Arbroath 2-1 Alloa

Last updated : 13 February 2005 By Simon Reynolds
A fantastic 2nd half strike by Flyer saw Arbroath go above Angus rivals Forfar to make next week's game at Station Park the biggest game of the season.


Arbroath lined up with Inglis in goal, a back 4 of Millar, Rennie, McLeod and Donaldson, a midfield 4 of Alan Brazil, John McGlashan, Greg Henslee and Marco McCulloch in a free role. Upfront were Gavin Swankie and Ian Diack.


The 1st half was almost all Alloa. Arbroath had 2 or 3 sights at goal, but not 1 shot on target. Alloa rightly scored after 20 minutes. A lapse in defence let Jose Quitongo cross the ball in from the left hand side and Iain Nicolson headed the ball home at the back post. The rest of the half was a complete waste of time! Each team punting the ball up the park for the other team to the exactly the same thing!


Arbroath made 1 change at HT, Jamie Bishop coming on to replace Chris McLeod at centre back.


The 2nd half started the same way as the first half ended. Punt, punt, punt! Ian Diack was rightly taken off 5 minutes into the 2nd half, with Flyer coming into right midfield and Alan Brazil moving to his rightful position upfront. On around 60 minutes, Arbroath started playing football! A change of tactics saw us start to play the ball along the ground with neat little exchanges between the defence and midfield, and what a difference it made!


On 72 minutes, Arbroath rightly equalised. A cross from the left hand side was headed back into the 6 yard box by Steven Rennie and Jamie Bishop was there to head home from 2 yards out. Game on!! Arbroath continued to press forward and by now Alloa were holding out for a draw. As the away defence was pressed more and more, it finally cracked and Arbroath got their 2nd goal. Alan Brazil passed the ball to Flyer 25 yards from goal, and a fantastic first time half volley screamed right into the top corner of the net. A sensatinal strike!!


After afew scares, Rowbothem blew the full time whistle and Alloa's 10 game unbeaten league run was brought to an end. A great effort by the Arbroath players 2nd half, and it was great to see them applauding the fans at the full time whistle. If we play like we did 2nd half, we have a great chance up at Forfar next week. Bring in on!