deep Dougie Cameron cross.
It was slightly better after the interval and it was the visitors who went closest at the beginning and end of the half, with Fife keeper Michael Brown getting down well to stop a rasping Mark McCulloch drive two minutes after the restart and Brown denying substitute Robbie Ross right at the death, tipping his back post header up and over the crossbar.
It was a dour encounter but, with Alloa and Queen’s Park suffering defeats, Arbroath boss McGlashan was pleased with what could prove to be a vital point in the relegation dogfight.
“The players are delighted with the point and we’ve now played Brechin and East Fife and taken four points out of six,” he said.
“It’s a great return from two away games against two top teams and we’re looking forward to the last few games of the season.
“The effort was evident for everyone to see and I’m more than happy with how the players played.
“We’re fighting for our lives at the bottom of the table and every point is a prisoner so it was pleasing to pick up a point.
“I thought we were pressing in the last 10 minutes to try and get a winner and fair play to the players for doing that—in our situation some teams would have sat back and defended for a point but we wanted to try and get all three.”
The draw all but mathematically ended any play-off hopes the home side may have still harboured, although the point also banished any fears they may have had of being sucked into the relegation mix.
Despite seemingly having little left to play for, Bayview boss Dave Baikie was disappointed with his side’s showing.
“We had the wind in the first half and I thought for a long spell we were in command but there weren’t any clear-cut chances—really the only threat in the game was from corners,” he said.
“In the second half the wind did drop a bit and it was a very, very even second half but neither team looked like scoring.
“All in all it was a disappointing day for us—obviously we want to win every game but I don’t think any team deserved to win that game.”
Lee Makel was absent from the squad after going down with flu, while both Chris Templeman and Stevie Crawford, who replaced Templeman at half-time, were forced off with injuries and could be struggling for next week’s trip to Queen’s Park.
As the site moves towards its final
resting place (beauty is in the eye of the beholder and match reports are
written as the writer sees it but times have changed and the match reporters have better
things to do with their time and no-one can be bothered doing reports) I have dug a few more
classics from the archives - maybe not the best nut I like them!!
The Webmaster and Vancouver based Minker with mates at Wembly 1977
Gayfield Hospitality in the port-a-cabin by Vancouver Minker
From the website in 1997
Internal Feuds
Yet again an AFC manager falls out with players. This week has seen
another public (if we call the Sun public) fall-out between manager Campbell
and John Ward over the wearing of cycle shorts under his AFC strip.
Following on the long list of Arbroath Managers falling out with players
-
Danny Diver, Jocky Scott, Colin McKinnon, Stuart Sorbie, John
Brogan, Malcolm Murray, Tommy Campbell, Brian Grant, Gordon Dunn etc.
etc. etc..
We now have John Ward "I must be good as Celtic had me on trial" and
manager Tommy Campbell falling out over cycling shorts - 'designer fad' says
Campbell - doctor recommends them says Ward - leave says Campbell - 'I can't
afford fines' says Ward.
All I can say is if business managers and staff acted the same way as
football managers and players the country would be in a hell of a bigger
mess.
well the country is now in a hell
of a mess and John Ward is still playing for Brechin who are an established
Second Division Club
Arbroath 1 Montrose 1- 12 April 1997 (when Jordan Webster was 6!!)
The Great Tommy Campbell Disaster (poem)
The 1999/2000 Web Player of the
Year award went to David Arbuckle for his sterling performances in midfield.
The Bells Scottish
Second Division Season
1999/2000 - Final Positions (those were the days!)
Team
P
Pts
Goal Diff
Clyde
36
65
28
Alloa Athletic
36
64
20
Ross County
36
62
18
Arbroath
36
47
-3
Partick Thistle
36
46
-2
Stranraer
36
45
1
Stirling Albion
36
40
-12
Stenhousemuir
36
38
-15
Queen of The South
36
33
-30
Hamilton Accies
36
29
-5
The 36-0 Supporters Club trophy
presentation (at POY dance in the Hotel Seaforth on 6/5/00) were as
follows:-
Youth P.O.Y.--- Andrew Webster
P.O.Y. Runner-up --- David Arbuckle
P.O.Y. --- Colin McGlashan
Sandy Law Memorial Trophy for top goal scorer --- Colin McGlashan
Sandy`s widow, Jenny presented his trophy and June Reid (representing
Abbeyfruit), presented all the rest. John McAulay picked up Arbuckle`s
trophies for him as David was not able to attend.
From Monday's P&J - Arbroath rookie’s derby gallop
red lichties like the look of ross – despite missed chance to deliver the points
Arbroath manager John McGlashan was full of praise for Robbie Ross, despite the rookie forward’s failure to convert a last-minute chance which would have given the home side full points in this Second Division derby.
Ross took advantage of an uncharacteristic Barry Smith mistake to find himself with only Craig Nelson to beat, but pulled his shot narrowly wide of the target.
McGlashan said: “He did really well to get into the position to have the chance in the first place. This was only his fourth professional game since joining us from Edinburgh City. He took a real battering today and he has been great for us.”
Ross’s chance was one of a very few clearcut opportunities in a game dominated by the visitors in the first half, but which became more evenly contested in the second period.
Brechin’s vastly superior share of possession didn’t translate into many goalscoring opportunities, although the ever-inventive Charlie King came close on a couple of occasions.
Kevin Byers and Rory McAllister also had chances which either went wide of the target or were gathered by Arbroath goalkeeper Darren Hill.
The Red Lichties came close to breaking the deadlock, however, when Roddy Black’s half volley from inside the box was brilliantly beaten down by Nelson.
Then just before Ross’s late miss, Brechin almost claimed a bizarre goal when a Steven Rennie attempted clearance hit off Byers and cannoned into the side-netting.
McGlashan admitted he was worried during the opening period, but felt his side relaxed after the interval and came more into the contest.
He said: “We rode our luck a little in the first half and I was happy to get in at the break with the score at 0-0.
“We were very much better in the second half and restricted their opportunities as well as creating one or two half chances of our own. And we could have snatched it at the end.”
Brechin counterpart Jim Duffy said: “The first half went very well and we controlled the game.
“But the second half was much more even and we could have lost it at the end when their player should have scored.”
The Lichties have bolstered their midfield with the signing of Keith Gibson on an emergency loan from Montrose until the end of the season. Keith will be available for selection for the Peterhead game on Tuesday night.
Gibson's playing career
Club
From
To
Fee
League
FA Cup
League cup
Other
Montrose
01-06-2007
Signed
50 (2)
6
2 (0)
0
3 (0)
1
3 (0)
0
Peterhead
26-03-2004
01-06-2007
Free
64 (6)
8
2 (0)
0
5 (0)
0
5 (1)
1
Montrose
11-06-2002
26-03-2004
Free
50 (5)
8
6 (0)
0
2 (0)
0
3 (0)
0
East Fife
01-07-2001
28-04-2002
Loan
24 (0)
3
3 (0)
0
2 (0)
0
1 (0)
0
Dundee
01-07-1999
11-06-2002
No appearance data
available
Totals
£ 0
188 (13)
25
13 (0)
0
12 (0)
1
12 (1)
1
goals / game
0.12
0
0.08
0.07
Apps
Goals
Apps
Goals
Apps
Goals
Apps
Goals
Irn-Bru Scottish Second Division
7th March 2009
Arbroath 0 Brechin City 0
Videos
Forsyth the winger,
a Watsons free-kick and the Brechin save
Lichties
huffing and puffing in second half
This was the 2nd Division version of the Rangers Celtic Derby and boy did it match the last old firm Derby in every aspect -
yep it was absolutely crap.
The Lichties were missing Lunan, Raeside and Sellars due to suspension - perhaps we have a
serious disciplinary problem!! Bishop was injured and although rumour had it that Scott was injured midweek, some fans saw him storming
(or was it stomping) away from Gayfield prior to the match.
With Campbell reportedly warming the Carnoustie Panmure stand seats last week, JMcG elected to give us another selection from his now regular pick and mix Gayfield selections. Gates must be really sick as Forsyth, who has played well at left back all season (well during his loan spell), was
surprisingly moved to the left midfield/wing and his left back position was taken
over by McCulloch. Every time I have seen Forsyth this season he has been relatively solid in defence and sometimes dangerous when moving forward with his final attacking pass occasionally letting him down. Today playing in a midfield attacking role showed the fans the reason he is a full back and not a winger!!
Back to the match - for the first time in quite a few
visits to Gayfield, the Lichties attacked the Switchie end in the first half
where, the late Lichtie Fan, Harry Masson always stood smoking his mini cigars
prior to home matches and who sadly passed away just over a week ago.
The first half featured a home team of headless chickens, who were continually
squawking (quite a feat if they were headless!!) at each other playing against a team who thankfully squandered their chances. I understand that the match video is being scrutinised by a team of independent
adjudicators to check whether or not Hill broke Hinchie's record of direct hoofs directly into the stand without the assistance of a howling gale.
Second half with the Lichties playing towards the harbour end saw a more level match with Brechin
descending to our level. Weir was correctly booked for continuous niggling at the referee who was determined not to take any other action unless a player was actually killed as
crippling tackles on Lichtie players did not even merit fouls. The visiting keeper had one save (well more of a block) to make whilst young DI Ross should have put away a great chance when he broke 1 on 1 against the keeper but he pushed the ball past the post.
Dobbins was the best of a poor home team and McGowan impressed when he replaced Weir. Ross needs a big ball winning (especially in the air) centre forward to play beside although he looked happier playing beside McGowan when he came on. It was also good to see Watson manage another 90 minutes and Nicky Smith making a welcome return from injury.
On the negative site, Rattray limped off in the second half (he is a good played but does have a history of
being injury prone). Fans were wondering how we could go to Stirling last week and against the form team in the Division we played well and made so many chances especially in the first half yet at home to a misfiring Brechin team we bow down and treat them with awe. This does not bode well when our next two home games are against the joint League Leaders.
Its now off to Peterhead on Tuesday (will probably give it a miss after today's performance) and then to Alloa next Saturday (a nice wee trip on the train for me).
From the Sunday Mail - Arbroath 0-0 Brechin
ARBROATH boss John McGlashan revealed his soothing team-talk inspired his players to cruise to an easy derby day point.
McGlashan felt his troops were on edge during a nervy first-half in which Brechin could have been 3-0 up.
But come half-time the Gayfield gaffer told his troops they had to cool it if they were to get a result.
He said: "We rode our luck in the first half and I told the players to relax as I felt there was a bit of tension there. In fact, we could have snatched it in the end. But it's another clean sheet which is a bonus."
Brechin spurned a number of chances with Charlie King and Kevin Byers amongst the guilty party but City boss Jim Duffy was relieved to come out with a point.
He said: "Robbie Ross missed a great chance for them at the end.
Despite controlling the game, I'm happy with a draw."
From Friday's Herald - TRIO OF VITAL GAMES FOR LICHTIES
ARBROATH go into what manager John McGlashan describes as a 'crucial week' with games against Brechin, Peterhead and Alloa over the next eight days.
The action starts tomorrow (Saturday) when City arrive at Gayfield for the third meeting between the two teams this season. So far Brechin have taken maximum points from both games, something that the Arbroath boss is keen to halt.
However, he and the team will have to do without Paul Lunan, Robbie Raeside and captain Barry Sellars through suspension.
Sellars' ban, which sees him absent tomorrow but available for Tuesday night's game at Peterhead, is further compounded by the news that under the totting up of points he now faces a further two-game ban starting next weekend.
Discussing the game overall, the gaffer said: "We created more chances in Saturday's game, and only scored one goal, than in the Queen's Park match when we scored three!
"I was pleased that we have continued to create good chances away from home. It was just unfortunate that we never took them. With Barry off it was a blow, it completely changed our game plan."
He explained: "We'd set the team up so much of our play would go through the middle with Barry and Paul Watson our creative outlet. That's why I played Steven Rennie at right-back instead of Kevin McMullen to strengthen the defence. With Barry off that all changed and, with Marc McCulloch and John Fraser injured, plus Paul Lunan suspended I didn't really have the midfield personnel to change it."
