Queen's Park 1
Arbroath 0 (AET)
Scottish League (Play Off Semi Final Second Leg)

Match Report

Normally a trip to Hampden in sunny May is associated with the Scottish Cup Final; Arbroath however weren’t playing for the famous trophy, but a chance to get to the final of the league one play-offs.

Manager Todd Lumsden was joined in the dug-out with his new assistant manager, Steven Hislop. The Lichties went into the game knowing a win of any sort would be enough to get through. A slight tinker to the starting line up from the first leg meant that the Lichties lined up with Marc McCallum in goal. Defending his goal were Mark Whatley, Liam Gordon, Ricky Little and Scott McBride. The midfield consisted of Bobby Linn, Keiran Stewart, Kevin Nicoll, and Craig Johnstone with Dylan Carreiro giving support to Simon Murray up front. Kevin Buchan, Jack Smith, Thomas Grant, Jordan Lowdon, Johnny Lindsay, Liam Rowan and Lenny Wilson.

Hampden was looking splendid in the warm sun and it was the Lichties who kicked off proceedings shooting towards the vocal and strong Red Lichtie army. It was almost a dream start as Mark Whatley forced a corner within 18 seconds but the impressive William Muir rose high above a clutch of players to firmly claim the ball. With so much at stake it perhaps was no surprise that play was slightly tense and edgy. Queen’s Park again seemed to resort to their central defenders playing long high balls over the top of the Arbroath back line hoping to that the pace of Rooney and Carter would find a route to goal but very early on the central pairing of Ricky Little and Liam Gordon were proving they were up for the challenge.

Simon Murray found himself several times up against Bryan Wharton and Tony Quinn as they both were being pulled out on to the wing as he used his pace and quick feet to keep them busy time and time again. It certainly wasn’t matching the pace of the second half at Gayfield as Queen’s Park tried to nullify the threat of Bobby Linn and it wasn’t until the 22nd minute when the first shot at goal came from Dylan Carreiro but his low drive was saved by Muir. A Queen’s Park zippy pass back to Muir had calls for handball from around the ground as he rushed outside of his area to deal with the pass, but the ball actually bouncing up between his legs as he found an unorthodox way to control the ball.

Two corners in 2 minutes provided chances for both Scott McBride and Ricky Little. It was Little who was perhaps who came closest when he found space in the box to attack the corner kick but his bullet header just on the wrong side of the crossbar. Now football as we all know is a contact sport, and the Arbroath fans love nothing more than a strong Kevin Nicoll tackle. It seems however the Queen’s Park supporters aren’t so keen on tackles. Kevin Nicoll won the ball perfectly before finding himself being fouled by Shaun Rooney, before Rooney and Mitchell threatened to let their emotions spill over as referee Andrew Dallas and his stand side linesman had to step in. Shaun Rooney was taken to the side and given a stern lecture by the referee which then set up the pantomime boo’s every time Nicoll passed the ball. The first half ended with Muir making an acrobatic save as a cross threatened his goal.

Half time – Queen’s Park 0 – 0 Arbroath

The sense of trepidation didn’t seem to disappear even as the second half started. Queen’s Park did have their first shot towards goal in the 49th minute but Mitchell shot wide. There were many stray balls, especially from the Queen’s players. Long passes being hit from one side to the other but with a Hampden surface which had been watered before kick-off and at half time the ball was pinging out of play. Arbroath’s best chance of the game so far fell to Bobby Linn who was put through on Muir’s goal by Simon Murray but Linn was left to the rue the chance when Muir saved his right footed shot. Another chance fell for Arbroath when Craig Johnstone found space on the left wing but his shot across goal was too straight and Muir was able to watch it zip by safely.

Queen’s Park made the first change with Ciaran McElroy replacing Shaun Fraser up front but within minutes found himself being shown a yellow card as his over reactions proved too much for referee Dallas as he contested a goal kick decision. Simon Murray again had put in a shift up front as he found himself at times only having the option of going for it himself but he came close when he picked up the ball in space from Johnstone and ran at 3 defenders before making his own space to shoot at goal but Muir was able to save. Queen’s Park had a header from a corner at the other end but it was high over McCallum’s bar.

Thomas Grant replaced Dylan Carreiro in the first change for Arbroath just as Murray came close again after having found the space once again. Murray might not have scored but his ability to find the room to make a chance, especially against two very good central defenders always meant Arbroath had a chance. As the clock ticked towards 90 minutes Gus McPherson made another change with Conor McVey replacing Vincent Berry, before Arbroath’s resolve was tested as they faced a last minute corner which resulted in Woods missing to the right of the post.
Full time – Queen’s Park 0 – 0 Arbroath

The players rehydrated with water and discussed tactics as the game was forced into another 30 minutes. It was hot, and there was no escape from the sun. The Arbroath player’s already physical stamina having been pushed to the core on Wednesday this was going to call for the players to find deep reserves if they were to go for it. Play commenced and with 90 seconds Paul Woods was shown a yellow card for a foul on – Kevin Nicoll! Jordan Lowdon came on for Craig Johnstone before Ross McPherson replaced Shaun Rooney. Kevin Nicoll was on the receiving end of another foul this time by Bryan Wharton as he became the 4th Queen’s Park player to be brandished a yellow card.

Extra Time Half time – Queen’s Park 0 – 0 Arbroath

The game hadn’t been a classic, but games with so much at stake never usually are unless an early goal ignites both teams to go for it. Arbroath had tried and did so as the clock ticked down as Lowdon and Grant both tried to push forward with Lowdon winning Arbroath a corner in the 113th minute. As the giant scoreboards clearly displayed the remaining few minutes it looked like a penalty shoot-out was the only way this tie was going to be resolved. However, disaster struck for Arbroath in the 118th minute when Queen’s Park scored. A corner kick landed at the feet of Queen’s Park captain Tony Quinn who struck it with his right foot. It looked like the ball flew of his boot with spin which seem to make it out of reach for McCallum as it landed in the back of the net. The Queen’s Park players ran off celebrating like any team would, as the faces of the Lichties players were of shock. With a minute left on the clock Arbroath were able to get the ball up the park but Muir was able to smother the cross before Dallas blew for full time.

Extra Time Full time – Queen’s Park 1 – 0 Arbroath

There is never ever a good way to lose, but to lose such a late sucker punch; especially in a game when McCallum really hasn’t had to make a save was a very, very cruel blow. As the Arbroath fans made their way down towards the touchline to salute and applaud their team, the result had cut some of our heroes deeply. The distance between the pitch and the stands is never far, and we may win together, but we also feel the hurt of losing together, but it’s that togetherness that makes being part of a team like ours unrivalled.

It has been one hell of a season; full of some fantastic memories and some we may try and forget but thank you to all those players who have made it special.

Match report written by Arbroath FC Official Website