SFL 3rd Division Promotion play-off

Semi-Final - 2nd Leg

5th May 2007

Arbroath 1-2 Queen's Park

Queen's Park booked their place in the Second Division play-off final against East Fife with a win at Gayfield.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg, the Spiders went ahead on 32 minutes when Peter Weatherstone slipped a composed shot past goalkeeper Mark Peat.

And two minutes before the break Alan Trouten doubled the advantage with a neat finish.

The home side hit back when Paul Tosh headed home from close range following Bryan Scott's cross.

Arbroath: Peat, McMullen, McCulloch, Raeside (Sellars 46), Bishop, Dobbins, Black, Smith (Martin 85), Tosh, Scott, Stein (Reilly 46). Subs Not Used: Webster, Morrison.

Booked: Scott, Tosh, Sellars.

Goals: Tosh 50.

Queen's Park: Crawford, Paton, Michael Dunlop, Trouten (Carroll 77), Agostini (Sinclair 48), Canning, Kettlewell, Cairney, Ronald, Weatherston (Dunn 85), Ferry. Subs Not Used: Bowers, Cowie.

Booked: Paton, Sinclair.

Goals: Weatherston 32, Trouten 43.

Att: 1,114

SFL 3rd Division Promotion play-off

Semi-Final - 1st Leg

1st May 2007

Queen's Park 2-0 Arbroath

David Weatherston fired the Spiders into the lead at Hampden Queen's Park scored two late goals at Hampden to take a lead into the second leg of their Third Division play-off.

After a goalless first half Arbroath could have taken the lead in 53 minutes, but Willie Martin's penalty was saved by keeper David Crawford.

The Spiders took the lead in the 77th minute when David Weatherston fired home from Mark Ferry's headed pass.

Weatherston was then felled in the box by Steven rennie - who was sent off - and Alan Trouten scored from the spot. The sides meet in the second leg at Gayfield on Saturday.

Queen's Park: Crawford, Paton, Michael Dunlop, Trouten, Agostini, Canning, Kettlewell, Cairney, Dunn (Ronald 65), Weatherston, Ferry.

Subs Not Used: Quinn, Carroll, Bowers, Cairns. Booked: Kettlewell.

Goals: Weatherston 77, Trouten 90.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Dobbins, Smith, Black, Martin (Tosh 63), Brazil (McMullen 90), Reilly (Scott 76), Stein.

Subs Not Used: Bishop, Morrison.

Sent Off: Rennie (90). Booked: Raeside, Black, Rennie.

Att: 974

Ref: M Tumilty

SFL Third Division

28th April 2007

Arbroath 1-3 East Fife

East Fife go into the play-offs on a high after a convincing win over second-top Arbroath at Gayfield.

Arbroath took the lead after six minutes when Elliot Smith tripped Bryan Scott in the penalty box and Willie Martin slammed his spot kick home.

East Fife equalised when Jason Dair's curling cross was headed in off the crossbar by Graham Gibson.

But Kevin Gordan picked his spot to put East Fife in front before Paul Richie volleyed home the third.

But victory was not enough to overtake Queen's Park in third and the Fifers must face Stranraer from the Second Division in their play-off semi-final.

Arbroath: Morrison, Cook (Rennie 68), McMullen, Dobbins, Bishop, Smith, Webster, Martin (Reilly 46), Scott (Tosh 46), Watson, Stein. Subs Not Used: McCulloch, Peat. Booked: McMullen.

Goal: Martin 6 pen.

East Fife: Dodds, Dair (Blackadder 85), Smith, Smart (McGowan 89), McDonald, Young, Gibson, Jablonski, Ritchie, Gordon, Hampshire. Subs Not Used: Nicholas, O'Reilly, Iain Ross.

Goals: Gibson 38, Gordon 40, Ritchie 51.

Att: 825

Ref: B Winter

Fraser Clyne's -  East Fife Stats

21st April 2007

Berwick Rangers 1-0 Arbroath

Berwick were celebrating at Shielfield Park Berwick Rangers saw off nearest challengers Arbroath to seal the Division Three championship.

Iain Diack was the match-winner, turning on an Ian Little free-kick to shoot home after 20 minutes.

Berwick manager John Coughlin told BBC Sport: "It's fantastic. I've won titles as an assistant, but to do it as a manager is something special. It's 28 years since Berwick have won a title and I'm just happy we could make it a great day for the fans."

However, Coughlin was hopeful that some of the 2,000 who turned up at Shielfield Park return on a regular basis.

"That has not happened, yet we have been playing some attractive football this season," he said. "It was all about making one last effort and getting the goal that counted - and we did that".

Arbroath thought they had equalised 15 minutes after Diack's goal.

Jamie Bishop had the ball in the net, but it was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Gary O'Connor.

Rangers ran the show in the second period as they saw out time to close in on the title.

Visiting goalkeeper Mark Peat pulled off a great save from David Greenhill and another from Diack before O'Connor smothered a Jay Stein effort at the post to kill off Arbroath's challenge.

Alan Brazil's sending-off for a second yellow card for the Red Lichties eased the pressure on the home team.

The championship trophy was handed over after the match to skipper Grant McNicoll.

But Coughlin admitted that it had not been the best game of football but put that down to nerves. "It was all about making one last effort and getting the goal that counted - and we did that," he said. " It was the two best teams in the league going head to head and we had to show character."

Arbroath now face a play-off semi-final against the team finishing third, followed by a final against the winner of the match between the second bottom in Division Two and fourth in Division Three.

"John McGlashan has given them a never-say-die attitude and they are a difficult team to handle," added Coughlin.

Berwick Rangers: O'Connor, Manson, McGroarty, Horn, Smith, Fraser, Thomson, Notman (McNicoll 89), Haynes (David Greenhill 65), Diack, Little (Gary Greenhill 75). Subs Not Used: Noble, Flockhart.

Booked: Haynes, Fraser.