In the end Stirling scored late on to share the spoils, denying Arbroath what would have been a fourth straight win. "It's always a disappointment to lose a goal late on regardless of the circumstances," said the manager.
"It's still a concentration issue. The players just switched off for a minute following a tiring game. I actually felt we should have had a foul in the build up to their goal but regardless, we should have stopped the move earlier."
With Lunan out for the second match of his four-game ban, Raeside starting a two-match suspension and Sellars unavailable, Arbroath will be without three first team players for tomorrow's derby. "I'm not happy but I'm quite relaxed about it," said Mr McGlashan.
"I purposely kept the squad numbers high to compensate for end-of-season injuries and suspensions and we have Paul Watson, Marc McCulloch and possibly Jamie Bishop able to come in for the suspended players.
"Brechin are a good team and that is reflected by their league position. However, we are on a good run and a win on Saturday would set us up perfectly as we enter the final quarter of the season."
Tuesday's match at Peterhead is likely to be a tough encounter, especially with The Blue Toon's notable home record. Mr McGlashan said: "We have had good results against Peterhead so far this season but we'll need to take stock after Saturday's game. We might need to make changes to freshen the side up."
Lichties do some very deep defending for a corner in the Second Half
Raeside Scores
Chances, Post, more chances
and pissing around
This was a game we should have won (sitters were missed in both halves by the Lichties), it was also a game spoilt by a whistle happy referee and, as the match video people confirmed, an Arbroath captain who, just after a home team player had been deservedly sent off, elbowed a player in view of the linesman.
With 10 against 10 for an hour of the match the Lichties elected to defend deep in the second half as the Binos tried to retain their unbeaten run. It was not pretty to watch but we had the opportunities to secure the match with some attacks on the break. Poor Bryan Scott was a lone attacker for most of the period he was on the field. The Lichtie fans were not happy about the deep defending and alas in the final minutes when the Lichties pushed forward on mass, Scott was fouled but no foul was given, Black could not get possession and the home team equalised with a rare attack on the break (the home team had failed to get through when attacking on mass for the rest of the half). Perhaps the Lichties should have continued to defend deep for the final minutes but we should have done more with the scoring chances we had but did not take.
From Monday's P&J -Docherty saves Stirling but damage report is high
Stirling Albion 1 Arbroath 1
STIRLING manager Allan Moore saw his men extend their unbeaten run to seven games after a last-minute leveller from substitute Mark Docherty – but was left counting the cost.
On-loan Dundee United midfielder Ryan McCord was sent off for a late tackle on Ian Dobbins after 29 minutes and will miss tomorrow’s Forthbank match with Alloa.
Furthermore, Scott Gibb picked up a booking which is set to take him through the points threshold and fellow defender Andy Graham limped off with a hamstring injury which could keep him out for some time.
Moore said: “We are down to the bare bones. Andy could be out for a few weeks – his hamstring went when he was trying to clear the ball before they scored – and Chris Hamilton has a hernia problem.”
Stirling looked a shadow of the side which had won five on the trot before holding leaders Raith Rovers last weekend and were fortunate not to lose at home to Arbroath for the second time this season.
Arbroath started well and Robbie Ross missed a sitter before former Albion defender Robbie Raeside headed home Paul Watson’s free kick to give them the lead in 22 minutes.
Watson then struck the post from 25 yards and Albion were reduced to 10 men when McCord lunged at Dobbins on the touchline.
Two minutes later it was Arbroath who lost a man as Barry Sellars was deemed to have led with his elbow as he challenged Andy Lawrie.
The Binos grabbed a barely-merited equaliser in stoppage time when substitute Docherty swept in a cross from Mullen.
Red Lichties manager John McGlashan said: “It’s a point away from home and I’m happy with the way we played.”
From the Sunday Mail - Stirling 1-1 Arbroath
BEAMING Stirling gaffer Allan Moore hailed his side after Mark Docherty's lastgasp strike maintained their seven-game unbeaten run.
Robbie Raeside had given Arbroath the lead but the Binos kept going until Docherty's injury-time goal snatched a point.
Moore said: "After they scored they defended but we got our reward."
Raeside put Arbroath in front in 22 minutes.
Both teams were reduced to 10-men when Ryan McCord and Barry Sellars were sent off on the half hour.
Stirling levelled through Docherty at the death.
Arbroath boss John McGlashan said: "It was a good finish from their lad but we should have had it wrapped up before then."
From Monday's Courier - ARBROATH overtook Alloa and moved into seventh place in the division with a convincing and comfortable 3-0 win over Queen’s Park at Gayfield, with manager John McGlashan praising his side for a professional performance under difficult conditions.
The Lichties took a well-deserved lead on the half hour mark when they were awarded a free kick 25 yards out after Anthony Quinn brought down David McGowan.
Skipper Barry Sellars showed his skill with a dead ball when he looped his shot over the wall and, although at full stretch, Spiders’ keeper David Crawford was left helpless.
The home side’s lead was extended a minute before the end of the first half when the were gifted a penalty as Martin Ure appeared to fell Roddy Black on the edge of the box.
Robby Raeside struck his spot kick low and hard and Crawford was again picking the ball out of his net.
Any hopes of a Queen’s Park comeback were dashed on 76 minutes when a well-placed Sellars free kick created confusion in the visitors’ goalmouth and Ian Dobbins pounced to slot the ball home from close range.
McGlashan said, “It was always going to be a difficult game because Queen’s Park are a good team and the conditions weren’t ideal for either side.
“The wind made ball control hard but everyone—from the front to the back—did their bit to keep and regain possession.
“The first goal was very important and when we went two up just before half time I think that was a real body blow to Queen’s Park.
“Three well-executed goals from set pieces and a clean sheet keeps us on track and we have now won three out of three in the games against the teams around us.
“Now we have to look to take points of the teams that are higher up the league and, while that won’t be easy, we are more than capable of doing it.”
Queen’s Park boss Gardner Speirs said, “The referee’s decision to award the penalty just before half time baffled me and changed the whole game, although we have to hold our hands up and say that we were well beaten.
“There is a massive difference between going into the break one goal down and going in two goals down and when we conceded the third it was really all over.
“We were out-fought for much of the match and have to take responsibility for that.
“I expected more fight from my team but they are a great, honest bunch of lads and, with the help of the club and the more experienced players, will start delivering results.
“If we start playing the way I know we can then we are capable of winning against anyone, but we definitely have to do better.”
The two outstanding fixtures that were postponed have now been rescheduled. Peterhead v Arbroath will be played on Tuesday the 10th of March at 7.30pm. Brechin City v Arbroath will be played on Saturday the 28th of March at 3pm. this would otherwise have been a free weekend in the SFL fixtures, with Scotland due to play Holland at 7.45pm. Several Clubs have taken advantage of this Saturday and made arrangements to play outstanding fixtures on it.
From Monday's P&J - Ross at double in first start to edge Arbroath away from danger zone.
Signing from Edinburgh City SCORES TWO GOALS on debut to add to Stranraer’s woes at foot of Second Division table
FIRMLY fixed at the foot of the Second Division table, Stranraer had a lot resting on this game.
But their sights were not as focused as Arbroath’s, who were sitting just above them.
The visitors’ determination to do something about this was quickly and powerfully emphasised as they grabbed a quick goal at Stair Park, doubled the lead before Stranraer could draw breath and might well have had another had the referee been better positioned three minutes later.
Arbroath manager John McGlashan said: “Robbie Ross did really well. It was his first start for us since he came from Edinburgh City and I felt this was the day to put him in from the beginning.
“He’s been working really hard for the last couple of weeks in training.
“He got an early goal which gave him a bit of confidence. He’s on a learning curve and he’s got a lot to learn, but he’s a willing learner.”
Arbroath hit the ground running and Barry Sellars posted a warning to Stranraer with a shot which went inches wide of the home goal.
The warning was wasted and in the fifth minute Robbie Raeside was a lonely-looking figure in the home defence as he nodded a Marc McCulloch corner back across goal and Robbie Ross pounced among a group of players to head into the net.
Three minutes later home goalkeeper Scott Black had to race from his line and fling himself at the feet of Ross as he went free in the box. Black pushed the ball away but brought down Ross at the same time and the answer was a yellow card for the goalkeeper and a penalty for Arbroath.
Raeside put the spot kick away, giving Black no chance.
Stranraer’s strike in the 23rd minute caught the crowd by surprise. Martin McBride’s corner cleared the crowd around Darren Hill’s goal and Stephen McConalogue drilled his ground shot through a ruck of players and in at the far post.
Arbroath took charge again, a goal had to come and it was McGowan who claimed it in 37 minutes, neatly glancing home a Sellars’s free kick.
Stranraer’s hard task became an impossible one three minutes into the second half. when McBride saw red and Arbroath, already on top, were as good as home.
Another goal was inevitable and it was Ross who added his second in 68 minutes, nodding the ball from about two yards with not a defender near him.
McMullan claimed the final goal when he slammed in a loose clearance from the edge of the box in 77 minutes.
From the Sunday Mail - Stranraer 1-5 Arbroath
HARD-TO-PLEASE Arbroath boss John McGlashan watched his side slam five past struggling Stranraer then admitted they didn't play well.
The victory was Arbroath's best result in a couple of seasons but not enough to satisfy McGlashan.
He said: "We never really got into our stride.
"We put the game beyond Stranraer with two early goals then gave them a lifeline and switched off."
Robbie Ross sparked the goal glut in five minutes.
A Marc McCulloch corner was headed back into the middle by Robbie Raeside and Ross forced the ball over the line from close range.
Three minutes later Stranraer keeper Scott Black felled Ross in the box and was lucky to escape with just a yellow card.
Raeside finished clinically from the spot, firing the ball out of the reach of the diving Black.
Things could have been even worse for the Blues in 11 minutes when a David McGowan header looked to have crossed the line but referee Thomas Robertson awarded a goal kick. The visitors were in complete control and Ross almost added another but fired a shot wide.
Home striker Stephen McConalogue threw the Blues a 23rd-minute lifeline though with a goal from an acute angle.
Martin McBride swung a corner beyond the back post and McConalogue squeezed the ball home.
However, Arbroath regained control and McGowan's glancing header from Barry Sellars' free-kick in 37 minutes restored their two-goal lead.
Stranraer were reduced to 10 men just three minutes into the second half when McBride was shown a second yellow card.
Ross netted his second in 68 minutes, heading a Sellars cross wide of Black, then Kevin McMullan put the seal on victory in 77 minutes with a powerful shot.
Ref Robertson booked six Stranraer players and one Arbroath but Blues boss Keith Knox was more concerned with his side's dodgy backline.
He said: "Poor defending has again cost us dear and that's 17 goals we've conceded in four games."
The Lichties lined up at troubled Stranraer with Hill, McMullan (what a right back at right back!!), Forsyth, Raeside, Rattray, Dobbins, Lunan, Ross (good to see him getting a starting chance), McGowan, Sellars and McCulloch. On the bench were Morrison, Rennie, Black, Watson and Gates.
The inclusion of DI Ross (those who watch Taggert will know who Robbie Ross is) paid off when he put the Lichties ahead after
5 minutes. Robbie Raeside scored from the penalty spot after 8 minutes after the home keeper was booked.
Stranraer pulled a goal back after 23 minutes. McGowan restored the Lichties two
goal lead when he scored after 37 minutes. Lunan was booked on 41 minutes and
then immediately subbied by Black- is
Paul heading for another long ban following him missing most of last season due to
suspensions? There was no more scoring in the first half.
