Queen's Park 0
Arbroath 2
Scottish League (League Two)

Match Report

Arbroath took to the field with same line up that faced Albion Rovers last week with David Crawford in goal with Michal Travis at Right back and Mark Whatley at left. 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.

It was a beautiful day in Airdrie and the large travelling Arbroath supporters knew a win would allow Arbroath to remain at the top of the League which would give the home derby against Montrose an extra layer of spice!

Arbroath kicked off the first half and although both teams enjoyed long spells of possession in an evenly fought out 45 minutes there really wasn’t a lot of action. Darren Miller did have the ball in the back of the net but his effort was deemed to be offside. Arbroath probably did slightly have the better of the possession but couldn’t really do take advantage of the opportunities from the wing.

Half time - Queen’s Park 0 – 0 Arbroath

For the statisticians out there, it probably has already been noted that since Kevin Nicoll moved into central defence against Berwick, Arbroath have yet to concede a goal and also all goals have been scored in the second half, would this continue?

Simon Murray had been put through his paces at half time and the second half was only a few minutes old when Murray replaced Kevin Buchan and Craig Johnstone came on for Michael Travis with Johnstone taking over at left back and Mark Whatley moving over to right back.

The substitutes seem to inject some more pace and momentum into the game and Arbroath started to look more dangerous and Paul McManus went close with a shot from outside the box then a well-executed volley from distance, before Queen’s Park had a good chance to strike from a set piece.

Arbroath finally broke the deadlock when a corner kick came into the box and Simon Murray headed it down into the path of Scott McBride who managed to get to the ball before the keeper and defender and poke the ball over the line, even though the defender on the line made a diving effort.

This however did spur on Queen’s Park and they had their best spell of the game but lacked the cutting edge up front. With 3 minutes to go Queen’s Park won another free kick this time 20 yards out from goal but again didn’t capitalise which allowed Bobby Linn to sprint out of his half with the ball before finding Scott McBride who passed the ball back into the box and substitute Jack Smith fired in Arbroath’s second goal.

Moments later the Referee blew for full time and Arbroath secured their 3rd win in 3 games to continue the fine start to the season and remain top of the league.

Match report written by Arbroath FC Official Website