Goal: Diack 20.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, McMullen (Scott 57), Black (Stein 81), Martin, Brazil, Smith, Reilly (Webster 75). Subs Not Used: Dobbins, Morrison.

Sent Off: Brazil (85). Booked: Brazil, Smith, Rennie, Raeside.

Att: 2,054

Ref: E Norris

Scottish Football League Third Division

14th April 2007

Arbroath 1-0 Queen's Park

Arbroath kept up the pressure on Berwick at the top of the Third Division with a priceless win.

The home side opened the scoring after 27 minutes when Andy Reilly volleyed home Willie Martin's neat head-flick.

Queens spurned a handful of decent chances in the opening half with Richard Sinclair and Marky Ferry going tantalisingly close.

But Arbroath held on for a narrow win and are now only two victories away from a historic first league title win.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Dobbins, Bishop, Smith (McMullen 20), Black, Reilly (Scott 73), Brazil, Martin, Stein. Subs Not Used: Webster, Watson, Morrison. Booked: Martin.

Goals: Reilly 27.

Queens Park: Crawford, Paton, Dunlop, Sinclair (Reilly 54), Agostini, Canning, Kettlewell, Cairney (Carroll 73), Dunn, Weatherston, Ferry. Subs Not Used: Bowers, Waters, Cairns. Booked: Cairney, Carroll.

Att: 957

Ref: C Charleston (Scotland).

As ever I would like to extend a warm welcome to Billy Stark and everyone associated with Queen's Park Football Club. The Queen's Park supporters always create a good atmosphere and I am sure that will be the case again today with both sides determined to win this crucial league match.
Our players really have done ever so well this year to get us into contention for the title. However, we still face three very difficult matches against opponents of a very high calibre. We could win all three games or lose them all and still not be disgraced. Whatever way you look at it, there is still an awful lot to play for and we will continue to focus on each game as it comes along, starting with this afternoon's match.
Already this season, The Spiders have beaten us twice, home and away, so we will be looking to redress the balance today. Like ourselves, Queen's have been on a great run of late and although that came to an end last weekend at Bayview we will certainly not make the mistake of thinking their good form has deserted them.
Our unbeaten run also came to an end recently, against Dumbarton, so Saturday's home game against Stenny was always going to be tricky. However, I was pleased that we had the chance to get back to winning ways so soon after a defeat, and the players certainly produced a terrific performance, especially in the second half when we were down to ten men.
I knew that the players would roll their sleeves up and it was satisfying to see four players get on the scoresheet. Willie Martin came off the bench to add to his goal tally for the season and Bryan Scott scored on consecutive Saturdays. Steven Rennie also found the net when he ignored my shout to pass to Alan Brazil, but he fancied his chances and fair play to him for that. Last but by no means least,  Nicky Smith capped off a good day's work with a great goal at the death.
What strikes me as unusual about this season is the fact that although we have scored more goals than any other team in the third division we do not have a player at the top of  the scoring charts. However, we have scored goals from every area of the park and that is the sign of a good team. Our goals come from defence, midfield and attack. From a manager's point of view it's comforting to know that you are not having to rely on one or two players to produce the goods in front of goal. If you pin your hopes on one or two players and they get injured it can put you in a sweat but thankfully we are not in that position.
After tonight's game our supporters club, TASC 1878, will be hosting their inaugural player and young player of the year awards ceremony, starting at 7.30pm at Arbroath Bowling Club at Dishlandtown Street. I would like to publicly thank TASC for their support. They do an important job organising travel to away games and their fundraising endeavours are very much appreciated.
Also, on Sunday, our Golf Day goes ahead at Arbroath Artisan Golf Club. After the day's play there will be prizes on offer, a raffle and an auction - the main prize on offer being the chance to become my assistant during a pre-season fixture. If you are unable to attend the Golf Day but would like to place a bid for the chance to help me with my preparations for a match, as well as take your place in the dug-out, you can place your bid at the club shop at half-time today or at the main office after the match.
Good luck and enjoy today's game.

John McGlashan

Scottish Football League Third Division

7th April 2007

Arbroath 4-1 Stenhousemuir

Arbroath narrowed the gap on Division Three leaders Berwick Rangers to two points despite playing 45 minutes with 10 men against Stenhousemuir.

Recent signing Paul Tosh was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident involving Gary Thom.

But sub Willy Martin fired home after 68 minutes following a forceful run.

Scott McManus equalised after a goalmouth scramble, but Steven Rennie scored from long range and Bryan Scott and Nicky Smith slotted in two more.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Smith, Black, Reilly (Martin 58), Brazil, Tosh, Stein (Scott 61). Subs Not Used: McMullen, Webster, Morrison.

Sent Off: Tosh (45).

Goals: Martin 68, Rennie 78, Scott 86, Smith 90.

Stenhousemuir: Willie McCulloch, McLeish, Menzies, Aitken (McManus 74), Thom, Murphy, Sinclair (Desmond 71), Dempster, Hutchison, Tyrrell, McLaughlin (Forde 74). Subs Not Used: Robbie Henderson, Johnstone.

Booked: Dempster, Thom, Hutchison.

Goals: McManus 76.

Att: 751

Ref: T Robertson

Scottish Football League Third Division

3 April 2007

Dumbarton 1-0 Arbroath

Ryan Borris's winner for Dumbarton dented Arbroath's Third Division title hopes after a pulsating clash.

The Sons flagged their intention early when Craig Winter and Chris Boyle both hit the woodwork.

And they went in front just after the break when Boyle's inch-perfect cross was nodded crisply home by Borris.

And, despite Arbroath's desperate efforts to grab a late equaliser, the home defence held out for their second clean sheet in a row.

Dumbarton: Grindlay, Geggan, Canning, Craig, Brittain (McKeever 76), Borris, Winter, Tiernan, McNaught, McQuilken (Hamilton 83), Boyle (Coyne 88). Subs Not Used: Henry, Shaw. Booked: Tiernan, McNaught, Boyle. Goal: Borris 54.

