Match Day 05 – Ladbrokes League 1 – Season 2017 / 2018

Saturday 9th September 2017, Gayfield Park, Arbroath, 3.00pm kick off.

Arbroath were thumped at Gayfield this afternoon in a game which the Lichties had dominated for the first 40 minutes. Arbroath Manager Dick Campbell kept faith in the same starting 11 that had put in one of the best all round performances in several months to defeat Ayr United a fortnight ago.

The game plan seemed to be working with Arbroath creating several openings with Omar Kader in particular enjoying an attacking game against the Wee Rovers defence. Albion Rovers had been subdued and Blair Yule made a spectacular tackle on Alan Trouten as he run in on the Arbroath goal.

The game swung in the 41st minute. Steven Doris, whose energy and drive is the spearhead of every Arbroath attack seemed to catch his studs in an awkward fall and within seconds it was clear he was in some distress as he held onto his knee. The Arbroath physio and Doctor rushed on and soon Doris was being carried off the pitch on the stretcher.

Bobby Linn came on but as the Arbroath players looked effected by the loss of Doris the Albion Rovers took advantage as Alan Trouten’s shot lofted over Hutton in the 43rd minute.
The misery was to continue as everyone seemed to pause but Gary Fisher continued through on goal and slotted past Hutton to make it 2-0 only 60 seconds later.

On the stroke of half time Danny Denholm almost pulled one back after being played in by Bobby Linn.

Into the second half and David Gold almost pulled the Lichties level but was denied by a great save from Graham Bowman.

Connor Shields should have made it 3-0 when he beat Hutton and then only had an open goal but decided to be clever and skip round the flying Arbroath defenders but somehow missed the goalie-less goal.Omar Kader and Mark Whatley were sacrificed for Kane Hester and Ryan McCord.

However Albion Rovers netted a 3rd from Ross Perry when he volleyed in from a knock down from a corner kick.

Kane Hester then hit the post which flew into Yule who tried to get the ball into the box before it seemed like an Albion defender had a helping hand in denying it.

A minute later and Hester did claw a goal back for the Lichties after he connected to a Linn cutback.

Worrying for the Lichties than again twice Albion Rovers were clean through on the Arbroath goal but missed from close range and from another opening goal

Albion Rovers did score their 4th goal in the 75th minute when Connor Shields was played in and stroked the ball past Hutton.

The game looked in danger of spilling over with some meaty challenges and off the ball incidents.

A bad afternoon for the Lichties which seemed to turn on Doris leaving the field. With Josh Skelly and Bryan Prunty missing today through injury the Lichties will hope that the injury to Doris isn’t long term.

Albion Rovers were worthy of the win for their second half display but hard to believe it was the same side that the defeated Ayr United. Home games again a struggle for the Lichties.

A huge game next week away to Forfar Athletic

C’mon the Lichties

Possession – Arbroath 50% – 50% Albion Rovers
Total Shots – Arbroath 19 – 9 Albion Rovers
On Target – Arbroath 6 – 6 Albion Rovers
Off Target – Arbroath 8 – 1 Albion Rovers
Blocked – Arbroath 5 – 2 Albion Rovers
Corners – Arbroath 5 – 4 Albion Rovers
Fouls Committed – Arbroath 8 – 9 Albion Rovers

Arbroath

1 – David Hutton
2 – David Gold
3 – Colin Hamilton
4 – Ricky Little
5 – Thomas O’Brien
6 – Mark Whatley (c) (McCord 61)
7 – Omar Kader (Hester 61)
8 – Blair Yule
9 – Steven Doris (Linn 41)
10 – Gavin Swankie
11 – Danny Denholm

Substitutes

12 – Kane Hester – 7; 61st
14 – Bobby Linn – 9; 41st,
15 – Ryan McCord – 6; 61st
16 – Jamie Henry
21 – Ricky Gomes (GK)

Goal – Hester 66

Yellow Card – Swankie 63, Hamilton 90+3

Albion Rovers

1 – Graham Bowman
2 – Alan Reid
3 – Scott McLaughlin
4 – Daniel Lightbody (Marr 80)
5 – Ross Perry
6 – Graeme Holmes
7 – Ross Davidson
8 – Gary Fisher (c)
9 – Connor Sheilds (Victoria 85)
10 – Alan Trouten
11 – Mark McMillan (Higgins 76)

Substitues

12 – Jason Marr – 4; 80th
14 – Craig McLeish
15 – Michael Hopkins
16 – Sean Higgins – 11; 76th
17 – Daniel Potts
18 – Joao Pereira Victoria – 9; 85th
19 – Ryan Watters (GK)

Goals – Trouten 43, Fisher 44, Perry 63, Shields 75

Yellow Cards – McMillan 50, Fisher 90+3

Attendance – 669

Referee – Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee 1 – Stuart Stevenson
Assistant Referee 2 – David Dunne