There were no other Lichtie changes at half-time and 3
minutes into the second half the Lichties gained a numerical advantage when
Stranraer's McBride was sent off for a second booking. Will this advantage allow
the Lichties to improve their goal difference? (personally I doubt it as I have
not seen us capitalise on an extra man for many a season). Oops, I stand
corrected as DI Ross scored his second after 68 minutes - come on Robbie - get a
hat-trick on your first full match for the Lichties. Rennie replaced Robbie
Raeside after 72 minutes. Yep I totally got it completely wrong as Flyer put the
Lichties 5-1 ahead after 77 minutes. Two minutes later Gates replaced Forsyth
but there was no more scoring and with Alloa securing a late win against 10 men
Queens Park, the Lichties join the Wasps in jumping ahead of the Spiders who
fall into the second bottom position.
From Monday's Courier - IF ONE man knows these two teams inside out it has to be Ian Dobbins, the Red Lichties’ new signing from Stranraer.
In his last four appearances the big central defender has played against Alloa at Gayfield on Saturday and for Stranraer against Arbroath (twice) and Alloa again.
It is a remarkable sequence of games but the 25-year-old from Bellshill is just glad to be back in Angus and free of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Stair Park side.
“The financial situation at Stranraer wasn’t great and I feel sorry for the boys and I was lucky enough to get the chance to come up here,” said Dobbins.
“I had a good spell here first time around and it was probably the most enjoyable time of my career so I was happy to come back.”
Conditions were horrendous with the Arctic weather forecast to hit Britain yesterday arriving in Arbroath a day early.
Even the players warming up before the game were casting pitying glances towards spectators who had paid for the privilege of being frozen to death.
This was a game Arbroath really had to win and they made it courtesy of a Steven Weir penalty in the 66th minute.
On-loan signing Colin Cameron played a one-two with Weir and burst into the box where he was clipped by Alloa’s Dougie Hill, who was booked.
The only negative for the Lichties was that defender Jamie Bishop had to be taken to hospital after a face knock.
Cameron was excellent in his final game and, along with Marc McCulloch, ran the show in midfield.
Unfortunately, good football was at a premium in the conditions, but these two showed that, no matter what the elements threw at them, they were able to produce moments of class.
The three points gathered might help Dobbins avoid another play-off scenario at the end of the season, the player having suffered heartache in the three previous seasons.
“Since the play-offs came into being I’ve been involved every year, twice with Arbroath and once with Stranraer, so it would be nice to sit with my feet up for once and see how other teams get on,” he observed.
“I’m sure there’s more pressure in the play-off to go down than the one to go up so I don’t fancy it.
“I’m confident if we play the way we did today we’ll be alright.
“It was a vital win. The six-pointer thing is a cliche but I think it applied to this game.
“Thankfully we got the win and jumped above them.”
Meanwhile, Cameron returns to Dens Park after a productive final match for the Lichties and the former Scottish internationalist was delighted to end his stay at Gayfield with a win.
“Conditions today were pretty awful and it was difficult to get the ball down and play,” he said. “I’m just glad to have signed off with three points for the boys.
“Hopefully that will give them the confidence to go on and stay in this division.
“I loved that game today. It’s great to be back playing football.
“My aim was to get games under my belt and get myself fit. I got 90 minutes today and felt a lot better than I have done in recent games.”
Arbroath manager McGlashan confirmed that there had been talks at half time about abandoning the match but that he wasn’t in favour of calling the game off.
“It would have been an easy call to abandon the game but I just felt I’d played in worse conditions,” said the Lichties’ gaffer.
“It was borderline at one stage but both teams actually played better against the wind.
“The most important thing for us was to win the game.
“I always felt one goal would win it and thankfully we got it.
“Fair play to Alloa. They didn’t moan about the conditions. They’re honest guys and they just got on with it.”
Irn-Bru Scottish Second Division
31st January 2009
Arbroath 1 Alloa Athletic 0
Videos
First half Action
Waves
GOAL
Action Man
McGlashan's Pic and Mix team won this fantastic relegation tussle at Gayfield where the few fans who turned up were treated to wave after wave of attacks. OK, I lied a wee bit, the match was really crap and the the only waves if attack were those against the harbour wall and the breakwater as the Lichties 2009 version of Jack and Bruce, Gates and Sellars (changed from his defensive midfield position of a fortnight ago) failed to strike terror into the Wasps defence.
The Lichtie's manager, who told the Herald that he would rather be involved in a relegation tussle than sitting safely in the middle of the table preparing his youngsters for next season's Second Division campaign, pulled off another interesting selection at right back. Rennie was dropped as he probably got the blame for the first Ayr goal last week, Dobbins was brought in at centre half alongside Raeside and Rattray and Jamie Bishop (must be a bit pissed off being replaced by newcomer Dobbins) was brought in to play at right back. Similar to a fortnight ago when Lunan was played out of position in the right back slot, Jamie looked out of position but in this must win game the manager obviously thought we needed 4 center halves in the startling line up.
Scott was on the bench whilst rumours circulated that the Lichties had turned down an offer of between £20-£40k for him as the manager wanted to keep him for the battles ahead. Lunan looked a lot better in his correct midfield position this week and Cameron looked as if he had regained his match fitness in time for him to return to Dundee. He did manage to get us a penalty when he was fouled in a rare attacking move into their penalty area. Gates converted for the second week on the trot.
Who will replace Cameron in the team next week?
There was no sign of Flyer, Campbell and Gates who were not even on the bench.
The waves battering the harbour was the best entertainment of the match which was played in freezing conditions with a howling gale coming straight off of the sea.
Thankfully I now have a break of three weeks before I might head to Stirling for the match there (since we beat them there last time they have gone on a winning streak and are now third where I am sure most, if not all, of our fans would like to see us instead of the dogfight at the bottom).
The Lichties put in a solid performance against Cowdenbeath to win 1-0 in the Reserve League Cup at Central Park. The defensive pairing of Rattray and Dobbins in the centre cleared the lines well and looked in control all night, squeezing the opposition up the park promoting attacking play. The only goal of the game was in the first half, when Paul Watson met a cross from Bryan Scott and headed in from 10 yards out. Watson and Fraser, who have both been out on loan getting match fitness performed well in the centre of midfield. Robbie Ross was also a handfull up front and missed a great opportunity late on for a second.
Team: Morrison, Campbell, Black, Dobbins, Rattray, Fraser, McMullen, Ross, Scott, Watson, Gates. Subs: Masson, Smith, McIlravey, Hill.
From Wednesday's Courier - Lichties paid in full
ARBROATH CONFIRMED yesterday that Hearts have settled in full the amount due for
Andy Webster.
The Gorgie club paid the Gayfield side £15,000 last week, minus interest during a period of deferment agreed by both clubs.
The Lichties sold former Scotland international Webster (26) to Hearts for £75,000 in 2001 with a 17.5% “sell-on” clause included.
AFC spokesman Gary Callon said, “I can advise that Hearts have now made the payment to us for the interest that we agreed. It’s in the bank today.”
Arbroath drew 2-2 with Dunfermline in the Reserve League Cup at Gayfield. Robbie Raeside opened the scoring after a minute before the Pars equalised and went ahead with two quick goals due to some lax defending. Robbie Ross then scored a 30 yard screamer into the corner of the net to level it up just before half time. The second half was full of entertainment but no goals. New loan signing Colin Cameron played the first 45 minutes. Team: Morrison, Lunan, Forsyth, Raeside, Rattray, Campbell, Cameron, Fraser, Ross, McCulloch, Gates. Used Subs: Watson & Masson.
From Saturday's Courier - Gayfield stunners
Arbroath 1 Rangers XI 4
A COMFORTABLE win for Rangers ensured a happy return to Gayfield for former Lichtie Andy Webster last night.
Arbroath took the lead six minutes before the interval with a stunning 40-yard strike from Barry Sellars.
Not to be outdone by their lower division hosts, Rangers pulled off a near carbon copy three minutes into the second period to level—Charlie Adam the scorer with his own 40-yard gem.
Rangers added to their tally on 57 minutes through John Fleck who netted from16 yards.
The visitors were hungry for more and they made it three in the 79th minute when Aaron Niguez knocked the ball home from close range.
The Gers rounded off a deserved win five minutes from time when Niguez bagged his second of the night.
Attendance—605.
Arbroath—Hill, Rennie, Forsyth, Raeside, Rattray, Fraser, Lunan, McCulloch, McGowan, Sellars, Weir; Subs—Campbell, Gates, McMullan, Ross, Morrison.
Rangers XI—G Smith, Hutton, S Smith, Wilson, Webster, Adam, Efrem, Stirling, Bagci, Fleck, Niguez; Subs—Forbes, Scott, Wylde, Vaiculis, McShea, Campbell.
Referee—Craig MacKay
Irn-Bru Scottish Second Division
13th December 2008
Arbroath 4 Peterhead 0
Videos
Doris opens the
Scoring
Scott adds a second
Weir scores the third
This years player of the year was Robbie Raeside, the Young Player of the Year was Craig Forsyth and the Players Player of the Year was Darren Hill
At the POY dance on Saturday Gibby shows another
reason why McGlashan signed him for Arbroath - a man of many talents!!
From Monday's Courier - ARBROATH manager John McGlashan has set his sights on challenging for a top four place next season after watching his side comfortably match promotion hopefuls Peterhead in the Gayfielders’ final home fixture.
The Lichties twice battled from behind to grab a share of the spoils and they came within inches of securing all three points late on when Barry Sellars’ spectacular overhead kick was tipped over the bar by Peterhead keeper Paul Jarvie.
McGlashan said of the 2-2 draw, “We would like to have won today but it wasn’t to be. We were always chasing the game and never got our noses in front, but the players responded well as they have done all season.
“We’ll get one or two new faces, hopefully, in the summer and we’ll try to challenge for that top four place.”
Stuart Anderson gave the visitors an 11th minute lead when he fired low beyond Darren Hill from 20 yards.
The home side equalised in the 34th minute, Kevin McMullen splitting the Peterhead defence with a wonderful through ball which Steven Rennie clipped over the advancing Jarvie.
The Red Lichties were chasing the game again early in the second period, however, when Jamie Bishop was adjudged to have fouled Craig Gunn inside the box.
Anderson stepped forward to send Hill the wrong way from the spot kick to claim his second goal of the afternoon.
Arbroath refused to lie down and pulled level again a few minutes later, Robbie Ross grabbing his third goal in as many games when slotting low beyond Jarvie after being put through by Sellars.
A David Ross lob was pushed over the bar by Hill as Peterhead went looking for the winner, but Sellars’ late effort almost gave Arbroath victory.
Well
worked Lichtie free kick
Classic STV
like coverage of Rennies goal
Ross's goal
Sellars overhead kick
General action
Congratulations to the team for surviving in the Second Division.
This will be my last eset of observation and in my opinion the season has been summed up the home crowds for the last two important home games of the season (509 and 599). OK we won one and drew one but the majority of play over the two games featured the Lichties defending (Yep we scored 4 goals, hit the bar twice and Sellars had two other great efforts but the defensive nature of the team does not lead itself to the home fans getting behind the team).
Looking back over the season I see Robbie Ross as the main plus point and Dobbins as a good return amongst a lot of neutrals and negatives.
The manager must look at the quality of his last summer signings when he revamps his squad this summer as yesterday's squad featured two players who had been signed in the January transfer window and three who were on loan. If you add in the signing of McCulloch and the loan signing of the guy from St. Johnstone that makes a total of 7 players he has brought in to replace thos he signed in the hope if making an impact upon the Second Division.
Forget the old friends bit John this summer, if you want to be a good manager you must make hard decisions and get rid of some of the guys you like and please, please play at least two forwards at home (Sellars is not a forward and will never be regardless of what he tells you - he has scored more goals from midfield than as an alleged forward and if he is not fit suitable for midfield well!!). It looks like Black and Gates are out of favour so they should be released along with quite a few others.
This was a season where we have lost fans through apathy (and death in a couple of cases) and I know that I am losing my enthusism to attend matches which in the past I would never have missed even when staying in Orkney.
Anyway we have avoided the play-offs and hopefully next season we will see Gayfield as a place where teams dread coming to face the Lichtie goal machine!!
All the best for tha last game and 2009-10 season.