Arbroath: Peat, McMullen, Raeside (Stein 68), Bishop, McCulloch, Webster (Reilly 54), Smith, Dobbins, Black, Brazil, Tosh (Scott 68). Subs Not Used: Martin, Morrison. Booked: Smith.

 Att: 527

Scottish Football League Third Division

31st March 2007

Albion Rovers 0-3

Arbroath Arbroath kept their hopes of an automatic promotion place alive with a convincing win at Cliftonhill.

The visitors took a deserved lead after 24 minutes when Marc McCulloch fired in a free-kick from 25 yards.

Arbroath grabbed a second after 78 minutes when substitute Brian Scott blazed a fine shot into the top corner.

Three minutes later Brian Webster tapped the ball home from close range and Albion's day went from bad to worse when John McGeough was sent off.

Albion Rovers: Scott, Moffat, Lennox, Lennon, Donnelly (Chisholm 78), Nicoll, Smith, Chaplain, Felvus (MacFarlane 66), Walker (Brown 66), McGeough. Subs Not Used: Creaney, Thompson. Sent Off: McGeough (90). Booked: Donnelly.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Dobbins, Smith, Black, Reilly, Brazil (McMullen 69), Tosh (Scott 74), Stein (Webster 80). Subs Not Used: Martin, Morrison. Booked: McCulloch. Goals: McCulloch 24, Scott 78, Webster 81.

Att: 488

SFL Third Division

27th March 2007

Arbroath 3-2 East Stirlingshire

Arbroath held off an East Stirlingshire comeback to narrow the gap on league leaders Berwick Rangers to four points.

Andy Reilly's close-range header opened the scoring for the home side and Jamie Bishop doubled the advantage with a powerful drive from 18 yards.

The visitors pulled one back with a strike from Paul Tweedie and the game was level when Paul McBride fired a 30-yard bullet into the top corner.

But a Paul Tosh free-kick was deflected in off Robbie Raeside for the winner.

Arbroath: Peat, McMullen, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Smith, Dobbins, Reilly (Webster 67), Brazil (Scott 87), Tosh, Stein (Black 67). Subs Not Used: Martin, Morrison. Booked: Reilly.

Goals: Reilly 30, Bishop 48, Raeside 74.

East Stirlingshire: Nugent, McAlpine, Learmonth (Adam 84), Brand, Thywissen, Boyle (Galloway 79), McKenzie (Ure 77), Stewart, Tweedie, A Trialist, McBride. Subs Not Used: Tiropoulous. Booked: Nugent, McAlpine.

Goals: Tweedie 58, McBride 63.

Att: 657

Ref: M Ritchie

SFL Third Division

24th March 2007

Elgin City 0-1 Arbroath

Arbroath kept their title push on course as an Andy Reilly strike gave them an unlikely win over Elgin.

City had the best of the early exchanges with striker Martin Johnston firing wide from 20 yards before he had a header well saved by Mark Peat.

Elgin created plenty of chances and dominated, but were made to pay in the 75th minute for their profligacy.

From Mark McCulloch's free kick, Reilly rose to head home with Arbroath's first real chance of the match.

Elgin: Renton, Campbell, Dempsie, Hind, Dickson, Kaczan, Hooks (A Trialist 85), Docherty (Charlesworth 78), Johnston, Moffatt, Mackay. Subs Not Used: Nelson, Finnigan, Fox. Booked: Dickson, Docherty.

Arbroath: Peat, McMullen, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Dobbins, Black, Martin (Webster 55), Brazil, Watson (Smith 62), Reilly (Scott 88). Subs Not Used: Stein, Morrison.

Goal: Reilly 75.

Att: 309

Ref: C Brown

SFL Third Division

14th March 2007

East Stirlingshire 1-5 Arbroath

Arbroath moved to within a point of Third Division leaders Berwick Rangers with a thrashing of bottom side East Stirlingshire at Firs Park.

Steven Rennie swept the ball home, but it was not until the second half until Barry Sellars chested in the second.

Home keeper Anton Nugent's clearance bounced in off Arbroath's Alan Brazil and Nicky Smith volleyed in the fourth.

Paul Brownlie replied despite Paul Stewart being sent off, but Jamie Bishop restored Arbroath's advantage.

East Stirlingshire: Nugent, McAlone, Oates, Brand, Thywissen, Boyle (Brownlie 75), McKenzie, Stewart, Tweedie, McBride, A Trialist (Galloway 64).
Subs Not Used: Adam, Tiropoulous.

Sent Off: Stewart (76).

Booked: Thywissen, Boyle, Stewart, Brand.

Goal: Brownlee 81.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Smith, Scott (McMullen 46), Reilly (Martin 62), Brazil, Sellars (Black 57), Stein. Subs Not Used: Webster, Morrison.

Booked: Bishop.

Goals: Rennie 3, Sellars 46, Brazil 47, Smith 53, Bishop 88.

Att: 275

SFL Third Division

10th March 2007

Arbroath 2-2 Dumbarton

Ten-man Dumbarton held on for a hard earned draw with Arbroath in windy conditions at Gayfield.

Dumbarton's Andy Geggan fired in a wind-assisted effort from 30 yards after only seven minutes.

The Sons doubled their lead with a John Henry shot but John Dillon was sent off for two quick bookings.

Arbroath dominated the second half and Steven Rennie and Jay Stein both helped themselves to close range goals as their pressure paid off.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, McMullen (Webster 75), Black, Scott, Brazil, Doyle (Smith 84), Stein.
Subs Not Used: Reilly, Cook, Morrison.
Goals: Rennie 56, Stein 66.

Dumbarton: Grindlay, Geggan, Brittain, Canning, Craig (Jamie Smith 54), Winter, Hamilton, Henry, Coyne, McNaught, Dillon. Subs Not Used: Boyle, McQuilken, McKeever, Shaw.
Sent Off: Dillon (45).
Booked: Dillon.
Goals: Geggan 7, Henry 12.

