Cautious Arbroath bore the home faithful but grind out a vital result

Last updated : 15 March 2008 By Fargone
John McGlashan rang the changes in the lineup with Reilly a surprise inclusion at left-back, Scott and Tosh starting up front. Nicky Smith came on for Scott after he left with a suspected hamstring after 5 minutes.

Some promising attacking moves early on as the players showed more purpose after Wednesday's limp display. A Tosh shot over the bar was the only strike of note. With Scott off we had no pace to trouble the defence from open play so managed it only from freekicks or corners. Stenny carved out a few half opening themselves but the game had all the makings of a cautious stalemate

Just before halftime, that chanhged. Paul Watson's mishit pass found Flyer, our best attacking option all game and he sent in a great cross for the Stenny defender to clearly elbow Sellars who was atacking the ball. A clear penalty and a lengthy treatment for Barry who went off with a broken nose. Alan Brazil smahed it down the centre of goal and the whistle went.

The second half was one way traffic. Arbroath sat back intent on holding their lead and Stenny passed it around well but the final ball was always dealt with. They must have had 7-8 corners second half but never seemed to come close. Frustration started to take its toll as they received several booking and then, after a tussle with Bishop, a Stenny forward was sent off.

Deasley was on as sub but offered little. Even against only 10 men, Arbroath held out for the result running the ball into corners and taking their time. The crowd was severely disgruntled by this lame and timid approach. Only Flyer's ambition, head down and smashing a 25 yard shot off the woodwork brought some respite. Manager McGlashan strode up the touchline to deliver the message ` support you f****g team' to the biggest grumblers - the pressure and the poor performances must be taking their toll.

This was a substandard Arbroath perfomance against poor opposition. The desperation for points showed as we clung on to our narrow lead and showed little ambition. We are used to poor home perfomances and the makeshift team and our poor home form seem to have made us ultra-cautious.  This was a tough game with many stoppages for fouls and the usual linesman howlers - these guys are worse than refs.  

But the team showed defensive solidity to grind out an important result on a poor day and put daylight (and 6 points) between us and Stenny. The problem is, playing like this we'll strugle to reach let alone compete in the playoffs. And another substandard home display with little serious attack does little for the home fans.