Gavin (retiring webmaster in Aviemore)
From Sunday Mail - Division 2: Arbroath 2 Peterhead 2 May 3 2009 Graham Mann
BEAMING Arbroath gaffer John McGlashan is already looking forward to next season after watching his team secure Second Division status.
The home side held on for a well-deserved draw against promotion hopefuls Peterhead.
McGlashan said: "It's been a good season without being spectacular.
"Hopefully, we can build on what we have achieved and look forward to next season with optimism." Peterhead took the lead in 11 minutes when Stuart Anderson fired past Darren Hill. The home side levelled in 34 minutes, Steven Rennie chipping the ball over keeper Paul Jarvie.
Anderson scored from the penalty spot in 44 minutes and Robbie Ross equalised for Arbroath on the hour.
Peterhead manager Neale Cooper said: "There was no pressure on us and I told the boys to go out and enjoy it but I didn't like watching it.
"We can play a lot better and we'll have to do so during the play-offs in two weeks."
From BBC website Arbroath 2-2 Peterhead
Arbroath guaranteed their place in the Second Division next season after an entertaining draw with Peterhead.
The visitors took the lead at Gayfield in the 11th minute through Stuart Anderson's 20-yard strike. Steven Rennie equalised after 34 minutes.
Peterhead took the lead again when Anderson scored from the penalty spot after Jamie Bishop fouled Craig Gunn.
But Arbroath levelled on the hour mark when Robbie Ross fired home from Barry Sellars' precise through ball.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arbroath: Hill, Rennie, McMullan, Raeside, Bishop (Watson 56), Dobbins, Lunan, Gibson, Ross (McGowan 81), Sellars, Forsyth. Subs Not Used: Gates, Black, Darryl Burns.
Goals: Rennie 34, Ross 59.
Peterhead: Jarvie, Donald, Moore, Smith, MacDonald, McKay, Sharp, Gunn (Davidson 68), Bavidge (Kozminski 71), Anderson, Ross. Subs Not Used: Skinner, Duncan, Kula.
Booked : Anderson, MacDonald.
Goals: Anderson 11, 54 pen.
Att: 599
Ref: T Robertson
From Saturday's Courier - ARBROATH manager John McGlashan is keen to sign off his team’s home league campaign in style against Peterhead today.
The Lichties could still technically find themselves in the relegation play-off spot if they fail to pick up any points from their last two games, and Queen’s Park win their remaining fixtures in emphatic fashion.
But with Arbroath some 12 goals better off on goal difference the odds of such a major upset are unlikely.
So the Lichties will be all but playing for pride when they welcome Peterhead to Gayfield.
But McGlashan’s men will not be wanting for motivation and he is determined to put the final seal on his squad’s division two status, and is also keen to ensure the team brings the curtain down on the season at Gayfield with a good show.
“We’re coming off the back of two wins and I want to finish the league campaign at home by signing off with a victory,” he said.
“It’s not going to be easy because Peterhead are in the play-offs. They aren’t there because they’re an average team and they won’t want to lose momentum going into those games because they’ve got good players.
“But we also want to keep on this run. We’re also six points clear of the bottom two and have a good goal difference but things can change and technically we’re still in the mix for the relegation play-off place. We don’t want to be there and one way we can guarantee not to be is with a result.
“We don’t want to rely on other teams for results and we’re not taking our eye off the ball.”
Arbroath head into the game minus Barry Scott (hamstring) and Marc McCulloch. The rest of the squad have a clean bill of health, but McGlashan may make other changes to the team which won last week after several players impressed in training.
From Friday's herald - LICHTIES AIM FOR METHIL MEN
ARBROATH manager John McGlashan already has one eye on next season. But the Gayfield supremo's main focus is on beating Peterhead at Gayfield tomorrow (Saturday) and edging above East Fife in the league table. He is confident that is achievable.
He told Heraldsport: "I am very pleased at the way the last month or two has gone, even in defeat. Performances have been decent and we need to ensure that we continue in the same vein for this coming Saturday.
"With it being our last home game we certainly don't want to finish on a downer. Peterhead are in the play-offs. We lost narrowly up north a month or two ago in a midweek game, but we competed well and could have nicked a result."
He continued: "Peterhead are in the position now that we would like to be in next season. They are sitting in fourth place so it will be a test for us and we will see how we compete against a team already in the play-offs. They have got good players and they may even bring one or two new faces in. It will be a tough game and Peterhead will not want to lose momentum going into their play-offs, so they will be coming here to win. Action from Saturday's win over Stranraer "We are desperate to win this game and, potentially, go above East Fife. It is an incentive for us in some ways. I am on the record as saying that I don't like meaningless games. People may have taken it the wrong way a few weeks ago when I said we would rather be fighting for something than just sitting mid-table. Well, we are not in mid-table obscurity. We still have things to fight for.
"We are six points clear with two games to go and as much as people will say, 'You're safe!', I don't see it that way. Although it is unlikely, it is not impossible that Queen's Park will go and get a result against Raith Rovers. And if we don't take Saturday's game seriously, we could end up going into the last game looking over our shoulder again."
The boss said: "East Fife are two points ahead of us and if we can get above them this weekend or the following weekend it would be a great end to the season. That is one of the incentives we are using. The other is to beat Peterhead. They beat us the last time and it is our last home game. We are still not mathematically safe. There are lots of things that will generate the momentum for us to go out and win this game.
"With two games to go I already have an eye on next season. By and large, the majority of the team are almost out of contract so that is something we will be looking at over the next week to 10 days. I think the players have done remarkably well, but, as always, there will be some leaving and new faces coming on board in the summer. Over the next two games, anyone who is borderline might get the opportunity to show what they can do."
Mr McGlashan praised his players for their performance in Saturday's win over bottom-placed and already relegated Stranraer.
He said: "It was a good, solid victory against a team that, although they had been relegated, were dangerous opponents because of the position they were in.
From Monday's Courier - Arbroath a step closer to safety ARBROATH TOOK a huge step towards second division safety with a comfortable victory over already relegated Stranraer at Gayfield.
Quick thinking and inventive play got the home side off to a good start after Steven Aitken was penalised for a pass-back to goalkeeper Duncan Crossthwaite in the 23rd minute.
Keith Gibson took the free-kick quickly and shifted the ball to Barry Sellars who flicked it into the path of Craig Forsyth who had an easy task heading home.
The visitors’ best chance fell to Stephen McConalogue who had a looping effort cleared off the line by Paul Lunan.
Shortly after the break Sellars almost brought the house down with an audacious effort from inside his own half that had Crossthwaite back-pedalling, but the ball dropped just wide.
The Lichties were not to be denied, and their second goal came in the 55th minute when Ross supplied a cool finish after fine link-up play involving Sellars.
Arbroath could have doubled their advantage but twice the crossbar came to Stranraer’s rescue—firstly from Sellars and then from Ross.
Boss John McGlashan was a satisfied man but warned his players not to celebrate just yet.
“We’ve done extremely well over the last few matches and we need to keep it it—I’m determined for us to finish ahead of East Fife,” he said.
McGlashan was full of praise for the way his team opened their account during the match.
“It was a simple goal really but I was impressed with the inventiveness of it,” he said.
“After we got the second goal I think Stranraer’s heads maybe went down a little and I didn’t see much of a threat from them after that.
From Monday's Courier - Vital away win for Arbroath ARBROATH boosted their chances of avoiding the relegation play-offs with a vital 1-0 win at Queen’s Park.
Substitute Robbie Ross struck nine minutes from time to pull his side four points clear of their opponents in the scrap to avoid the battle for the drop.
A cautious first half from both sides saw little in the way of goalmouth action.
In the 16th minute Arbroath’s Bryan Scott had a 30-yard drive that Zander Cowie tipped round for a corner then the visitors had claims for a penalty denied when Barry Sellars looked to be held on the edge of the box.
The home side’s only real attempt at goal was a Barry Douglas free-kick that hit the wall.
The second half was much more open with chances at both ends. Queen’s Park captain Richard Sinclair missed with a close-range header and seconds later Sellars was denied by Cowie.
The same player again kept the scoreline blank when he tipped over a Sellars free-kick but then Craig Forsyth set super sub Ross free on the left and he swept the ball home from 16 yards.
Arbroath boss John McGlashan’s delight at the victory was quickly tempered by thoughts of future matches.
“That’s a big three points and, while we can celebrate the win, we need to realise that there are still nine points to play for,” he said.
“We’d be mugs to think we are home and dry already.
“We don’t want to rely on other teams...we want to make sure we do this off our own backs.”
From Monday's P&J - McGlashan magnanimous in defeat, to be Honest
Arbroath 1 Ayr United 3
ARBROATH manager John McGlashan could only watch in admiration as table-topping Ayr United overcame his side in an entertaining game.
The Red Lichties gave as good as they got for much of the opening hour, but a quick double late in the second half from midfielder Ryan Stevenson secured the points for the Honest Men.
McGlashan said: “Ayr stepped up a gear in the second half. We gave away a needless penalty and it gave them a big lift. From then we were always chasing the game. The second half showed why they are going for the championship. They got a couple of good goals while we were left to rue missing a few chances we had in the first half.”
Ayr took the lead early in the second half when Lichties defender Steven Rennie pulled Kenny Connolly’s shirt in the penalty box and Chris Aitken scored the spot kick.
Arbroath battled back strongly and substitute Jamie Bishop powered home a Sellars corner to put his side back on level terms before that Stevenson double
From the Sunday mail - Arbroath 1 Ayr United 3
AYR boss Brian Reid's half-time dressing down inspired Ayr to edge a step closer to the title thanks to a superb Ryan Stevenson double.
After a stale opening 45 minutes United took the lead through Chris Aitken's penalty early in the second half only for Jamie Bishop to head Arbroath level.
However the quality of the visitors - and Stevenson in particular - shone through in the end with two classy strikes from the midfielder ensuring the Honest Men remain a point clear of rivals Raith Rovers.
Reid, who has slapped a ban on his players talking to the press during the run-in, said: "In the first half we didn't play like we can and I told the players that at half-time. In the second half we were far more like ourselves.
"With the quality and finishing ability we have it will always give us a good chance if we keep it tight at the back.
"Other teams might let their heads drop when they lose a goal but there's never been a doubt about our spirit.
"That's another game ticked off. We know what we've got to do - we only need to worry about ourselves."
There was little flow to the play in the first half - mostly because both teams had to reorganise after losing defenders to injury early on.
Ayr centre half Martin Campbell limped off to be replaced by Alistair Woodburn on the half hour.
Dean Keenan took Campbell's place in the heart of the defence and coasted through the game.
Four minutes later the Red Lichties lost Alan Rattray with Bishop introduced in a straight swap.
The home side probably shaded it before the break with Barry Sellars striking the base of the post five minutes from the interval with the best chance of the half.
Ayr looked much more likely after the restart and were gifted a penalty in 51 minutes when Steven Rennie's shove on Kenny Connolly was spotted by ref Steven Nicholls.
Chris Aitken sent Darren Hill the wrong way before Nicholls booked Hill and Keith Gibson for their protests.
That should have been it but Arbroath shocked the leaders with a leveller midway through the half.
Bishop timed his run perfectly to power a header into the back of the net from Sellars' corner.
However parity was to last just five minutes. Woodburn laid the ball off to Williams whose wayward shot landed at the feet of Stevenson.
The talented midfielder took out two Arbroath defenders with a swift turn and slotted the ball inside the near post.
And Ayr killed the game three minutes later when Stevenson lashed home Aitken's deep cross to keep Reid's men in pole position for the championship.
Arbroath manager John McGlashan conceded: "We gave a good account of ourselves but were beaten by a better side. We gifted a needless penalty that gave them a lift."
From Monday's Courier - EAST FIFE and ARBROATH served up a largely uninspiring game at New Bayview in Saturday’s goal-less draw, but visiting boss John McGlashan was content with the point that takes the Lichties four clear of the drop zone.
The blustery conditions on the Fife coast certainly did not help the game as a spectacle, but the fact that neither side really managed to create a clear-cut chance until the 38th minute tells its own story.
