Battle Lines are Drawn

 

Dick Campbell's table toppers come North on Saturday with the Battle Lines now clearly defined as Partick Thistle ease into third place in the table. Saturday's game is a 3:00pm start at the Caledonian Stadium and we are now anxiously looking over our shoulder at fellow bottlers Raith Rovers who remain one point behind in the battle for fourth.

MATCH/TICKET/STREAMING INFO

OFFICIAL PREVIEW

 

Venue Head2Head v Arbroath

Pld

Won

Drn

Lst

For

Agst

+ / -

Home	20	15	2	3	53	18	+35
Away	19	9	4	6	26	22	+4
Neutral	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total	39	24	6	9	79	40	+39

Last 10 Competitive Meetings

0 - 0 (A)

0 - 1 (H)

1 - 0 (A)

1 - 0 (H)

1 - 1 (A)

3 - 1 (H)

0 - 1 (H)

0 - 3 (A)

2 - 1 (H)

0 - 3 (H)

Honours even over the last ten meetings but it's clear to see that the pendulum is swinging more towards the Smokies or does it just feel like that given our demise of late. Gone are the days of 7-0 thrashings and giving teams a three goal start. Mind you, gone are the days of Bon Accord...

 

Last updated: 09.03.2022 at 05:52 Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Midweek game saw Partick beat Queens 1-0 1. Arbroath 28 13 12 3 40 19 51 2. Kilmarnock 28 15 5 8 36 19 50 3. Partick Thistle 27 12 9 6 40 24 45 4. Inverness CT 28 10 10 8 35 27 40 5. Raith Rovers 28 9 12 7 34 34 39 6. Ayr United 28 8 8 12 29 40 32 7. Morton 28 7 10 11 30 38 31 8. Hamilton Ac. 28 7 10 11 29 43 31 9. Q.O.S. 28 6 8 14 29 41 26 10. Dunfermline 27 4 12 11 24 41 24

 

FRIDAY 11TH MARCH 19:45

Ayr United v Kilmarnock

SATURDAY 12TH MARCH 15:00

    Hamilton v Dunfermline

Inverness v Arbroath  

Morton v Partick

Queens v Rovers

With Partick Thistle beating Queen of the South 1-0 on Tuesday night, they are also making a late run for promotion and they still have a game in hand against Dunfermline. Unfortunately that also means that they are clear in third and we appear to be left with a battle on our hands against fellow flops Raith Rovers in the last chance saloon. Bid Ayrshire derby on Friday night as a resurgent Ayr United will fancy their chances against a Killie side they beat recently. For us, we will be looking for others to help out, as we have done for the last three months. There are still twenty four points up for grabs over the final eight games. However, our last eight games have yielded just four points. Yes, only 4 points. That is an abysmal stat during a run of eleven games without a win.

One win apiece and a 0-0 draw in a stiff breeze at Gayfield last time we met. Benn tight affairs this season and it would be no surprise if this one is the same. My bet is that confidence will play a big part, and we certainly lack that at present.

Last time out

We performed poorly at Partick going down to a late Kevin Holt strike after a corner. The game was played out on a midden with plenty of chances going abegging and thanks to a lack of quality only one shot on target allegedly. Poor return from nineteen strikes of the ball. Arbroath edged out Dunfermline 1-0 thanks to an early strike from David Gold. That win kept Arbroath at the top and as a result Dunfermline are bottom with a game in hand.

Latest Team News

Allardice out for season, Roddy MacGregor just a distant memory, Welsh recovering on our bench last couple of games; other than that a full squad allegedly.

Arbroath last line up and subs played:

Gaston; Stewart, Little, O’Brien, Colin Hamilton, Chris Hamilton, Gold (Craigen 69), McKenna, Linn (Thomson 47), Henderson (Hilson 75), Jack Hamilton (Donnelly 85)

 

Eric the Stat has this latest info on the Smokies since January.

Departures

Dylan Paterson - midfield on loan to Stirling Albion FC for the rest of the season

Harrison Clark - end of loan period from Livingstone for the midfielder

Joel Nouble - Influential in the 2nd January away fixture the Centre Forward has returned to Livingstone after his loan spell at Gayfield

Anton Dowds - The centre forward was on loan from Falkirk FC, ended in the January window.

Additions

Arbroath have added to their front line options with three Centre Forward players joining in the transfer period.

Craig Wighton - On loan from Dunfermline Athletic for the rest of this season

Sam Ford - arrived from Felixstowe FC on a free transfer

Michael Bakare - left the "Non League Premier" side Leatherhead FC in January and joined Arbroath in February

 

 

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What a pleasure and a relief to win again at last.

Huge game now next week in Kirkcaldy against our rivals for the final play off place but we can take confidence not just from the result but from the performance and commitment shown today. That's what we need to see for all our remaining games.

This cloudy season could yet conclude with a silver lining.

Nice to start a Saturday evening in a good mood, for the first time in ages!

Well that was good, did it really happen!! 😄 Great performances today, what a difference a good result makes

Much better performance today helped hugely by the change in formation which should have happened weeks ago. By not playing with two out and out wide men, we looked much more solid in midfield and defence. Thought Shane played well and Duffy was immense when he came on winning every header. 