Att: 810

Ref: David Somers

Scottish Football League 3rd Division

7th March 2007

Arbroath 2-1 Elgin City

Ian Dobbin's dramatic last minute winner sparked a riot as Arbroath beat Elgin 2-1 to close the gap on Berwick.

Arbroath took the lead early on through Roddy Black but City drew level just before the break from a brilliant Steven Mackay free-kick. Just as Elgin looked to have earned a point Dobbin headed home, with Paul Watson sent off for over-celebrating.

A 22-player pitched battle ensued and Elgin's Hugh Dickson and Arbroath's Joe Savage were both red-carded.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Dobbins, Black (Stein 55), Martin (Savage 83), Brazil, Watson, Reilly (Doyle 72). Subs Not Used: Webster, Morrison. Sent Off: Watson (90), Savage (90). Booked: Black, Brazil, Watson. Goals: Black 7, Dobbins 90.

Elgin: Fox, Campbell, Moffatt, Niven, Dickson, Dempsie, Hooks, Nelson, Johnston, Hind, Mackay. Subs Not Used: Charlesworth, Kellacher, Gardiner, Docherty, Renton. Sent Off: Dickson (90). Booked: Mackay. Goals: Mackay 39.

Att: 447

Ref: Scott McDonald (Scotland).

Scottish Football League 3rd Division

3rd March 2007

Montrose 0-1 Arbroath

Arbroath stayed on right on track for promotion with a narrow but deserved 1-0 victory over the 10 men of local rivals Montrose.

The Red Lichties opened the scoring after only eight minutes when Andy Riley chased a long pass to lift the ball over goalkeeper Cammy Bell.

The visitors continued to dominate and nearly had a second on 19 minutes but Willie Martin hit the post. Montrose tried to respond in the second half but never really threatened.

MONTROSE - Bell, Cumming, Stirling, Stephen, McLeod, Donachie, Henslee, Gibson, Rodgers (Baird 63), Michie (P. Reid 76), Docherty (Davidson 46).

Scottish Football League Third Division

24th February 2007

Arbroath 1-0 Berwick Rangers

Andy Reilly scored a last-gasp winner to move Arbroath within touching distance of Division Three leaders Berwick Rangers with a valuable win.

The match was closely contested from start to finish, but a red card for Berwick striker Garry Wood gave the home side the initiative.

Both sides had chances, but Reilly secured all three points for the Lichties right at the death. He lashed an angled drive into the corner from the edge of the box.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, Watson (Black 54), Raeside, Bishop, Dobbins, McMullen (McCulloch 75), Webster (Martin 61), Brazil, Sellars, Reilly. Subs Not Used: Doyle, Morrison. Booked: Dobbins, Black, Martin. Goals: Reilly 90.

Berwick: O'Connor, Shand (Palickza 73), McGroarty, Fraser, Horn, Lucas, Manson (Campbell 82), Thomson, Wood, Diack (Trialist 86), Noble. Subs Not Used: Gary Greenhill, Flockhart Sent Off: Wood (69). Booked: Fraser, Lucas.

Att: 650

Ref: E Smith

Substitute Kevin Webster popped up two minutes into stoppage-time to give Arbroath a 2-1 win at Stenhousemuir.

Andy Thompson converted Kevin McLeish's cross in the 80th minute to give the home side the lead.

But Webster's pass to Robbie Raeside saw him turn and fire home an equaliser from four yards a minute later.

In stoppage-time Webster sent the visitors' fans into raptures when he turned Scott McCulloch before firing a left-foot drive into the net.

Stenhousemuir: McCulloch, McEwan, Darren Henderson (Robbie Henderson 67), Tyrrell, Cowan, Mcullock, McBride, Dempster, Thompson (McManus 81), McLaughlin (McLeish 32), Aitken. Subs Not Used: Hutchison, Johnstone.

Booked: Darren Henderson, McBride, McCulloch ,.

Goals: Thompson 80.

Arbroath: Peat, McMullen, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Dobbins, Scott (Reilly 75), Martin, Brazil, Sellars, Stein (Webster 67). Subs Not Used: Watson, Doyle, Logie.

Booked: Webster.

Goals: Raeside 81, Webster 90.

Att: 431

Ref: C Brown

Scottish 3rd Division

 27 January 2007

Albion Rovers extended their unbeaten run with a hard-fought draw with Arbroath at Gayfield Park.

Rovers' Patrick Walker shot straight at Arbroath goalkeeper Mark Peat when through on goal, while William Martin shot just wide at the other end.

A terrific last-gasp tackle by Scott Chaplain prevented Andy Reilly putting Arbroath ahead after the break.

Ian Chisholm fired over from eight yards at the other end as both title hopefuls failed to take their chances.

Arbroath: Peat, McMullen, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Smith (Rennie 84), Doyle, Martin (Savage 64), Reilly (A Trialist 75), Brazil, Stein.
Subs Not Used: Watson, Logie.

Albion: Thompson, Moffat, Lennox, Lennon, Watson, Nicoll (Creaney 83), Chisholm (Sim 68), Chaplain, MacFarlane, Walker (Felvus 90), Smith.
Subs Not Used: Thomson, A Trialist.

Booked: Nicoll, Watson, Moffat.

Att: 602

Ref: B Winter
 

Scottish 3rd Division

2 January 2007

Arbroath 1-0 Montrose

A first-half Andy Reilly header handed Arbroath all three points in an uneventful game against Montrose.

Reilly's downward header just after the half-hour mark bounced over Montrose keeper Andrew Reid and into the net.

Reid had already prevented Reilly from opening the scoring but Montrose dominated after, without really threatening Arbroath keeper Mark Peat.

Andy Rogers had the visitors' last chance to steal a point but his header from a Jered Stirling cross flew wide.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, Gardiner, Raeside, Bishop, Dobbins, McMullen, Martin (Scott 51), Reilly (Brazil 64), Sellars, Stein (McCulloch 79). Subs Not Used: Smith, Morrison. Booked: Dobbins, Scott, Bishop.