That fell to the home team’s Jonathan Smart, who headed inches wide from a deep Dougie Cameron cross.
It was slightly better after the interval and it was the visitors who went closest at the beginning and end of the half, with Fife keeper Michael Brown getting down well to stop a rasping Mark McCulloch drive two minutes after the restart and Brown denying substitute Robbie Ross right at the death, tipping his back post header up and over the crossbar.
It was a dour encounter but, with Alloa and Queen’s Park suffering defeats, Arbroath boss McGlashan was pleased with what could prove to be a vital point in the relegation dogfight.
“The players are delighted with the point and we’ve now played Brechin and East Fife and taken four points out of six,” he said.
“It’s a great return from two away games against two top teams and we’re looking forward to the last few games of the season.
“The effort was evident for everyone to see and I’m more than happy with how the players played.
“We’re fighting for our lives at the bottom of the table and every point is a prisoner so it was pleasing to pick up a point.
“I thought we were pressing in the last 10 minutes to try and get a winner and fair play to the players for doing that—in our situation some teams would have sat back and defended for a point but we wanted to try and get all three.”
The draw all but mathematically ended any play-off hopes the home side may have still harboured, although the point also banished any fears they may have had of being sucked into the relegation mix.
Despite seemingly having little left to play for, Bayview boss Dave Baikie was disappointed with his side’s showing.
“We had the wind in the first half and I thought for a long spell we were in command but there weren’t any clear-cut chances—really the only threat in the game was from corners,” he said.
“In the second half the wind did drop a bit and it was a very, very even second half but neither team looked like scoring.
“All in all it was a disappointing day for us—obviously we want to win every game but I don’t think any team deserved to win that game.”
Lee Makel was absent from the squad after going down with flu, while both Chris Templeman and Stevie Crawford, who replaced Templeman at half-time, were forced off with injuries and could be struggling for next week’s trip to Queen’s Park.
As the site moves towards its final
resting place (beauty is in the eye of the beholder and match reports are
written as the writer sees it but times have changed and the match reporters have better
things to do with their time and no-one can be bothered doing reports) I have dug a few more
classics from the archives - maybe not the best nut I like them!!
The Webmaster and Vancouver based Minker with mates at Wembly 1977
Gayfield Hospitality in the port-a-cabin by Vancouver Minker
From the website in 1997
Internal Feuds
Yet again an AFC manager falls out with players. This week has seen another public (if we call the Sun public) fall-out between manager Campbell and John Ward over the wearing of cycle shorts under his AFC strip.
Following on the long list of Arbroath Managers falling out with players -
|
Danny Diver, Jocky Scott, Colin McKinnon, Stuart Sorbie, John Brogan, Malcolm Murray, Tommy Campbell, Brian Grant, Gordon Dunn etc. etc. etc.. |
We now have John Ward "I must be good as Celtic had me on trial" and manager Tommy Campbell falling out over cycling shorts - 'designer fad' says Campbell - doctor recommends them says Ward - leave says Campbell - 'I can't afford fines' says Ward.
All I can say is if business managers and staff acted the same way as football managers and players the country would be in a hell of a bigger mess.
well the country is now in a hell of a mess and John Ward is still playing for Brechin who are an established Second Division Club
Arbroath 1 Montrose 1- 12 April 1997 (when Jordan Webster was 6!!)
The Great Tommy Campbell Disaster (poem)
The 1999/2000 Web Player of the Year award went to David Arbuckle for his sterling performances in midfield.
The Bells Scottish
Second Division Season
|
Team |
P |
Pts |
Goal Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
Clyde |
36 |
65 |
28 |
Alloa Athletic |
36 |
64 |
20 |
Ross County |
36 |
62 |
18 |
Arbroath |
36 |
47 |
-3 |
Partick Thistle |
36 |
46 |
-2 |
Stranraer |
36 |
45 |
1 |
Stirling Albion |
36 |
40 |
-12 |
Stenhousemuir |
36 |
38 |
-15 |
Queen of The South |
36 |
33 |
-30 |
Hamilton Accies |
36 |
29 |
-5 |
|
The 36-0 Supporters Club trophy
presentation (at POY dance in the Hotel Seaforth on 6/5/00) were as
follows:-
|
From Monday's P&J - Arbroath rookie’s derby gallop red lichties like the look of ross – despite missed chance to deliver the points
Arbroath manager John McGlashan was full of praise for Robbie Ross, despite the rookie forward’s failure to convert a last-minute chance which would have given the home side full points in this Second Division derby.
Ross took advantage of an uncharacteristic Barry Smith mistake to find himself with only Craig Nelson to beat, but pulled his shot narrowly wide of the target.
McGlashan said: “He did really well to get into the position to have the chance in the first place. This was only his fourth professional game since joining us from Edinburgh City. He took a real battering today and he has been great for us.”
Ross’s chance was one of a very few clearcut opportunities in a game dominated by the visitors in the first half, but which became more evenly contested in the second period.
Brechin’s vastly superior share of possession didn’t translate into many goalscoring opportunities, although the ever-inventive Charlie King came close on a couple of occasions.
Kevin Byers and Rory McAllister also had chances which either went wide of the target or were gathered by Arbroath goalkeeper Darren Hill.
The Red Lichties came close to breaking the deadlock, however, when Roddy Black’s half volley from inside the box was brilliantly beaten down by Nelson.
Then just before Ross’s late miss, Brechin almost claimed a bizarre goal when a Steven Rennie attempted clearance hit off Byers and cannoned into the side-netting.
McGlashan admitted he was worried during the opening period, but felt his side relaxed after the interval and came more into the contest.
He said: “We rode our luck a little in the first half and I was happy to get in at the break with the score at 0-0.
“We were very much better in the second half and restricted their opportunities as well as creating one or two half chances of our own. And we could have snatched it at the end.”
Brechin counterpart Jim Duffy said: “The first half went very well and we controlled the game.
“But the second half was much more even and we could have lost it at the end when their player should have scored.”
The Lichties have bolstered their midfield with the signing of Keith Gibson on an emergency loan from Montrose until the end of the season. Keith will be available for selection for the Peterhead game on Tuesday night.
Gibson's playing career
| Club | From | To | Fee | League | FA Cup | League cup | Other | ||||
| Montrose | 01-06-2007 | Signed | 50 (2) | 6 | 2 (0) | 0 | 3 (0) | 1 | 3 (0) | 0 | |
| Peterhead | 26-03-2004 | 01-06-2007 | Free | 64 (6) | 8 | 2 (0) | 0 | 5 (0) | 0 | 5 (1) | 1 |
| Montrose | 11-06-2002 | 26-03-2004 | Free | 50 (5) | 8 | 6 (0) | 0 | 2 (0) | 0 | 3 (0) | 0 |
| East Fife | 01-07-2001 | 28-04-2002 | Loan | 24 (0) | 3 | 3 (0) | 0 | 2 (0) | 0 | 1 (0) | 0 |
| Dundee | 01-07-1999 | 11-06-2002 | No appearance data available | ||||||||
| Totals | £ 0 | 188 (13) | 25 | 13 (0) | 0 | 12 (0) | 1 | 12 (1) | 1 | ||
| goals / game | 0.12 | 0 | 0.08 | 0.07 | |||||||
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||
Irn-Bru Scottish Second Division
7th March 2009
Arbroath 0 Brechin City 0
Videos
Forsyth the winger,
a Watsons free-kick and the Brechin save
Lichties
huffing and puffing in second half
This was the 2nd Division version of the Rangers Celtic Derby and boy did it match the last old firm Derby in every aspect - yep it was absolutely crap.
The Lichties were missing Lunan, Raeside and Sellars due to suspension - perhaps we have a serious disciplinary problem!! Bishop was injured and although rumour had it that Scott was injured midweek, some fans saw him storming (or was it stomping) away from Gayfield prior to the match.
With Campbell reportedly warming the Carnoustie Panmure stand seats last week, JMcG elected to give us another selection from his now regular pick and mix Gayfield selections. Gates must be really sick as Forsyth, who has played well at left back all season (well during his loan spell), was surprisingly moved to the left midfield/wing and his left back position was taken over by McCulloch. Every time I have seen Forsyth this season he has been relatively solid in defence and sometimes dangerous when moving forward with his final attacking pass occasionally letting him down. Today playing in a midfield attacking role showed the fans the reason he is a full back and not a winger!!
Back to the match - for the first time in quite a few
visits to Gayfield, the Lichties attacked the Switchie end in the first half
where, the late Lichtie Fan, Harry Masson always stood smoking his mini cigars
prior to home matches and who sadly passed away just over a week ago.
The first half featured a home team of headless chickens, who were continually
squawking (quite a feat if they were headless!!) at each other playing against a team who thankfully squandered their chances. I understand that the match video is being scrutinised by a team of independent
adjudicators to check whether or not Hill broke Hinchie's record of direct hoofs directly into the stand without the assistance of a howling gale.
Second half with the Lichties playing towards the harbour end saw a more level match with Brechin descending to our level. Weir was correctly booked for continuous niggling at the referee who was determined not to take any other action unless a player was actually killed as crippling tackles on Lichtie players did not even merit fouls. The visiting keeper had one save (well more of a block) to make whilst young DI Ross should have put away a great chance when he broke 1 on 1 against the keeper but he pushed the ball past the post. Dobbins was the best of a poor home team and McGowan impressed when he replaced Weir. Ross needs a big ball winning (especially in the air) centre forward to play beside although he looked happier playing beside McGowan when he came on. It was also good to see Watson manage another 90 minutes and Nicky Smith making a welcome return from injury.
On the negative site, Rattray limped off in the second half (he is a good played but does have a history of being injury prone). Fans were wondering how we could go to Stirling last week and against the form team in the Division we played well and made so many chances especially in the first half yet at home to a misfiring Brechin team we bow down and treat them with awe. This does not bode well when our next two home games are against the joint League Leaders. Its now off to Peterhead on Tuesday (will probably give it a miss after today's performance) and then to Alloa next Saturday (a nice wee trip on the train for me).
From the Sunday Mail - Arbroath 0-0 Brechin
ARBROATH boss John McGlashan revealed his soothing team-talk inspired his players to cruise to an easy derby day point.
McGlashan felt his troops were on edge during a nervy first-half in which Brechin could have been 3-0 up.
But come half-time the Gayfield gaffer told his troops they had to cool it if they were to get a result.
He said: "We rode our luck in the first half and I told the players to relax as I felt there was a bit of tension there. In fact, we could have snatched it in the end. But it's another clean sheet which is a bonus."
Brechin spurned a number of chances with Charlie King and Kevin Byers amongst the guilty party but City boss Jim Duffy was relieved to come out with a point.
He said: "Robbie Ross missed a great chance for them at the end.
Despite controlling the game, I'm happy with a draw."
From Friday's Herald - TRIO OF VITAL GAMES FOR LICHTIES
ARBROATH go into what manager John McGlashan describes as a 'crucial week' with games against Brechin, Peterhead and Alloa over the next eight days. The action starts tomorrow (Saturday) when City arrive at Gayfield for the third meeting between the two teams this season. So far Brechin have taken maximum points from both games, something that the Arbroath boss is keen to halt.
However, he and the team will have to do without Paul Lunan, Robbie Raeside and captain Barry Sellars through suspension.
Sellars' ban, which sees him absent tomorrow but available for Tuesday night's game at Peterhead, is further compounded by the news that under the totting up of points he now faces a further two-game ban starting next weekend.
Discussing the game overall, the gaffer said: "We created more chances in Saturday's game, and only scored one goal, than in the Queen's Park match when we scored three!
"I was pleased that we have continued to create good chances away from home. It was just unfortunate that we never took them. With Barry off it was a blow, it completely changed our game plan."
He explained: "We'd set the team up so much of our play would go through the middle with Barry and Paul Watson our creative outlet. That's why I played Steven Rennie at right-back instead of Kevin McMullen to strengthen the defence. With Barry off that all changed and, with Marc McCulloch and John Fraser injured, plus Paul Lunan suspended I didn't really have the midfield personnel to change it."
