Arbroath1–0Albion Rovers

Arbroath faced Albion Rovers today in their first home league game of the new season. As both teams started last week with a win it was a chance for whoever could claim all 3 points to finish the day at the top of the table. Gayfield was looking splendid but sadly there was a blustery gale which otherwise spoiled a very warm afternoon.

Arbroath lined up with David Crawford in goal with Michael Travis at Right back and Mark Whatley taking up position as left back after impressing last weekend against Berwick when he had to fill in after trialist Euan Murray picked up an injury. The paperwork came through to allow Hamilton player Ali El-Zubiadi make his debut 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. Todd Lumsden was in charge to face his former side as Allan Moore missed the game due to a prior family commitment.

Albion Rovers kicked off playing towards the harbour end with the wind at their back. It was Arbroath who threatened early with Scott McBride getting a shot in as Kevin Buchan tried to knock in the rebound, but moments later Paul McManus was clean through but just mistimed his shot by a split second. Albion had slowly started to use the wind to their advantage with John Gemmell and Gary Phillips getting shots on target.

Arbroath should have taken the lead as first Kevin Buchan had a shot after being played through by Kieran Stewart but the keeper saved it and McBride couldn’t score from the rebound. Albion had a free kick in a dangerous position and instead of shooting, the ball was squared wide to Fisher who forced Crawford into making a good save. As play continued to be ruined by the high wide a huge moment of controversy ensued as Kevin Buchan evaded one challenge down the wing and as he ran into the box Martin Maguire clearly held him back, but as they both fell to the ground the referee wasn’t interested.

Halftime – Arbroath 0 – 0 Albion Rovers

The vast majority of the 598 crowd were surely sensing that with the wind Arbroath would hopefully be able to break the deadlock and get all three points. Bobby Linn was the first player to have a real go as he cut in from the right and shot but Parry saved his effort to his left, but moments later and this time Bobby Linn was denied by the post as his left footed shot somehow came back out after smashing against the post. Arbroath were making most of the wind and with Hunter chasing every ball in the midfield it was looking promising.

Paul McManus who was covering every inch of grass as usual was also unlucky not to score with a shot which just went past the post then another effort which somehow Parry saved. Just as things were looking promising Gary Phillips almost scored at the other end which seemed to push Arbroath on. Kevin Buchan was fouled out on the right wing, with the impressive Mark Whatley taking the free kick which fell beautifully to the unmarked McManus in the middle of the box and he connected to put Arbroath ahead in the 66th minute.

Albion made two substitutions after the goal but couldn’t find a way back in. Adam Hunter, and Bobby Linn both had shots which came close but as the clock ticked down Simon Murray came on for Kevin Buchan. Arbroath defended well when needed to with Michael Travis and Mark Whatley doing well to fend off substitute Donnelly and Gemmell. The fans were left holding on for another 4 minutes after the 90th minute as the referee added time on for the treatment to goalkeeper Parry who took a knock early in the second half.

Fulltime – Arbroath 1 – 0 Albion Rovers

As Albion Rovers made the headlines this week with a change of chairman it was Arbroath who will make the back page headlines tomorrow as with the way results went they now sit at the top of League Two with 6 points. It was a good day despite the wind with a win, a clean sheet and the debut of Ali El-Zubiadi all positives.