Goals: Reilly 32.

Montrose: Andrew Reid, Donachie, Jered Stirling, Cumming, Stephen, Gibson, Henslee (Black 46), Davidson, Rogers, Michie (Paul Stewart 73), Napier. Subs Not Used: Adam, Kelly, A Trialist. Booked: Rogers.

Att: 1,250.

Ref: S Nicholls (Scotland).

Team Sheet against Montrose.

Scottish 3rd Division

30 December 2006

Arbroath 1-1 East Fife

Leaders East Fife were held to a draw n a feisty match marred by off-field clashes after Ryan Blackadder was sent off in injury time against Arbroath. Paul Ritchie finished a cross for East Fife, while Paul Watson fired a reply.

But the match descended into chaos after a late tackle on Steven Rennie by Blackadder, who was red-carded and boss Dave Baikie given his marching orders. Further trouble ensued in the tunnel after the final whistle and the police were required to restore order.

Division Three leaders East Fife took control and Ritchie finished off from a Kevin Gordon cross after 19 minutes.

But Arbroath upped their performance and pulled the score level six minutes later. Jay Stein delivered a corner to the back post which picked out Watson, who fired a right-footed shot into the corner of the net.

Arbroath goalkeeper Mark Peat pulled off a crucial save to deny Johnny Martin.

The home side were denied a penalty in the closing stages when Kevin McMullen scampered into the box and hit the deck after a full-bloodied tackle by Tom Courts.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, Gardiner, Raeside, Bishop, Smith (Dobbins 56), McMullen, Martin, Watson (Reilly 72), Sellars, Stein. Subs Not Used: McCulloch, Voight, Morrison.

Booked: Gardiner, Sellars, McCulloch.

Goal: Watson 25.

East Fife: Dodds, Smith, Doyle, Jonathan Smart, Courts, Blackadder, Gordon, Jablonski, Ritchie (Crabbe 72), O'Reilly (Martin 72), Hampshire. Subs Not Used: Craig Smart, Fortune, Roberts.

Sent Off: Blackadder (92). Booked: Smith, Doyle, Jonathan Smart, Courts.

Goal: Ritchie 19.

Att: 950

Ref: A Law

Scottish 3rd Division

23 December 2006

Queen's Park 1-0 Arbroath

Michael Dunlop scored the winner against Arbroath as Queen's Park ended a run of five games without a win. Dunlop whipped a first-time shot past goalkeeper Mark Peat following Steven Canning's 23rd-minute free-kick.

Spiders goalkeeper Mark Cairns brilliantly turned Jay Stein's curling, 25-yard free-kick over the crossbar.

A David Weatherston effort crashed off the Arbroath post before visiting striker Brian Scott was sent off for lashing out at Damiano Agostini.

Queen's Park: Cairns, Cairney, Dunlop, Ronald, Agostini, Canning, Kettlewell (Murray 77), Quinn, Dunn (Bowers 42), Weatherston, Ferry. Subs Not Used: Whelan, Colquhoun, Crawford.

Goal: Dunlop 23.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, Gardiner, Raeside, Bishop, Smith, McMullen, Martin (Voight 69), Scott, Sellars, Stein (Reilly 65). Subs Not Used: Watson, Masson, Morrison.

Sent Off: Scott (79). Booked: Rennie, Sellars.

Att: 475

Ref: A Boyd

Scottish 3rd Division

16 December 2006

Elgin City 0-4 Arbroath

Brian Irvine's last match as Elgin City manager ended with his side slumping to their 15th defeat in 18 games as Arbroath eased to a 4-0 away victory. Arbroath opened the scoring after 11 minutes when Brian Scott steered a header into the corner of the net. Barry Sellars poked the ball home for number two as Elgin wilted. Home goalkeeper Keiron Renton was sent off in the second half, with Willie Martin scoring a penalty, before Sellars added a fourth.

Scottish Cup 2nd Round

Berwick Rangers 2-0 Arbroath

9 December 2006

A sensational goal from Gary Wood two minutes from time sealed Berwick;s win and earned them a Scottish Cup third round home clash with Falkirk.

Rangers had been under a spell of intense pressure but Wood lobbed goalkeeper Mark Peat from long range.

Earlier, strike partner Kevin Haynes gave Berwick a 35th-minute lead with fine shot into the top corner.

Arbroath peppered the Berwick goal with shots in the latter stages but keeper Chris Flockhart was in fine form.

Berwick Rangers: Flockhart, Manson, Noble, Horn, Smith, McNicoll, Thomson, Fraser, Haynes (McLaughlin 74), Wood, David Greenhill.

Subs Not Used: Shand, McCallum, Notman, Connon.

Booked: Horn, McNicoll, Thomson, Wood, Fraser. Goals: Haynes 35, Wood 88.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie (Brazil 53), Watson, Raeside, Bishop, Smith, McMullen, Martin, Scott, Sellars, Stein.

Subs Not Used: Reilly, Masson, Voight, Morrison.

Booked: Bishop, Scott, Watson.

Att: 458

Ref: J McKendrick

Scottish Third Division

2nd December 2006

Arbroath 2-0 Stenhousemuir

Arbroath kept the pressure on league leaders East Fife with a fine win.

The home side took the lead in 31 minutes when a Nicky Smith shot was turned away by Willie McCulloch and Willie Martin tapped-in the rebound.

Five minutes before half-time Stenhousemuir John Paul McBride was red-carded for throwing the ball at an Arbroath player.

Arbroath made it two in 82 minutes when Kevin McMullen's neat through-ball enabled Brian Scott to fire home.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Smith (Watson 88), McMullen, Martin, Scott (Reilly 83), Sellars, Stein.

Subs Not Used: Masson, Dobbins, Morrison.

Booked: Raeside, Scott, Smith, Bishop.

Goals: Martin 31, Scott 82.