In the end Stirling scored late on to share the spoils, denying Arbroath what would have been a fourth straight win. "It's always a disappointment to lose a goal late on regardless of the circumstances," said the manager.
"It's still a concentration issue. The players just switched off for a minute following a tiring game. I actually felt we should have had a foul in the build up to their goal but regardless, we should have stopped the move earlier."
With Lunan out for the second match of his four-game ban, Raeside starting a two-match suspension and Sellars unavailable, Arbroath will be without three first team players for tomorrow's derby. "I'm not happy but I'm quite relaxed about it," said Mr McGlashan.
"I purposely kept the squad numbers high to compensate for end-of-season injuries and suspensions and we have Paul Watson, Marc McCulloch and possibly Jamie Bishop able to come in for the suspended players.
"Brechin are a good team and that is reflected by their league position. However, we are on a good run and a win on Saturday would set us up perfectly as we enter the final quarter of the season."
Tuesday's match at Peterhead is likely to be a tough encounter, especially with The Blue Toon's notable home record. Mr McGlashan said: "We have had good results against Peterhead so far this season but we'll need to take stock after Saturday's game. We might need to make changes to freshen the side up."
Lichties do some very deep defending for a corner in the Second Half
Raeside Scores
Chances, Post, more chances and pissing around
This was a game we should have won (sitters were missed in both halves by the Lichties), it was also a game spoilt by a whistle happy referee and, as the match video people confirmed, an Arbroath captain who, just after a home team player had been deservedly sent off, elbowed a player in view of the linesman. With 10 against 10 for an hour of the match the Lichties elected to defend deep in the second half as the Binos tried to retain their unbeaten run. It was not pretty to watch but we had the opportunities to secure the match with some attacks on the break. Poor Bryan Scott was a lone attacker for most of the period he was on the field. The Lichtie fans were not happy about the deep defending and alas in the final minutes when the Lichties pushed forward on mass, Scott was fouled but no foul was given, Black could not get possession and the home team equalised with a rare attack on the break (the home team had failed to get through when attacking on mass for the rest of the half). Perhaps the Lichties should have continued to defend deep for the final minutes but we should have done more with the scoring chances we had but did not take.
From Monday's P&J -Docherty saves Stirling but damage report is high
Stirling Albion 1 Arbroath 1
STIRLING manager Allan Moore saw his men extend their unbeaten run to seven games after a last-minute leveller from substitute Mark Docherty – but was left counting the cost.
On-loan Dundee United midfielder Ryan McCord was sent off for a late tackle on Ian Dobbins after 29 minutes and will miss tomorrow’s Forthbank match with Alloa.
Furthermore, Scott Gibb picked up a booking which is set to take him through the points threshold and fellow defender Andy Graham limped off with a hamstring injury which could keep him out for some time.
Moore said: “We are down to the bare bones. Andy could be out for a few weeks – his hamstring went when he was trying to clear the ball before they scored – and Chris Hamilton has a hernia problem.”
Stirling looked a shadow of the side which had won five on the trot before holding leaders Raith Rovers last weekend and were fortunate not to lose at home to Arbroath for the second time this season.
Arbroath started well and Robbie Ross missed a sitter before former Albion defender Robbie Raeside headed home Paul Watson’s free kick to give them the lead in 22 minutes.
Watson then struck the post from 25 yards and Albion were reduced to 10 men when McCord lunged at Dobbins on the touchline.
Two minutes later it was Arbroath who lost a man as Barry Sellars was deemed to have led with his elbow as he challenged Andy Lawrie.
The Binos grabbed a barely-merited equaliser in stoppage time when substitute Docherty swept in a cross from Mullen.
Red Lichties manager John McGlashan said: “It’s a point away from home and I’m happy with the way we played.”
From the Sunday Mail - Stirling 1-1 Arbroath
BEAMING Stirling gaffer Allan Moore hailed his side after Mark Docherty's lastgasp strike maintained their seven-game unbeaten run.
Robbie Raeside had given Arbroath the lead but the Binos kept going until Docherty's injury-time goal snatched a point.
Moore said: "After they scored they defended but we got our reward."
Raeside put Arbroath in front in 22 minutes.
Both teams were reduced to 10-men when Ryan McCord and Barry Sellars were sent off on the half hour.
Stirling levelled through Docherty at the death.
Arbroath boss John McGlashan said: "It was a good finish from their lad but we should have had it wrapped up before then."
From Monday's Courier - ARBROATH overtook Alloa and moved into seventh place in the division with a convincing and comfortable 3-0 win over Queen’s Park at Gayfield, with manager John McGlashan praising his side for a professional performance under difficult conditions.
The Lichties took a well-deserved lead on the half hour mark when they were awarded a free kick 25 yards out after Anthony Quinn brought down David McGowan.
Skipper Barry Sellars showed his skill with a dead ball when he looped his shot over the wall and, although at full stretch, Spiders’ keeper David Crawford was left helpless.
The home side’s lead was extended a minute before the end of the first half when the were gifted a penalty as Martin Ure appeared to fell Roddy Black on the edge of the box.
Robby Raeside struck his spot kick low and hard and Crawford was again picking the ball out of his net.
Any hopes of a Queen’s Park comeback were dashed on 76 minutes when a well-placed Sellars free kick created confusion in the visitors’ goalmouth and Ian Dobbins pounced to slot the ball home from close range.
McGlashan said, “It was always going to be a difficult game because Queen’s Park are a good team and the conditions weren’t ideal for either side.
“The wind made ball control hard but everyone—from the front to the back—did their bit to keep and regain possession.
“The first goal was very important and when we went two up just before half time I think that was a real body blow to Queen’s Park.
“Three well-executed goals from set pieces and a clean sheet keeps us on track and we have now won three out of three in the games against the teams around us.
“Now we have to look to take points of the teams that are higher up the league and, while that won’t be easy, we are more than capable of doing it.”
Queen’s Park boss Gardner Speirs said, “The referee’s decision to award the penalty just before half time baffled me and changed the whole game, although we have to hold our hands up and say that we were well beaten.
“There is a massive difference between going into the break one goal down and going in two goals down and when we conceded the third it was really all over.
“We were out-fought for much of the match and have to take responsibility for that.
“I expected more fight from my team but they are a great, honest bunch of lads and, with the help of the club and the more experienced players, will start delivering results.
“If we start playing the way I know we can then we are capable of winning against anyone, but we definitely have to do better.”
The two outstanding fixtures that were postponed have now been rescheduled. Peterhead v Arbroath will be played on Tuesday the 10th of March at 7.30pm. Brechin City v Arbroath will be played on Saturday the 28th of March at 3pm. this would otherwise have been a free weekend in the SFL fixtures, with Scotland due to play Holland at 7.45pm. Several Clubs have taken advantage of this Saturday and made arrangements to play outstanding fixtures on it.
From Monday's P&J - Ross at double in first start to edge Arbroath away from danger zone.
Signing from Edinburgh City SCORES TWO GOALS on debut to add to Stranraer’s woes at foot of Second Division table
FIRMLY fixed at the foot of the Second Division table, Stranraer had a lot resting on this game.
But their sights were not as focused as Arbroath’s, who were sitting just above them.
The visitors’ determination to do something about this was quickly and powerfully emphasised as they grabbed a quick goal at Stair Park, doubled the lead before Stranraer could draw breath and might well have had another had the referee been better positioned three minutes later.
Arbroath manager John McGlashan said: “Robbie Ross did really well. It was his first start for us since he came from Edinburgh City and I felt this was the day to put him in from the beginning.
“He’s been working really hard for the last couple of weeks in training.
“He got an early goal which gave him a bit of confidence. He’s on a learning curve and he’s got a lot to learn, but he’s a willing learner.”
Arbroath hit the ground running and Barry Sellars posted a warning to Stranraer with a shot which went inches wide of the home goal.
The warning was wasted and in the fifth minute Robbie Raeside was a lonely-looking figure in the home defence as he nodded a Marc McCulloch corner back across goal and Robbie Ross pounced among a group of players to head into the net.
Three minutes later home goalkeeper Scott Black had to race from his line and fling himself at the feet of Ross as he went free in the box. Black pushed the ball away but brought down Ross at the same time and the answer was a yellow card for the goalkeeper and a penalty for Arbroath.
Raeside put the spot kick away, giving Black no chance.
Stranraer’s strike in the 23rd minute caught the crowd by surprise. Martin McBride’s corner cleared the crowd around Darren Hill’s goal and Stephen McConalogue drilled his ground shot through a ruck of players and in at the far post.
Arbroath took charge again, a goal had to come and it was McGowan who claimed it in 37 minutes, neatly glancing home a Sellars’s free kick.
Stranraer’s hard task became an impossible one three minutes into the second half. when McBride saw red and Arbroath, already on top, were as good as home.
Another goal was inevitable and it was Ross who added his second in 68 minutes, nodding the ball from about two yards with not a defender near him.
McMullan claimed the final goal when he slammed in a loose clearance from the edge of the box in 77 minutes.
From the Sunday Mail - Stranraer 1-5 Arbroath
HARD-TO-PLEASE Arbroath boss John McGlashan watched his side slam five past struggling Stranraer then admitted they didn't play well.
The victory was Arbroath's best result in a couple of seasons but not enough to satisfy McGlashan.
He said: "We never really got into our stride.
"We put the game beyond Stranraer with two early goals then gave them a lifeline and switched off."
Robbie Ross sparked the goal glut in five minutes.
A Marc McCulloch corner was headed back into the middle by Robbie Raeside and Ross forced the ball over the line from close range.
Three minutes later Stranraer keeper Scott Black felled Ross in the box and was lucky to escape with just a yellow card.
Raeside finished clinically from the spot, firing the ball out of the reach of the diving Black.
Things could have been even worse for the Blues in 11 minutes when a David McGowan header looked to have crossed the line but referee Thomas Robertson awarded a goal kick. The visitors were in complete control and Ross almost added another but fired a shot wide.
Home striker Stephen McConalogue threw the Blues a 23rd-minute lifeline though with a goal from an acute angle.
Martin McBride swung a corner beyond the back post and McConalogue squeezed the ball home.
However, Arbroath regained control and McGowan's glancing header from Barry Sellars' free-kick in 37 minutes restored their two-goal lead.
Stranraer were reduced to 10 men just three minutes into the second half when McBride was shown a second yellow card.
Ross netted his second in 68 minutes, heading a Sellars cross wide of Black, then Kevin McMullan put the seal on victory in 77 minutes with a powerful shot.
Ref Robertson booked six Stranraer players and one Arbroath but Blues boss Keith Knox was more concerned with his side's dodgy backline.
He said: "Poor defending has again cost us dear and that's 17 goals we've conceded in four games."
The Lichties lined up at troubled Stranraer with Hill, McMullan (what a right back at right back!!), Forsyth, Raeside, Rattray, Dobbins, Lunan, Ross (good to see him getting a starting chance), McGowan, Sellars and McCulloch. On the bench were Morrison, Rennie, Black, Watson and Gates.
The inclusion of DI Ross (those who watch Taggert will know who Robbie Ross is) paid off when he put the Lichties ahead after 5 minutes. Robbie Raeside scored from the penalty spot after 8 minutes after the home keeper was booked. Stranraer pulled a goal back after 23 minutes. McGowan restored the Lichties two goal lead when he scored after 37 minutes. Lunan was booked on 41 minutes and then immediately subbied by Black- is Paul heading for another long ban following him missing most of last season due to suspensions? There was no more scoring in the first half.
There were no other Lichtie changes at half-time and 3 minutes into the second half the Lichties gained a numerical advantage when Stranraer's McBride was sent off for a second booking. Will this advantage allow the Lichties to improve their goal difference? (personally I doubt it as I have not seen us capitalise on an extra man for many a season). Oops, I stand corrected as DI Ross scored his second after 68 minutes - come on Robbie - get a hat-trick on your first full match for the Lichties. Rennie replaced Robbie Raeside after 72 minutes. Yep I totally got it completely wrong as Flyer put the Lichties 5-1 ahead after 77 minutes. Two minutes later Gates replaced Forsyth but there was no more scoring and with Alloa securing a late win against 10 men Queens Park, the Lichties join the Wasps in jumping ahead of the Spiders who fall into the second bottom position.