Arbroath are a very aggressive and niggly team and were aided in this by yet another abysmal refereeing performance littered with inconsistent decisions. At least it didn't affect the result and I can enjoy a Saturday night for a change. 

Great result. Arbroath pressed quite a bit and we held together. Took our chances. Should have been four; how Welsh missed his chance ??  Bring on the Rovers 😃 

A very welcome win and 3 points! Our 2nd goal was the highlight of the game, and how we should be aiming to play - much quicker and more direct. 

I thought arbroath were pretty awful, really didn't trouble mackay at all (apart from one attempt in the first half that came back off the post when mackay seemed to misjudge?)

I really enjoyed that, and at last a Saturday feels like a Saturday should, after a great afternoon watching football: a good all round performance, a comfortable win and a morale boosting three points.

My only complaint is that we still hoofed a lot of high balls forward, giving Mckay and Hardy little chance.

I thought every player played their part, and we were certainly motivated and committed. We got a bit of luck when Arbroath hit the post but generally coped pretty well, with a lot of bodies put on the line to block efforts.

Sutherland was the pick for me. His early goal settled us and his work rate was immense. The highlight was McAlear’s finish after some quick, excellent play.

And a shout out for the singing section who were vocal throughout the game.

One game does not forgive the last three months, but if we can maintain the level of performance and commitment, a play off spot should be ours.

Well done!

 

Edited March 12, 20224 yr by Robert

At last and well done to the team.It is funny that a lot of us on here were saying that the formation was all wrong for weeks, they change it and we win.We also said keep the ball on the deck and pass from back to front and they were better at that.I am critical of Sutherland, but he played well today,as did Carson and Duffy when he came on.We still need a good number 10 and I'm afraid to say I think Doran and Broadfoot have seen better days.Overall the rot has been stopped but next weeks game is crucial and will let us know if we have really turned the corner.

Arbroath looked tired and no wonder,they have done well this season. But other than hitting the post that was about it in an attacking sense

Edited March 12, 20224 yr by Douglas Mackenzie

Delighted with the win today.  Had forgotten what it feels like.

It was a battling win, not a great game.  The ball was richocheting around as in a pinball machine, and neither team played with much structure or control.  I was surprised at how poor Arbroath were.

We made only about six chances, and scored with three of them - two of them in the first few minutes.  As I have said, I think that we go out and play much the same every week, and sometimes we get the breaks.  Well, today we did.

Disappointed with everyone hoofing long balls towards our 5'7" strikers.  Even Cammy MacKay was doing it, instead of rolling it out as he often does.  I thought that we had obviously been instructed to get the ball as far away from our goal as possible.

But a win is a win, especially welcome after three months.  Well done to everyone!

I have just checked the score in case I had fallen asleep and was dreaming  That was a good team performance today against a tough side not what I was expecting after the shocking games we have had to endure this year.  Long may it continue!

As we only beat a team of part timers I am limiting myself to cleebratory single voddy and coke. 

57 minutes ago, IMMORTAL HOWDEN ENDER said:

As we only beat a team of part timers I am limiting myself to cleebratory single voddy and coke. 

Is that a single bottle of vodka🥃😂

Reflecting on this afternoon, it was good to see Walsh back for a spell and he looked up for it despite being overlooked in recent weeks. Duffy and Harper also played their part off the bench.

Doran was harshly booked after being kicked whilst on the ground after a foul. It should have been a red card for the Arbroath player but the referee took the easy option as Doran understandably reacted. It was a good decision to sub him as he was clearly incensed by the way the Arbroath player had treated him.

I was surprised Broadfoot was subbed. Had he taken a knock or was it because the Arbroath strikers had the beating of him? Duffy was faultless after he took over.

Carson was needlessly booked for an unnecessary foul as we entered stoppage time. Hopefully it doesn’t result in a suspension in the run in. He did seem more like himself though.

I was surprised MacKay started ahead of Ridgers again. Maybe Ridgers is not fully fit?

I liked the look of Hardy. He made a nuisance of himself throughout his time on the pitch, whilst Mckay seemed much more like himself in today’s formation.

Let’s just do less of the long high ball game, please.

Anyway, good to have the win and maybe Dodds’ comments about a run will come to fruition. We need to kick on and show today was not a one off.

Edited March 12, 20224 yr by Robert

That was a very welcome and long overdue three points. We played with a lot more intensity today, closing them down and making quick passes on the front foot. We must continue to pass our way to goal, as our second goal illustrates what we can achieve when we hit our opponents with quick passes and play our football on the deck. Still too many long hopeful balls punted up to our small strikers, their centre backs won every one, can we not see how fruitless this tactic is? I thought the tactics were spot on today, we played a lot narrower, and when we passed through our midfield, looked dangerous everytime. The whole team performed well, but I think Sutherland and Carson for me were the pick.

If we can play with this intensity and desire in the remaining games the final play off place will be ours.

Great win and 3 points desperately needed!   Thought we did well for first 20 mins then Broath had the upper hand but nowt much apart from hitting post when Mackay was so slow to react

I was so glad Mackay scored, he needed that badly.    That put the game to bed.

