The lichties had arranged this friendly to keep us occupied on an international weekend, it was an excellent piece of work by the comittee to get this arranged, and we were rewarded by our seasons biggest attendance!
Arriving at the stadium just before kickoff, there was a big queue outside the ground, the likes of which I havent seen since we got promoted to the first division! The usual home support was there, along with a large "travelling" support. Now when I say "travelling", I use this term liberally! About half the fans were genuine weegies and the other half were diehard Arbroathian Celtic fans. I got my first shock of the night when I encountered a leprechaun on the way in....I kid you not, this guy was old, bright chequered suit, Walking stick, he was dead short with orange hair, and he was jolly! I swear, leprechaun!
But anyway, Arbroath lined up with a strong team, 11 men in formation, Celtic also lined up with 11 players, a couple senior players and lots of youngsters, it looked like it was gonna be men against bhoys! (I just had to get that out the way, sorry). Both teams started strongly, Celtic spraying the ball about well but meeting with spirited opposition from a lichties team not afraid to go head to head with the Oirish! We were also passing the ball about well, its nice to see a lichties team capable of passing from A to B without losing possession. It was an attacking performance from both of us several chances being created but the defences were also doing well to get the ball away and reducing the pressure on the keeper.
After the teams had settled down, Arbroath had the first of many good spells, getting forward with support, particulary down our left wing and even having support available in the box! Their keeper was caught out by one of our attacking runs and was left stranded, however the Celtic defence got the ball away! Celtic used this to go on the counter, creating chances, but our defence headed clear and countered their counter! This resulted in a good free kick being won....which was then wasted in true Arbroath fashion. Miller was making a nuisance of himself, playing in a centre midfield role but seemed to be everywhere! It was like seeing a new player as he was no longer being muscled off the ball so easily, he was winning balls, keeping possession and getting involved all over the pitch!
Cairns was doing well in the Arbroath goal, managing to tip over an excellently struck shot from outside the box and seeming to have the defence well organised. After 20 minutes, both teams looked good, it was a physical game but not played with too much aggression, and this good atmosphere was also reflected on the terraces! People were watching the match but not as intensely as a competitive match! Less of the usual screaming at the players and more general chatting. The place was full of kids and this has to be encouraged, if they enjoy matches like this then they will be more inclined to come back in the future. Gayfield looked great as well, lots of people, a nice night, made me proud to be a lichtie!
Play continued, and I think the referee was possibly one of us...NOTHING was given against us and the ref gave us the benefit of the doubt, including at an Arbroath corner when the ball was cleared out to an impressive Didier Agathe, who had been an effective player on the right...however, he didnt get to do much with this clearance as we used the widely accepted defensive method of putting Agathe in a headlock to stop an attack!
Half time came and with it came huge long queues at the *one* open pie shop, we'd done well and matched Celtic all the way, certaintly providing good value for money! The proper Weegie Celtic fans revealed themselves at half time as they were the ones looking at the harbour over the stadium wall and admiring the exotic scenery!
Second half came and it was more of the same, good passing, good attacking, strong defence. Praise must go out to our left back Watson, who was unflappable in defence, imposing in attack and generally impressive all round! Miller was also another star, fighting for every ball and being involved in every move. Stuff happened, lots of attacking, many many subs, everything was peachy, we were tiring but still matching the full timers. Clark in particular was a man on a mission, he looked desperate to get a goal...he may only be a loan signing, but I think he can do a job for us! And then Celtic scored. This was a bit of a b ugg er and a bit disappointing, but it happens. I cant blame anyone for it! Peat was in goal by now and had made several saves, but this one didnt stay out..ah well, never mind! Not to be deterred, we kept going, still attacking and right at the end of the match we won a series of corners, one of which led to a shot desperately cleared off the line just before the final whistle blew!
So, in conclusion, an excellent match, we lost but it was thouroughly enjoyable with an excellent atmosphere and an enjoyable match to watch! If we can persuade even 20 people who attended tonight to come back next week then this has been a useful match. It could do wonders for the players morale, if they can play this well against Celtic, then they should be able to do the job against our third division rivals! Mon the lichties!