From Monday's Courier - IF ONE man knows these two teams inside out it has to be Ian Dobbins, the Red Lichties’ new signing from Stranraer.
In his last four appearances the big central defender has played against Alloa at Gayfield on Saturday and for Stranraer against Arbroath (twice) and Alloa again.
It is a remarkable sequence of games but the 25-year-old from Bellshill is just glad to be back in Angus and free of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Stair Park side.
“The financial situation at Stranraer wasn’t great and I feel sorry for the boys and I was lucky enough to get the chance to come up here,” said Dobbins.
“I had a good spell here first time around and it was probably the most enjoyable time of my career so I was happy to come back.”
Conditions were horrendous with the Arctic weather forecast to hit Britain yesterday arriving in Arbroath a day early.
Even the players warming up before the game were casting pitying glances towards spectators who had paid for the privilege of being frozen to death.
This was a game Arbroath really had to win and they made it courtesy of a Steven Weir penalty in the 66th minute.
On-loan signing Colin Cameron played a one-two with Weir and burst into the box where he was clipped by Alloa’s Dougie Hill, who was booked.
The only negative for the Lichties was that defender Jamie Bishop had to be taken to hospital after a face knock.
Cameron was excellent in his final game and, along with Marc McCulloch, ran the show in midfield.
Unfortunately, good football was at a premium in the conditions, but these two showed that, no matter what the elements threw at them, they were able to produce moments of class.
The three points gathered might help Dobbins avoid another play-off scenario at the end of the season, the player having suffered heartache in the three previous seasons.
“Since the play-offs came into being I’ve been involved every year, twice with Arbroath and once with Stranraer, so it would be nice to sit with my feet up for once and see how other teams get on,” he observed.
“I’m sure there’s more pressure in the play-off to go down than the one to go up so I don’t fancy it.
“I’m confident if we play the way we did today we’ll be alright.
“It was a vital win. The six-pointer thing is a cliche but I think it applied to this game.
“Thankfully we got the win and jumped above them.”
Meanwhile, Cameron returns to Dens Park after a productive final match for the Lichties and the former Scottish internationalist was delighted to end his stay at Gayfield with a win.
“Conditions today were pretty awful and it was difficult to get the ball down and play,” he said. “I’m just glad to have signed off with three points for the boys.
“Hopefully that will give them the confidence to go on and stay in this division.
“I loved that game today. It’s great to be back playing football.
“My aim was to get games under my belt and get myself fit. I got 90 minutes today and felt a lot better than I have done in recent games.”
Arbroath manager McGlashan confirmed that there had been talks at half time about abandoning the match but that he wasn’t in favour of calling the game off.
“It would have been an easy call to abandon the game but I just felt I’d played in worse conditions,” said the Lichties’ gaffer.
“It was borderline at one stage but both teams actually played better against the wind.
“The most important thing for us was to win the game.
“I always felt one goal would win it and thankfully we got it.
“Fair play to Alloa. They didn’t moan about the conditions. They’re honest guys and they just got on with it.”
Irn-Bru Scottish Second Division
31st January 2009
Arbroath 1 Alloa Athletic 0
Videos
First half Action
Waves
GOAL
Action Man
McGlashan's Pic and Mix team won this fantastic relegation tussle at Gayfield where the few fans who turned up were treated to wave after wave of attacks. OK, I lied a wee bit, the match was really crap and the the only waves if attack were those against the harbour wall and the breakwater as the Lichties 2009 version of Jack and Bruce, Gates and Sellars (changed from his defensive midfield position of a fortnight ago) failed to strike terror into the Wasps defence.
The Lichtie's manager, who told the Herald that he would rather be involved in a relegation tussle than sitting safely in the middle of the table preparing his youngsters for next season's Second Division campaign, pulled off another interesting selection at right back. Rennie was dropped as he probably got the blame for the first Ayr goal last week, Dobbins was brought in at centre half alongside Raeside and Rattray and Jamie Bishop (must be a bit pissed off being replaced by newcomer Dobbins) was brought in to play at right back. Similar to a fortnight ago when Lunan was played out of position in the right back slot, Jamie looked out of position but in this must win game the manager obviously thought we needed 4 center halves in the startling line up. Scott was on the bench whilst rumours circulated that the Lichties had turned down an offer of between £20-£40k for him as the manager wanted to keep him for the battles ahead. Lunan looked a lot better in his correct midfield position this week and Cameron looked as if he had regained his match fitness in time for him to return to Dundee. He did manage to get us a penalty when he was fouled in a rare attacking move into their penalty area. Gates converted for the second week on the trot. Who will replace Cameron in the team next week? There was no sign of Flyer, Campbell and Gates who were not even on the bench.
The waves battering the harbour was the best entertainment of the match which was played in freezing conditions with a howling gale coming straight off of the sea.
Thankfully I now have a break of three weeks before I might head to Stirling for the match there (since we beat them there last time they have gone on a winning streak and are now third where I am sure most, if not all, of our fans would like to see us instead of the dogfight at the bottom).
The Lichties put in a solid performance against Cowdenbeath to win 1-0 in the Reserve League Cup at Central Park. The defensive pairing of Rattray and Dobbins in the centre cleared the lines well and looked in control all night, squeezing the opposition up the park promoting attacking play. The only goal of the game was in the first half, when Paul Watson met a cross from Bryan Scott and headed in from 10 yards out. Watson and Fraser, who have both been out on loan getting match fitness performed well in the centre of midfield. Robbie Ross was also a handfull up front and missed a great opportunity late on for a second.
Team: Morrison, Campbell, Black, Dobbins, Rattray, Fraser, McMullen, Ross, Scott, Watson, Gates. Subs: Masson, Smith, McIlravey, Hill.
From Wednesday's Courier - Lichties paid in full ARBROATH CONFIRMED yesterday that Hearts have settled in full the amount due for Andy Webster.
The Gorgie club paid the Gayfield side £15,000 last week, minus interest during a period of deferment agreed by both clubs.
The Lichties sold former Scotland international Webster (26) to Hearts for £75,000 in 2001 with a 17.5% “sell-on” clause included.
AFC spokesman Gary Callon said, “I can advise that Hearts have now made the payment to us for the interest that we agreed. It’s in the bank today.”
Arbroath drew 2-2 with Dunfermline in the Reserve League Cup at Gayfield. Robbie Raeside opened the scoring after a minute before the Pars equalised and went ahead with two quick goals due to some lax defending. Robbie Ross then scored a 30 yard screamer into the corner of the net to level it up just before half time. The second half was full of entertainment but no goals. New loan signing Colin Cameron played the first 45 minutes. Team: Morrison, Lunan, Forsyth, Raeside, Rattray, Campbell, Cameron, Fraser, Ross, McCulloch, Gates. Used Subs: Watson & Masson.
From Saturday's Courier - Gayfield stunners Arbroath 1 Rangers XI 4
A COMFORTABLE win for Rangers ensured a happy return to Gayfield for former Lichtie Andy Webster last night.
Arbroath took the lead six minutes before the interval with a stunning 40-yard strike from Barry Sellars.
Not to be outdone by their lower division hosts, Rangers pulled off a near carbon copy three minutes into the second period to level—Charlie Adam the scorer with his own 40-yard gem.
Rangers added to their tally on 57 minutes through John Fleck who netted from16 yards.
The visitors were hungry for more and they made it three in the 79th minute when Aaron Niguez knocked the ball home from close range.
The Gers rounded off a deserved win five minutes from time when Niguez bagged his second of the night.
Attendance—605.
Arbroath—Hill, Rennie, Forsyth, Raeside, Rattray, Fraser, Lunan, McCulloch, McGowan, Sellars, Weir; Subs—Campbell, Gates, McMullan, Ross, Morrison.
Rangers XI—G Smith, Hutton, S Smith, Wilson, Webster, Adam, Efrem, Stirling, Bagci, Fleck, Niguez; Subs—Forbes, Scott, Wylde, Vaiculis, McShea, Campbell.
Referee—Craig MacKay
Irn-Bru Scottish Second Division
6th December 2008
Queens Park 1 Arbroath 2
It was nice to see that the National Stadium had got their scoreboard working as
at our play-off semi-final a couple of years ago it was kaput. Alas it did not
last too long as after we scored our 2nd it crashed again and only recovered in
time for recording the QP penalty.
Videos
Scott
Scores
Spiders Own Goal (why did Sellars not shoot?)
Spiders Penalty Goal
"
Irn-Bru Scottish Second Division
15th November 2008
Arbroath 1 Stranraer 0
Video - Scott scores, celebrates and misses
Irn-Bru Scottish Second Division
15th November 2008
Stirling Albion 0 – 2 Arbroath
Scott's opener
Sellars nets the second
8th November 2008- Arbroath 1 Brechin City 2
The Massive Switchie End Home Support for the local derby (well maybe not!!)
From Friday's Arbroath Herald - WEIR APOLOGISES TO SUPPORTERS
ARBROATH forward Steven Weir has apologised to the club's supporters after appearing to gesture towards them during Saturday's game. The 19-year-old has stressed his regret at the incident and is now looking to put the episode behind him ahead of the weekend's match against Brechin.
The incident came in the 56th minute of the Maroon's poor 3-0 defeat to Ayr when Weir made way for Scott Gates. Weir explained: "I was just frustrated with the way I, and the team, had performed. I heard a comment when I was coming off that, in the heat of the moment, I took the wrong way. I apologise for that. The minute I got back in the changing rooms I regretted what I had done. It was a mistake. The Arbroath fans have been good to me since I arrived and I now need to repay them."
He'd no doubt get back in the crowd's good books with a repeat of the superb 25-yard lob against East Fife, so far his only goal for the club. He noted: "I don't see myself as an out and out goalscorer. I'm not going to score 20 goals a season, but I can link up play and set up my team mates. When the chances do come my way I'm confident that I can take them.
"We're not creating enough at the moment but when we get players like Bryan Scott back from injury the chances will come."
Weir, formerly of Livingston, added: "I'm really enjoying myself here. The boys are brilliant and we've got a squad of good players.
"We're clearly going through a bad patch but we've definitely got the players here to pull ourselves up the league.
"Hopefully some of the injured guys will be back on Saturday and we can get a result against Brechin."
Thanks goes again to this year's part player sponsors - Derek, Shona, Brian, Ali, Alan, Rob and Gavin. We have joined up with other Lichtie Web fans to sponsor Terry Masson this year. Alas Terry is no longer with the Club.
Arbroath 1-1 Queen's Park
Video - The "disallowed goal"
Arbroath 1 - 2 Stirling Albion
-
Videos
Gates shot hits the back of the
net (missed the actual shot)
Penalty award and penalty save
(only scored 3 out of 6 in 2 games)
CIS CUP - ARBROATH 1 - ICT 1 aet (ICT won on Penalties)
Videos
The penalty which was
not given
Sellars Scores from the Spot
Penalty shoot-out
Raeside's run up (he
scores but I missed it)
Tosh
Lunan
Simpson
Arbroath 0-1 East Fife
Videos
East Fife Free Kick
Arbroath Free Kick
Lichtie last minute Blooter
Ayr United 2 Arbroath 1
Flyers goal
Peterhead 1-1 Arbroath
Aug 10 2008
Videos
Scott
injured/penalty Claim
Masson Goal
Arbroath 3-1 Alloa
Videos
Rattray Goal
Sellars Goal
Scott Goal
From Monday's Courier (28th July) - Campbell starts with a win
DICK CAMPBELL’S first competitive match in charge of Forfar proved highly successful as his side dumped Second Division Arbroath out of the cup.
The Loons came from behind at the interval to win courtesy of two second-half penalties.
