The Lichties moved back up into 3rd place in Ladbrokes League One today thanks to a stunning individual strike by Omar Kader in the 28th minute.
Manager Dick Campbell gave new signing Michael McKenna his debut as Ryan McCord missed out with a slight hamstring injury which he suffered in training, but Ryan should only be missing for 2-3 weeks.
McKenna was the only change to the starting line up which started against Airdrieonians last Saturday and there was a welcome return to Josh Skelly to the squad with striker Steven Doris also watching on from the stands. Goalkeeper Ricky Gomes also returned to boost the squad.
It was a return to Gayfield for Brian Kerr and Stuart Malcolm who last enjoyed a 4-1 victory over the Lichties back in September, but today it was Arbroath who dominated the match.
It was to be a busy afternoon for 17 year old Albion Rovers goalkeeper Kieran Wright, but the young on-loan Rangers keeper had an impressive game.
Also making his debut for the Wee Rovers was on-loan Aberdeen defender Harlain Mbayo and the Central Defender was probably their Man of the Match with a composed performance.
Arbroath enjoyed a first half of fine passing football with plenty of half chances but were patient in their build up and willing to start again if needed.
The opening goal was a wonderful strike by Omar Kader in the 29th minute after he played a neat one-two with Gavin Swankie with Kader’s strike leaving Wright no chance.
It was to be Swankie’s last contribution as he went off with a knee injury with Blair Yule coming on to replace him.
David Hutton did have a quiet afternoon but denied Alan Trouten on the half hour mark.
Remarkably Omar Kader has only ever scored twice at Gayfield, with his other goal a screamer in our 5-3 victory over Stirling Albion last season but he should have had his second goal of the game after being played in but as the ball bobbled his shot went over the bar from close range.
Half Time – Arbroath 1 – 0 Albion Rovers
Scott Martin was having another impressive game in midfield and after a surging run forward just pulled a 18 yard effort wide of the post.
David Gold, Mark Whatley and Michael McKenna were all impressing in midfield but their efforts along with Ryan Wallace couldn’t get that crucial second goal.
Leighton McIntosh replaced Ryan Wallace in the 67th minute and then Bobby Linn came on for Omar Kader just 6 minutes later.
Despite dominating there was always a slight nervousness going into the final minutes.
On the stroke of full time Arbroath should have got their second goal when Bobby Linn released McIntosh who did well to skip past a defender with only Wright to beat but the young keeper pulled off a stunning save to deny the Arbroath Striker.
Our 4th win in 5 league games and we remain undefeated in 2018!
C’mon the Lichties
Arbroath
1 – David Hutton
2 – Ricky Little
3 – Colin Hamilton
4 – Thomas O’Brien
5 – Scott Martin
6 – Mark Whatley (c)
7 – David Gold
8 – Michael McKenna
9 – Ryan Wallace (McIntosh 67)
10 – Gavin Swankie (Yule 29)
11 – Omar Kader (Linn 73)
Substitutes
12 – Kane Hester
14 – Danny Denholm
15 – Bobby Linn – 11; 73rd
16 – Leighton McIntosh – 9; 67th
17 – Blair Yule – 10; 29th
18 – Josh Skelly
21 – Ricky Gomes (GK)
Attendance – 600
Referee – Craig Charleston