Stenhousemuir: McCulloch, Murie, Dillon (Cowan 57), Tyrrell, Murphy, Henderson, Baird (Sinclair 44), McLeish, Hutchison, McBride, Diack (McLaughlin 76).

Subs Not Used: Menzies, Carlin.

Sent Off: McBride (41). Booked: Dillon, Tyrrell.

Att: 649

Ref: A Muir

Scottish Third Division

25th November 2006

Albion Rovers 1-3 Arbroath

 Arbroath recorded a convincing victory over lacklustre Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill Stadium, Coatbridge.

Jamie Bishop rose above the Rovers defence to head home from a Barry Sellars corner after 11 minutes. Jay Stein curled in the second from the edge of the penalty area eight minutes later and Robbie Raeside fired home after the break after a corner.

Rovers at last threatened when Bishop cleared a Bryan Felvus shot off the line before Phil Creaney drove home.

Albion: Ewings, Watson (Creaney 67), Nichol, Lennon, Ciaran Donnelly, Doyle (Walker 52), Sim (Lennox 70), Chaplain, Felvus, Martin Bonnar, Martin Bonnar, Smith.

Subs Not Used: Thompson, Moffat.

 Booked: Ciaran Donnelly, Nichol. Goals: Creaney 88.

Goals: Creaney 88.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Smith, McMullen, Martin (Scott 62), Brazil (Reilly 50), Sellars, Stein.

Subs Not Used: Morrison, Watson, Black.

Booked: Rennie, McMullen.

Goals: Bishop 11, Stein 19, Raeside 61.

Att: 409

Ref: Steve O'Reilly

Scottish Cup 1st Round

18th November 2006

Arbroath 2 (Martin x 2) Albion Rovers 1

A brace from Willie Martin put Arbroath into the next round of the Scottish Cup with a 2-1 win over Albion.

The home side took the lead after 13 minutes when Martin volleyed home Jay Stein's cross.

After the break Rovers came out with renewed vigour and equalised after 70 minutes when Ciaran Donnelly's strike deflected off Felvus into the net.

The home side got the winner six minutes from time when Martin latched onto a Stein cross to nod home.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Smith, McMullen, Martin (Scott 87), Brazil, Sellars, Stein. Subs Not Used: Reilly, Watson, Masson, Morrison.

Booked: McMullen.

Goals: Martin 13, 84.

Albion: Ewings, Watson, Nichol, Lennon, Ciaran Donnelly, Doyle (Sim 87), Lennox (Moffat 87), Chaplain, Felvus, Creaney (Savage 61), Smith. Subs Not Used: McBride, Thompson. Booked: Ciaran Donnelly, Doyle, Nichol.

Goals: Felvus 70.

Ref: Colin Brown.

Team Lines

Scottish Third Division

Arbroath 1-2 East Stirlingshire

11th November 2006

A last-minute own goal by Arbroath's Jamie Bishop gave East Stirlingshire all three points at Gayfield. Shire goalkeeper Robert Tiropoulos denied Ian Dobbins the opener before the Arbroath man set up Barry Sellars to tuck the ball in from six yards.

Both sides had their chances before Steven Dymock levelled by taking advantage of poor defending. And a long kick-out by Tiropoulos dropped towards Bishop, whose header looped high over goalkeeper Mark Peat.

Arbroath: Peat, McMullen, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Dobbins (Smith 72), Reilly (Scott 58), Black, Brazil, Sellars, Stein. Subs Not Used: Rennie, Watson, Morrison.

Goal: Sellars 31.

East Stirlingshire: Tiropoulous, McPhee, Learmonth, Thywissen, Wild, Joe Boyle, McKenzie, Stewart, Tweedie (Ward 63), Molloy (Dymock 54), Ure. Subs Not Used: Livingstone, Adam, Nugent.

Booked: Stewart, Ure.

Goals: Dymock 72, Bishop 89 og.

Att: 560

Ref: S MacDonald

Team Lines

Scottish Third Division

Montrose 0-1 Arbroath

4th Nov 2006

Arbroath continued their promotion push with a victory over derby rivals Montrose in a stormy encounter.

The only goal came after 18 minutes when a Jay Stein free-kick was headed down by Robbie Raeside and Willy Martin nodded home from close range.

The game boiled over on half-time when goalscorer Martin was red-carded for his involvement in massive brawl. Less than a minute later, Montrose were reduced to 10 men when Andy Rogers was shown a red card for a rash challenge.

Montrose: Andrew Reid, Cumming, Stirling (Adam 70), Tawse, Fraser, Donachie, Stewart (Napier 15), Davidson, Henslee, Rogers, Michie (Kerrigan 55).
Subs Not Used: Kelly, Farquhar.

Sent Off: Rogers (45). Booked: Stirling, Donachie, Michie, Adam.

Arbroath: Peat, McMullen, Raeside, Bishop, Black, Reilly (Scott 48), Dobbins, McCulloch, Stein (Smith 71), Martin, Brazil (Rennie 84).
Subs Not Used: Watson, Morrison.

Sent Off: Martin (45). Booked: Raeside, Scott.

Goal: Martin 18.

Att: 1,143

Ref: A Law

Scottish Third Division

Arbroath 0-0 Dumbarton 

28th Oct 2006

High-flying Dumbarton missed the opportunity to close the gap on runaway leaders East Fife with a goalless stalemate at Arbroath.

To compound matters, Dumbarton winger Ryan Borris was shown a straight red card at the end of a first half which the visitors dominated.

The hosts went on to enjoy plenty of possession but could not make their extra man advantage count.

Arbroath's Jay Stein looked lively for but they never looked likely to win.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Dobbins, McMullen (Stein 52), Martin, Brazil, McGlashan (Masson 46), Smith.

Subs Not Used: Reilly, Watson, Morrison. Booked: Bishop, McMullen, Rennie.

