Arbroath3–1Montrose

Anticipation was high for both sets of Angus supporters as the first derby game of the new season came calling. The two sides having terrific and unbeaten starts to the season which meant both sides were 1 of 4 Scottish teams before kick off to have a 100% record. Someone was going to lose that grace after the 90 minutes, but who?

With segregation in place a healthy crowd of 1137 filling Gayfield. The Montrose supporters occupied the Pleasure land end and the home support taking the Harbour end. It was a sunny afternoon but like so many Saturdays the wind had picked up having not been seen in Arbroath for the previous few days.

Arbroath lined up with one change in the starting line up but several on the bench. Craig Johnstone came in for Michael Travis meaning the Lichties took to the field with David Crawford in goal, Mark Whatley andCraig Johnstone at right and left back respectively. Ali El-Zubiadi continued alongside Kevin Nicoll in the heart of defence. The midfield was made up of Bobby Linn on the right, Scott McBride on the left with Adam Hunter and Kieran Stewart playing centrally with Kevin Buchan partnering Paul McManus up front.

Ricky Little had recovered from his knock to join new signing Jordan Lowdon on the bench alongside Simon Murray, Jack Smith, Michael Travis, Ross Fisher and Scott Morrison.

Montrose kicked off proceedings and had the strong gale behind them as they took aim at the Arbroath supporters in the Harbour end. Montrose showed early promise winning a corner in the second minute but it was Arbroath who perhaps should have taken the early lead when good work by Paul McManus fed in Kevin Buchan who took a quick fire shot on the edge of the Montrose box but fired over with an unmarked Bobby Linn upset that he didn’t pass instead. Bryan Deasley had a shot saved in the 6th minute before Arbroath won their first corner, however minutes later Paul McManus again the architect found Bobby Linn who picked up the ball and as McKenzie ran out from his goal Linn jinxed to his left before firing into the empty net. One nil to Arbroath in the 14th minute. Bobby Linn was shown a yellow card for his celebrations which was a touch harsh as the same celebration is seen on Match of the Day every weekend.

It wasn’t long before Arbroath were to double their lead again. Paul McManus showing his desire and determination to win and chase after every ball that was laid on for him resulted in Arbroath winning a free kick on the wing after he was upended by O’Kane. Scott McBride curled in the free kick and Kevin Buchan beat two men at the near post to poke the ball in from close range! Things couldn’t have been going any better, 22 minutes gone and Arbroath were two goals to the good.

David Crawford was called into action as he punched over a zipping Montrose free kick from the wing but shortly afterwards after a heavy challenge had Captain Kevin Nicoll calling over for medical treatment as his keeper was down on the ground in a heap. After treatment he was able to carry on and Paul McManus almost scored after beautifully controlling the ball and striking it on the volley from 20 yards out.

Moments later after another heavy challenge keeper David Crawford was forced to go off with a left knee injury with Scott Morrison coming off the bench to replace him in the 41st minute. The half ended with Garry Wood and Declan O’Kane both being shown yellow cards by the referee.

Half time - Arbroath 2 - 0 Montrose

Arbroath kicked off the second half with good vocal support from the large crowd which had moved from the sea stand to mainly behind the goals. Although Montrose came close with a free kick 6 minutes into the half with Scott Morrison diving low to his right to make the crucial save. Montrose continued to enjoy a spell of possession and passing but lacked the killer edge in the final third. Arbroath made their second substation of the day with Simon Murray replacing Kevin Buchan in the 59th minute to face up to this former club.

It wasn’t long before McManus and Murray were creating chances and just after a minute of coming on Murray became a new Arbroath hero. He shot off down the wing with his lightning pace and started to run in on the angle towards McKenzie who came charging out towards Murray. After looking up as if to shoot, Murray quickly switched direction fooling McKenzie who had dived to save his dummy allowing Murray to shoot into the empty net. Nobody will know if it was the delight of his first league goal, scoring against his former team, or perhaps trying to stake a starting position but the emotion that Murray showed after scoring sent the fans wild as they both celebrated together Simon Murray was soon consumed by his team mates all rushing in to congratulate him on his amazing goal. With McManus, Buchan, Murray and Smith the Arbroath strikers are giving manager Allan Moore a fantastic problem.

Paul McManus almost looped a header over as Arbroath flexed their attacking prowess. Another chance came when McKenzie came out to deal with a back pass under pressure from McManus he cleverly opted to head the ball out but it fell to the feet of Murray but his lob was just too wide. Moments later McManus went off to a rousing reception to be replaced by Jack Smith for Arbroath’s final substitution in the 77th minute.

Montrose pulled a goal back when a cross was met by Kevin Nicoll but his clearance sliced up and over towards the back post instead of going out leaving keeper Scott Morrison helpless as Graham Webster headed in at the back post for Montrose. A few minutes later Stephen O’Neill was booked for a late challenge on Jack Smith which required treatment, although it was only to get worse for Montrose as Declan O’Kane was sent off for a very bad foul on Simon Murray. As Arbroath took the ball down into the corner flag area the referee blew for full time and the Arbroath players and supporters celebrated the derby win and another 3 points.

Another great performance and so very hard to pick out a man of the match. Buchan and Murray both took their goals well, as did Linn who looks to be enjoying his football as he runs at every team causing panic and trouble. The defence have been doing so well and Hunter and Stewart have to get praise for their work both in midfield and covering in defence. Paul McManus though is a great role model for any young player watching. He never gives up and his work rate is tremendous which combined with his skill he is proving to be the star man this season.