Well the 2018 / 2019 season got off to a brilliant start today at Tannadice as Arbroath came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw before grabbing the bonus point after winning 5-3 on penalties.
The game began in dramatic fashion after David Gold was brought down by Declan Glass with only 5 minutes played with referee Bobby Madden pointing to the spot. However uncharacteristically Ryan Wallace pulled his shot wide and Dundee United survived the early scare.
As the game settled down it was Arbroath who were looking more threatening with lots of the play coming down the wing below the large Arbroath support.
Michael McKenna had a shot blocked before Declan Glass had a shot saved by Darren Jamieson at the other end.
Dundee United’s Paul McMullan got into great space in the Arbroath box but fired his shot high over the bar.
Jason Thomson came close with a header from Arbroath’s third corner of the game before David Gold was really unfortunate with an overhead kick.
Thomas O”Brien was booked in the 39th minute for a foul on Nicky Clark.
Half time – Dundee United 0 – 0 Arbroath
United had their best spell of the entire match after half time as they started to put pressure on the Arbroath goal with Declan Glass and Fraser Aird both trying their luck.
Bobby Linn was booked in the 55th minute for a foul on Paul McMullan.
As the clocked ticked down it was Arbroath who were getting a second wind and Ryan Wallace won a free kick just outside of the Dundee United box. Bobby Linn stepped up but his shot just curled over the bar.
Arbroath made their first changes in the 70th minute with Kane Hester coming on for Gavin Swankie and Mark Whatley replacing David Gold.
Danny Denholm came on for Colin Hamilton in the 75th minute as Arbroath made their final change.
It was United who went ahead in the 77th minute as Nicky Clark struck from close range after latching onto a Fraser Aird cross.
The Arbroath heads didn’t drop and instead the team seem more determined. Kane Hester was desperately unlucky as he raced in and beat goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist to the ball. As both players lay on the floor Kane was just inches away from getting his foot to roll the ball into the empty net.
However just a minute later and Arbroath were awarded their second penalty of the game after Christopher Rabitsch fouled Jason Thomson.
Bobby Linn grabbed the ball and made no mistake from the spot to pull the Lichties level in the 82nd minute.
In fact Arbroath should have been awarded a third penalty before the full time whistle when Kane Hester was taken out in the 91st minute by keeper Siegrist.
Full time – Dundee United 1 – 1 Arbroath
A penalty shoot out then took place to see which side were awarded a bonus point. With the late goals and the drama of the shoot out it was like deja-vu back to our last Betfred Cup game against Dundee United at Gayfield.
Michael McKenna – Scored – bottom right
Stewart Murdoch – Scored – bottom left
Mark Whatley – Scored – bottom left
Fraser Aird – Scored – bottom left
Ryan Wallace – Scored – bottom left
Paul McMullan – Scored – bottom right
Ricky Little – Scored – Off the cross bar and in!
Logan Chalmers – SAVED – Brilliant save by Darren Jamieson
Bobby Linn – Scored – Bottom right.
A fantastic save by Darren Jamieson and great spirit shown by Ryan and Bobby to take another penalty.
A great team performance backed by a fantastic support!
Arbroath
1 – Darren Jamieson
2 – Jason Thomson
3 – Colin Hamilton (O’Brien 76)
4 – Ricky Little (c)
5 – Thomas O’Brien
6 – David Gold (Hester 71)
7 – Omar Kader
8 – Michael McKenna
9 – Ryan Wallace
10 – Gavin Swankie (Whatley 70)
11 – Bobby Linn
Substitutes
12 – Kane Hester – 6; 71st
14 – Danny Denholm – 3; 76th
15 – Mark Whatley – 10; 70th
21 – Darren Hill (GK)
Goal – Bobby Linn 82 (pen)
Yellow Cards – O’Brien 39, Linn 55
Attendance – 2939
Referee – Bobby Madden
C’mon the Lichties!
