Feast and famine

Last updated : 19 August 2013 By Fargone

feastFrom the Courier:  It’s either a feast or a famine for Arbroath in the early stages of the new season as they followed four goals against Stenhousemuir but none against Montrose or Ayr United with three to sink promotion-chasing Dunfermline at East End Park on Saturday.

 The unexpected victory clearly fell into the “feast” category, so it seemed entirely appropriate that two-goal Alan Cook should be Arbroath’s matchwinner.

With his side trailing 2-1 just two minutes before half-time, Cook drew them level from the penalty spot, sending Ryan Scully the wrong way with his left-foot shot after referee Steven Finnie had incensed Pars boss Jim Jefferies by penalising Chris Kane’s tame challenge on Michael Travis.

Most would have settled for parity at the break but Cook’s confidence was soaring and he rounded off a lung-bursting run with a sizzling angled shot which went in off the post to put the visitors in front for the second time.

Steven Milne had grabbed an early opener after just seven minutes with Callum Morris and Shaun Byrne replying for the home side before Cook’s quickfire double.

“Getting the goals just before half time was absolutely massive for us,” he said. “I was delighted with the second one after running with the ball for about 60 yards before I scored. All my pre-season niggles have cleared up now.

“But the most important thing is that it was a good result for the club. Losing 3-0 to Ayr in front of our own fans was not acceptable last week, and the gaffer told us that, but we kept the ball well today at times.

“I thought we did really well as a team in what was Dunfermline’s first home match of the season.”

Despite their disastrous finish to the first half Dunfermline were still very much in the game, but their hopes of a comeback became seriously compromised six minutes into the second period when a cynical tug of the jersey by Kane resulted in a second yellow card and an early bath.

Even with 10 men the Fifers controlled territory and possession and striker Ryan Wallace went close from 20 yards, but they were always vulnerable to counter-attacks and Morris had to clear off the line from substitute Ross Chisholm.

Scully also made a terrific block to deny Paul Sheerin, although the Arbroath player-manager was still delighted with his team’s response to last weekend’s heavy defeat.

“It was like night and day compared to last week,” he said. “We showed what we can do today, and I’ve told the boys that they can’t rest on their laurels and they need to produce that week in, week out.

“I thought our penalty was soft, if I’m being brutally honest, but I’m happy to pick up three points at a place that will be tough for most teams who come here.”

Jefferies shared Sheerin’s opinion on the penalty award and added: “I’ve watched it again on the video, and there’s no way that’s a penalty. The ref hasn’t had a good game today.”

It was left to goalkeeper Scully to sound a more upbeat note for the Pars.

“Rangers are absolutely the big favourites in this division, but there’s no reason why we can’t chase the play-off positions,” he said.