Dumbarton: Grindlay, Geggan, Brittain, Canning, Craig, Bagan (McQuilken 79), Borris, Dillon (McKeever 70), Dobbie (McNaught 75), Hamilton, Boyle.

Subs Not Used: Dornan, Shaw. Sent Off: Borris (45). Booked: Geggan, Brittain.

Ref: A Boyd 

Team Lines

Scottish Third Division

Berwick Rangers 3 Arbroath 2

21st Sep 2006

Berwick Rangers clung on for a pulsating home victory over Arbroath.

Dennis McLaughlin put Berwick ahead in the first minute with a penalty after Garry Wood had been brought down by Arbroath's Jamie Bishop.

Wood turned the ball home from close range and Ian Thomson finishing brilliantly before Arbroath hit back.

Willie Martin converted from the penalty spot following a goalline foul and Brian Scott volleyed home.

Berwick: O'Connor, Robbie Manson, Noble, Brittain, Horn (Shand 59), Fraser (Lucas 56), Thomson, Gary Greenhill, Wood, McLaughlin (Paliczka 73), David Greenhill.
Subs Not Used: McCallum, Flockhart.

Booked: O'Connor, Thomson.

Goals: McLaughlin 1 pen, Wood 48, Thomson 59.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Dobbins, McMullen (Scott 56), Martin, Brazil, Sellars, Stein (Smith 56).
Subs Not Used: Cook, Reilly, Morrison.

Booked: Bishop, Dobbins.

Goals: Martin 62, Scott 73.

Att: 434

Ref: C Charleston
 

Scottish Third Division

Arbroath 1 Queens Park 2

14th Sep 2006

Richard Bowers grabbed the winner as Queen's Park earned a deserved three points at Gayfield against disappointing Arbroath.

Arbroath started brightly, but the visitors took control and went into the lead when Alan Trouten crashed home a Bowers cross from six yards.

Bowers volleyed home a perfect cross from Mark Ferry on the left flank.

Barry Sellars fired a 30-yard drive inside Mark Cairns' right-hand post, but Queen's held on for victory.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie (Cook 46), McCulloch, Dobbins, Bishop, Watson (Smith 46), McMullen, Martin (Reilly 62), Brazil, Sellars, Stein.
Subs Not Used: Voight, Morrison.

Booked: McCulloch, Sellars.

Goal: Sellars 71.

Queen's Park: Cairns, Paton, Dunlop, Reilly, Sinclair, Trouten (Agostini 83), Kettlewell, Quinn, Bowers, Ronald (Canning 20), Ferry.
Subs Not Used: Murray, Cairney, Crawford.

Booked: Sinclair, Reilly.

Goals: Trouten 22, Bowers 30.

Att: 627

Ref: E Norris

Scottish Third Division

Arbroath 2-1 Elgin City

30th Sep 2006

Defeat by Arbroath meant Elgin City became the first club in Britain to play all the others in their division without winning a single point. Elgin goalkeeper Keiron Renton had already denied Marc McCulloch with a great save before Steven Rennie headed home a Jay Stein corner.

But, a minute later, Martin Johnston evaded Ian Dobbins and crashed a low left-footed shot past Mark Peat.

Elgin's Adam Moffatt hit a post before Alan Brazil slotted Arbroath's winner.

City had made a late run that almost led to a place in the promotion play-offs from Division Three after Brian Irvine took charge of the team last term. And the manager had expressed his astonishment before the game that his side had slumped this season. "The boys have been working hard and have lost most of the games narrowly," he told BBC Sport. "It is a record we do not want and we used that as a motivation tool in our build up. "The amazing thing is that it is virtually the same team as last season as I got most of them re-signed. "They don't become bad players overnight." The former Aberdeen defender was determined to turn things around. "I'm not a quitter and personal pride comes into it," he said. "Fortunately, I have an excellent chairman who is very supportive."

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch (Smith 46), Dobbins, Bishop, Watson, McMullen, Martin, Brazil (Reilly 78), Sellars, Stein (Cook 90). Subs Not Used: Voight, Morrison.
Booked: Martin, Dobbins, Brazil.

 Goals: Rennie 35, Brazil 63.

Elgin: Renton, Campbell, Dempsie, Easton, Dickson, Moffatt, Gardiner, Hind, Johnston, Booth, Mackay. Subs Not Used: Charlesworth, Finnigan, McGraw, A Trialist, Knight.
Booked: Dickson, Booth.
Goals: Johnston 36.

Att: 610

Ref: C MacKay.

Scottish Third Division

Stenhousemuir 1-2 Arbroath

23rd Sep 2006

 Visitors Arbroath leapfrogged opponents Stenhousemuir in the Third Division table after completing a richly-deserved victory.

Arbroath pressure told when Paul Murphy barged Steven Rennie in the box and Willie Martin shot high into the net. Barry Sellars maginificently fired in the second after Marc McCulloch slipped the ball into the six-yard box.

Stenny sub Iain Diack had a point-blank header superbly blocked by Mark Peat but recovered to bundle the ball home.

Stenhousemuir: McCulloch, Murie, Sinclair, Menzies, Cowan, Murphy, Templeton, Tyrrell, Baird (Diack 57), Hutchison, MacSween (McLaughlin 57). Subs Not Used: Tyrell, B Trialist, Carlin.
Booked: Murphy, Tyrrell, Hutchison, Tyrell.
Goal: Diack 59.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Dobbins, Bishop, Watson (Smith 70), McMullen (Brazil 65), Martin, Scott (Reilly 84), Sellars, Stein. Subs Not Used: Masson, Morrison.
Booked: Martin.
Goals: Martin 32 pen, Sellars 54.

Att: 327

Ref: A Muir

Albion Rovers booked their Challenge Cup semi-final spot after a six-goal thriller and dramatic 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Arbroath.

Willie Martin gave Arbroath the lead but Joe Savage equalised and then Ian Chisholm put the home team in front.

Arbroath levelled thanks to Martin's second but the tie again swung Rovers' way courtesy of Scott Chaplain.