Dick was foul mouthing ref, was ref and anyone else that listened and got the customary red...

Thought Carson worked hard but distribution was poor and he is no RB.   Clubfoot was awful.   Almost cost us twice when misjudged a  couple of punts up the park....we need better.   As we need proper full backs.

Arbroath fans were good crack in town/pubs/ game/bus ,   proper supporters. 

So glad I have consumed much beer and wine!

 

 

 

 

10 hours ago, Robert said:

Reflecting on this afternoon, it was good to see Walsh back for a spell and he looked up for it despite being overlooked in recent weeks. Duffy and Harper also played their part off the bench.

Doran was harshly booked after being kicked whilst on the ground after a foul. It should have been a red card for the Arbroath player but the referee took the easy option as Doran understandably reacted. It was a good decision to sub him as he was clearly incensed by the way the Arbroath player had treated him.

I was surprised Broadfoot was subbed. Had he taken a knock or was it because the Arbroath strikers had the beating of him? Duffy was faultless after he took over.

Carson was needlessly booked for an unnecessary foul as we entered stoppage time. Hopefully it doesn’t result in a suspension in the run in. He did seem more like himself though.

I was surprised MacKay started ahead of Ridgers again. Maybe Ridgers is not fully fit?

I liked the look of Hardy. He made a nuisance of himself throughout his time on the pitch, whilst Mckay seemed much more like himself in today’s formation.

Let’s just do less of the long high ball game, please.

Anyway, good to have the win and maybe Dodds’ comments about a run will come to fruition. We need to kick on and show today was not a one off.

I can't see Cammy being dropped anytime soon? None of the goals he's lost last few weeks have been his fault and a clean sheet yesterday. Ridgers isn't going to waltz back in by looks of it. Great to have 2 fab keepers on our books really. 

My feet still firmly on the ground but great to get a convincing win (not just any old win)... Excellent performance when the ball was on the ground. I think our coaches must have been on a final warning as they got the tactics just right for a change.

All we have to do now is to play with that intensity and conviction and get ourselves promotied to the top league Come on I C T.

Thought Sutherland made a huge difference today, linked the play and shown confidence trying to pick a pass, where others just try and get rid.

Still far to many hopeful long punts, but after such a winless run will happily take any 3 points.

28 minutes ago, forresjags said:

Thought Sutherland made a huge difference today, linked the play and shown confidence trying to pick a pass, where others just try and get rid.

Still far to many hopeful long punts, but after such a winless run will happily take any 3 points.

Just watched the highlights and Shane had a hand in all three goals. Probably his best game for us since returning. Raith will be as relieved as we were yesterday to get a first win for months so next weeks game will be interesting to say the least.

Well done and thanks to all the boys for a great afternoons entertainment. More of the same please in the coming weeks.

After our last home game against Arbroath, it was particularly satisfying to watch the lack of time wasting from their goalie and others yesterday, compared with last time. I'm proud to say that our boys did not resort to the same shoddy tactics, but kept pressing forward for more goals.

Onward and upwards now.

Delighted to get 3 points on the board. However, celebrating our first win in 12, against a part time team who looked like they were running on empty, as if we'd won the league, just shows how far we've fallen and how desperate we've become.

10 minutes ago, STFU said:

Delighted to get 3 points on the board. However, celebrating our first win in 12, against a part time team who looked like they were running on empty, as if we'd won the league, just shows how far we've fallen and how desperate we've become.

Disappointing to see such a negative reaction to a decent performance and a good result against the team leading the league for most of the season.

Yes, recent weeks and months have been desperately disappointing but yesterday could well be a turning point.

We are still in with a shout of promotion and I personally would prefer to adopt a more positive attitude for as long as that remains the case.

38 minutes ago, STFU said:

Delighted to get 3 points on the board. However, celebrating our first win in 12, against a part time team who looked like they were running on empty, as if we'd won the league, just shows how far we've fallen and how desperate we've become.

I didn't notice anyone celebrating like we had won the league. I did notice for the first time in many weeks fans talking positively and been greatly encouraged by a performance and result. To beat the league leaders going into the weekend so comfortably is something that should be celebrated. 

1 hour ago, STFU said:

Delighted to get 3 points on the board. However, celebrating our first win in 12, against a part time team who looked like they were running on empty, as if we'd won the league, just shows how far we've fallen and how desperate we've become.

Think it was just sheer relief tbh 

While I applaud the team for their display and performance yesterday along with an excellent result, I remain grounded and realistic about games to come and what the remainder of the season holds.

I can understand the reactions above and do believe most of it is through sheer relief more than anything else but rewind to the last few weeks and remember the outcry and outpouring of criticism forwarded to all at the club.

I stand by my previous comments and do believe the BD and most of the coaching staff need to go, I could be wrong but I think yesterdays result may just be papering over the cracks. If I am wrong then I will quite happily admit at the end of the season and will apologise however the cynical part of me doesn't think that I am.

Could it be merely the breathing space that all involved require to just limp home until the end of the season.