Campbell said, “I couldn’t believe we were behind at half-time, as we had done so well up until then. But the spirit in the side is good and I’m very happy with the way we came back into it. Our keeper brought off some good saves and when we got the first goal we started to play a bit. I could see the improvements we are putting in place.”
Arbroath went ahead on the stroke of half-time with a delightful goal.
Barry Sellars fed the ball to Kevin McMullen, whose perfectly-weighted cross was scored by Bryan Scott.
Scott had a wonderful opportunity to put the Red Lichties further ahead at the start of the second half, but shot wildly over the bar when in a good position.
Then Scott Gates slipped through the Forfar defence, but his low drive was saved by Alistair Brown.
The game was turned on its head, however, during a 10-minute spell midway through the second period when the visitors earned two penalties.
Steven Rennie handled the ball in the box for the first and Sean Kilgannon sent Darren Hill the wrong way from the spot.
Then Roddy Black floored Craig Winter and, with Kilgannon substituted, Kevin McLeish stepped forward to beat Hill, although the keeper got his hands to the ball.
Arbroath manager John McGlashan tried to look for positives from the disappointing result for his newly-promoted side.
He said, “For large parts of the game we looked a decent team. We created chances, scored a really good goal and it should have been over within the first 10 to 15 minutes of the second half. But then we had that 10-minute spell when they came back into it and got the penalties. I like to win every game, and there were lessons to be learned from this one, but generally I’m happy with the way we played.”
Arbroath’s Scott, Black, McMullen and substitute Andy Reilly were all booked, along with Forfar’s Lilley, Dunn and Winter.
Challenge Cup First Round - Arbroath 1 Forfar Athletic 2
In the first competitive match of the season, the Lichties lined up against Forfar in the Challenge Cup with Darren Hill, Steven Rennie, Roddy Black, Alan Rattray, Jamie Bishop, Terry Masson, Kevin McMullen, Paul Lunan, Bryan Scott, Barry Sellars and Scott Gates. On the bench were Andy Reilly, Robbie Raeside, Kenny Wright, Joe Dingwall and Scott Morrison.
The Lichties took the lead a minute before half time when Bryan Scott scored with a nice finish. Scott was booked at same time.
Forfar equalised through a penalty in 62 minutes and then took the lead through another penalty 9 minutes later. Black was booked at same time and 5 minutes later Flyer was also booked.
Eye witness report -
My Left Foot
A lack of composure and technique in front of goal left Arbroath wondering what might have been following a disappointing 2-1 derby defeat at home to Forfar in the Challenge cup.
On a still day Lichties lined up in many familiar faces, Hill in goal, Rennie, Bishop, Rattray, Black in the back four, McMullan, Lunan, Masson and new boy Gates across midfield and Scott and Sellars upfront. A combination that didn’t work last season and won’t work this either.
And to begin with it was fine if not spectacular fare, gates pushed up to form a front three, Forfar were not struggling to deal with the pace of our attacks and too many passes were too heavy on a fast surface, Masson was creating space for himself to receive and make passes. Rennie was providing excellent attacking support on the right, but our most creative player was gates on the left and it was through him our best move came, Sellars released him to drive through the inside left channel into the box, his centre was cut out by the keeper but is was encouraging to see Lunan barrelling in on goal like the manager did in his heyday.
Fans were rueing a lack of cutting edge as a run by Lunan saw Gates, Rennie and McMullan all delivery crosses of quality to no avail.
However a minute later a scare at our end saw the ball dispatched to McMullan, a pass behind the defence gave Scott the space to side foot the ball in with his right foot. With a minute to half time, tails were up.
And the second half start reflected the confidence and chances to finish the game came fast, Gates released Scott down inside left, Bryan had to contort his body to take a right foot shot and when an easy left foot on target saw a goal, instead we saw the ball sailing high and wide.
A Sellars free kick was never on target before, Bryan Scott was put through again, no doubt he was fouled as he went into the box and the wise play may have been to go down, but the chance was still there for a left footed strike or pass into the net, again Bryan chose his right foot and it was easily smothered. He knows it’s a weakness and if has genuine ambition to progress he must improve his left foot technique it was to cost Arbroath the game.
Scoot Gates then had a chance one on one with the keeper and a Rattray free header went wide before Rennie gave away a needles penalty for handball.
With the disappointment of going level Arbroath lost their way and another Forfar attack saw Roddy Black lunge at a player and it was 2-1 with no obvious way back. Masson was replaced by Reilly, Sellars moving to midfield and new boy Keeny Wright was a direct swap for McMullan but for all the huff and puff no house was blown down.
What also didn’t help was some stupid steward telling Harry Masson to move from the post he’s smoked his cigar from for 50 years. I’m a fervent anti smoker and will defend Harry’s right to do what he’s done for forever, especially when two other are smoking cigarettes 10 feet away . Airse!
From Thursday's Courier - First-half double is enough Arbroath 0 Dundee United XI 2 DUNDEE UNITED did the business in the first half but almost paid the penalty for slackening off in the second.
Except for a fourth- minute save by Darren Hill from a Kevin Smith header, Arbroath’s defence dealt comfortably with a stream of United attacks in the opening 30 minutes and it took the intervention of the towering figure of Garry Kenneth to break the deadlock.
A succession of corners had been cleared before he went up for another Ryan McCord flag kick and soared above the defence to head home in the 33rd minute.
Kenneth, returning from an ankle injury, had a chance of playing himself back into contention for United’s game against Barcelona on Saturday and his goal will have done his case no harm.
An equally simple process was followed seven minutes later when a Kevin Smith cross from the right split the home defence and set up Marco Andreoni for an unchallenged header past the keeper.
Arbroath started the second half brightly and a flurry of substitutions had the effect of bringing them right back into the game.
The arrival of Bryan Scott in particular had an impact, his speed catching out a second-string United side that still had a sprinkling of names with first-team experience.
Minutes after going on he outstripped United’s left flank and his low cross into the penalty area was within a whisker of being knocked into the net by Paul Lunan.
Scott again outpaced his markers to break clear and chipped past the keeper only for the ball to roll wide of the post.
Arbroath looked a lot perkier and the steady supply of through balls meant Scott’s pace was a constant threat. In the 75th minute he went close again with a shot across the face of the United goal.
Arbroath’s substitute keeper Scott Morrison was called into serious action only once in the second half and he did well to beat out a fierce shot on the turn by Smith.
Arbroath—Hill (Morrison 46), McMullen (Rennie 66), Dingwall, Raeside (Rattray 66), Bishop, Black (Gates 46), Lunan (McDonald 78), Campbell (Masson 46), Wright (Scott 62), Fraser (Sellars 46), Simpson (Reilly 62).
Dundee United—Gibson, Milligan, Dixon, Pope, Kenneth, McCord, Cameron, Andreoni, Goodwillie, Trialist (Russell 78), Smith. Subs not used—Fleming, Irvine, Allan, Grant.
Referee—Steve Crichton.
From Monday's Courier (21st July) - Lichties licked by Black Cats
WHILE THEIR big-name stars enjoyed their pre-season preparations in the Algarve, Sunderland FC’s reserves and first-team fringe players found themselves taking on Arbroath at Gayfield on Saturday.
Despite eventually losing 3-1, the Lichties gave a good account of themselves.
A first-half strike by rising star Martyn Waghorn, whose glancing header from a Jordan Henderson cross eluded Darren Hill, did nothing to dampen Arbroath enthusiasm.
The Lichties could have levelled things just before half-time when a thundering Bryan Scott effort was well held by Northern Ireland youth internationalist keeper Trevor Carson.
Scott brought his side back into the game on 63 minutes when he latched on to a loose ball 30 yards from goal and curled a left-foot shot past Carson.
Waghorn got his second on 70 minutes—earning a yellow card for kicking the ball out of the park in celebration—when he lured substitute keeper Scott Morrison off his line and slotted the ball past him.
Jordan Cook completed Sunderland’s tally five minutes later when, after Morrison did well to parry yet another Waghorn effort, he could do nothing to prevent the easiest of close-range tap-ins.
Arbroath manager John McGlashan said, “That was a very worthwhile exercise and, although the differences between our full-time English Premiership visitors and our part-time Scottish Second Division squad were there for all to see, I think we acquitted ourselves very well. Compared to the sort of teams we are used to going up against and will be facing during the coming season, the contrasts were really quite dramatic. Sunderland have the sort of financial backing and salaries that teams like Arbroath can only dream of but, in saying that, for lengthy spells of the game we held our own very well.
“Everyone who was on the park, whether they were on from the start or came off the bench, worked their socks off and they have every reason to be proud of their performances. Looking at the quality of the young players Sunderland brought up here I wouldn’t be at all surprised if in just a couple of seasons time a few of these lads are household names on the national and international scene and we can look back and say we played them at Gayfield.
“I’m glad we managed to get this game set up because, at our level, it’s a good feeling for players to be able to test themselves against some of the best young talent in the country and who will be normally be plying their trade at the Stadium of Light. As a test of our fitness and readiness for the challenges ahead it was very valuable and, even in the closing stages when my lads started to tire and make a few mistakes, you could see there was still the commitment to fight for every ball and the determination not to concede a fourth goal.”
That fighting spirit will be just what McGlashan will be looking for in the weeks and months ahead.
A youthful Gayfield side were no match for junior neighbours Carnoustie Panmure at Laing Park yesterday, going down 5-0.
A second half hat-trick by substitute Jim Collier was the feature of the hosts’ comfortable win.
First half, however, gave no indication of just how comfortable it would be for Ian Flaherty’s troops.
Even although Kevin Steele slotted home Aaron Conway’s pass after six minutes, the visitors impressed most in the early stages but a three-goal salvo in the first eight minutes of the second half left the young Red Lichties reeling.
Collier headed home a long searching cross from Daryn Smith three minutes after the re-start and just two minutes later, Collier latched onto a through ball, steering it under the advancing keeper.
Trialist Scott Hunter headed the fourth from a corner by Sean Mushin.
And with six minutes left, Collier completed his hat-trick, heading home a Gary McLaughlin cross.
Bryan Scott's shot hits the net
From Monday's Courier (14 July) - Lichties shine in capital test ARBROATH KEPT their pre-season preparations well on track with a convincing 3-1 win over Edinburgh City at Meadowbank Stadium.
The Lichties were 2-0 up at half time courtesy of a Kenny Wright penalty and Sean Simpson strike, and Barry Sellars added a second from the spot in the second half.
Lichties manager John McGlashan said, “It was a fine win and a good work-out for the players in the run-up to the start of the season proper.
“Just about every one of my players has now managed to get a full 90 minutes of competitive football under their belts, some of them more, and it has been a worthwhile exercise having two games so close together.
“I bolstered the team with a few of the younger youth team players and have been quite impressed with what I’ve seen on the park in our opening two pre-season matches.
“Scoring six goals and conceding only one, even against teams which come from a lower level than we’ll be up against in a few weeks’ time, can only be good but I’m sure we will be facing a very different proposition in our friendlies against Sunderland and Dundee United—and I’m sure even Carnoustie Panmure will give us a game.
“One or two of the players have picked up minor bumps, blisters and scrapes and I was a bit concerned about Alan Rattray, who came off worst in a fairly meaty challenge in Edinburgh.
“I took him off immediately and an examination at hospital showed up bruising to his shinbone which, although very sore, shouldn’t keep him out of the squad for more than a few games.”
Injured Rattray receives treatment
Arbroath beat Edinburgh City at Meadowbank Stadium by 3 goals to 1. The Lichties were 2-0 up at half time, courtesy of a Kenny Wright penalty and a Sean Simpson goal. Barry Sellars added a second half penalty.
Arbroath 3 Keith 0. The Lichties had little trouble in winning this match against the Highland League visitors. Staring XI was Hill, McMullen, Black, Raeside, Rennie, Lunan, Urquhart, Reilly, Scott, Simpson (trialist) and Gates. Used substitutes were Masson, Sellars, Elvin (trialist), Burns (trialist) and Fraser. Goals came from Scott after 7 minutes, Gates on 44 and Sellars on 80.