Barry Sellars' fine free-kick sent the tie into extra-time but Ciaran Donnelly was the shoot-out hero for Rovers.

Albion Rovers: Ewings, Moffat, McGhee, Lennon, Ciaran Donnelly, Friel (Creaney 111), Doyle, Chaplain, Chisholm (Sim 90), Savage (Smith 83), Walker.
Subs Not Used: Nichol, Thompson.

Booked: Savage, Doyle, Moffat, Ewings, Ciaran Donnelly, Walker.

Goals: Savage 20, Chisholm 42, Chaplain 58.

Arbroath: Morrison, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Dobbins, Black (Watson 64), Martin, Brazil (McMullen 80), Sellars, Stein (Scott 73).
Subs Not Used: Voight, Peat.

Booked: Raeside, McCulloch, Scott.

Goals: Martin 16, 44, Sellars 87.

Att: 320.

Scottish Third Division

Arbroath 2 Albion Rovers 3

10th Sep 2006

Albion Rovers scraped a victory at Gayfield against an Arbroath side down to 10 men for the whole second half.

Ciaran Donnelly put Rovers ahead from the spot after defender James Bishop was sent off shortly before the break.

But Robbie Raeside's neat shot into the corner restored parity after the break only for Jamie Doyle to quickly curl a wonderful free-kick into the net.

Barry Sellars' superb free-kick brought Arbroath level within a minute, but Pat Walker scored for Rovers on the break.

Arbroath: Peat, Rennie, McCulloch, Raeside, Bishop, Dobbins, Black, Martin (Voight 81), Brazil (Scott 55), Sellars, Stein (Smith 73).
Subs Not Used: McMullen, Morrison.

Sent Off: Bishop (41). Booked: Brazil.

Goals: Raeside 50, Sellars 54.

Albion: Ewings, Moffat, A Trialist, Lennon, Ciaran Donnelly, Friel, Doyle, Chaplain, Chisholm (Sim 69), Savage (Smith 86), McBride (Walker 69).
Subs Not Used: Nichol, Thompson.

Booked: Moffat, Ewings, Sim.

Goals: Ciaran Donnelly 41 pen, Doyle 51, Walker 76.

Att: 510

Ref: C Charleston

Good afternoon and welcome to Gayfield for today’s game against Albion Rovers. Jim Chapman and his new assistant Alan Adamson will no doubt have their team fired up today and as long as our players approach the game in the same manner as they have done lately, it has the makings of a cracking contest.

We know that for us to have any chance of winning this afternoon we must produce a performance straight from the top drawer. Our opponents have scored goals in the last quarter of several games so far this season so we know they are very fit and play for the whole ninety minutes, irrespective of the score. We cannot afford to switch off from the first to the last whistle.

I am frequently asked if managers ever talk in detail about the opposition before a game. Well, over my playing career various managers have either spent an eternity talking about the opposition and some others only a brief summary at most. Both methods have their pluses and minuses but the former is definitely the riskier strategy.

I have been in dressing rooms before a game when the manager spends most of his time going over the oppositions formation and picking out their most effective players, only to find an hour before kick off one or two of the players he identified are not even playing.

Similarly, at kick off the four-five-one formation they played last week is now a 3-5-2 and all his plans on how to combat their strengths or expose their weaknesses are completely out of the window. It is definitely a game of chance to try and second-guess your opponent’s team and formation especially when you come up against shrewd managers such as Jim Chapman!

therefore, I try and concentrate the limited time available more on what we need to do and only give the players a brief outline on our opponents. Saying that, I probably spend countless hours analysing our rivals in the days running up to the game, something I would never have considered when I first set out as a professional footballer.

It was only after a few years as a young footballer that I came to the conclusion that the difference between one professional player and another was wafer thin. I then started to look at ways to gain an advantage over my opponents and in some cases even my own team-mates. After all during the week my team-mates were my rivals for a first team place.

I recall Bruce Rioch telling the younger players at Millwall how he used to write a small summary of his opposite number after each game. When the time came to play each other again he knew what his opponents strengths and weaknesses were and he felt this gave him a slight advantage. If you think about he was absolutely right. This advice is so simple it’s a wonder that all professionals don’t do it. (Hint Hint)

For example, if you are a winger, knowing that their full back is right or left footed will determine if you should go inside or outside onto his weaker foot before the game even starts.

Conversely, if you are a centre half and you don’t know if the forward is quick or good at linking play, do you wait until he has skinned you for pace and opens the scoring before you decide to drop deeper, therefore, allowing him no room to get in behind? Or do you do your homework beforehand and ensure that you know something about your opponent and possibly save your team from going one goal down.

So, although I do mention the opposition during the team talk I also encourage our players to expand their knowledge of their opponents too. Not too much that they are intimidated mind you, but just enough o give them a slight advantage. Remember a little knowledge goes a long way.

The recent wins against Montrose, Forfar and Dumbarton have been very pleasing for everyone who supports the club. However, the old maxim that you cannot rest on your laurels is certainly one that I will be drumming into the players at training this week and before today’s game. We are not nearly good enough to drop our standards by even 1% and expect to win. As our treasurer keeps reminding me one swallow does not make a summer and he is dead right.

Finally, I hope as many of you can manage through to Coatbridge next Tuesday for our quarter-final tie against Albion Rovers. When the draw was made I am sure Jim Chapman was delighted to be drawn at home to another 3^rd Division side.

For our part, this will be our third away tie in the competition and as we could have drawn Ross County or Gretna away we were relatively happy too with the draw. If nothing else it ensures that at least one team from our division will make the semi-finals. After the fabulous support we carried through to Brechin and Forfar in the previous rounds it would be tremendous to see another substantial backing on the terraces on Tuesday night.

By the way, If you are going through, give yourself plenty of time, as there are roadworks near Coatbridge.

Enjoy the game

John

    Scottish Third Division

Dumbarton 0-2 Arbroath

3rd Sep 2006