Arbroath 1 Dunfermline 0

cinch Championship: Aaron Comrie and Kevin O’Hara start in place of Matty Todd and Lewis McCann. David Gold (9) 1-0

Arbroath demonstrated their title credentials with a narrow win against Dunfermline, who struck the frame of the goal three times, but couldn’t score.

Dunfermline Athletic made the trip to Gayfield Park to take on league leaders, Arbroath. The Fifers in ninth place badly needed a win and three points and they were out to stop a team that had beaten them three times this season.

Manager John Hughes had Aaron Comrie back from suspension so Matty Todd dropped to the bench and Kevin O’Hara, who scored two goals in the first 12 minutes in the clubs’ first meeting in Angus earlier this season was preferred to Lewis McCann.

For Arbroath Dick Campbell was without the services of Craig Wighton, on loan to Arbroath from Dunfermline. David Gold coming into the Arbroath was the only change.

For once, the North Sea was relatively calm, the Bell Rock Lighthouse could just about be made out to the east, and at 10 knots the wind could be described as a “gentle breeze”.  On what was thus a beautiful day for football, Graham Dorrans won the toss and opted to play towards his own fans in the North End.

Indeed, it was underfoot conditions that seemed to me more of an issue early on, with several players slipping, but the Pars were first to find their feet and after Gaston in the home goal had dealt competently with an early centre from Steven Lawless, the Pars spurned two glorious opportunities to take the lead, Lawless again being the creator.  

First, his ball behind the right back found Ryan Dow and after Derek Gaston had saved from close range, it seemed Dorrans simply had to score with the keeper still prone, but after taking a touch the Pars’ skipper was stunned to see Little clear his shot off the line.

The visitors were still digesting this set-back when the home team scored what was to prove to be the only goal of the game – Liam Henderson advanced down the left and GOLD timed his run from midfield to collect the cut-back and crash it into the net.  1-0 Arbroath

Ironically Gold might not have been playing but for the agreement which meant on-loan Craig Wighton had to miss out.  Play became scrappy as the Pars tried to get back into the game.  Dorrans dropped deeper in search of the ball and play became pedestrian and ponderous.  

Dow was the Pars’ main threat but Arbroath were wise to this and limited his options when he did get the ball.  However, he did get a shot away midway through the half when he cut inside, but Gaston saved easily.  Nor were the Pars getting the rub of the green – a coming together in the box saw the keeper on the deck and the ball loose, but with Dow looking for a penalty Gaston was able to grab the ball.

O’Hara was clearly under instructions to test the off-side trap; this led only to an assistant’s flag most of the time, but in 39 minutes he aborted his run allowing Lawless to run through instead and although his shot beat the keeper, it grazed the outside of the far post.  It was the other post that came to the home team’s rescue four minutes before the break when a corner was recycled back to Dorrans thence to Dow whose cutback was well met by O’Hara, only to see his shot crash against the upright and out.

Half time:  Arbroath 1 Dunfermline 0

Arbroath made a defensive change at the break, bringing on former Par Jason Thomson at right back, with Scott Stewart pushing forward, and the dangerous Bobby Linn being withdrawn.  

Dunfermline began to enjoy the bulk of possession but just couldn’t carve out any chances.  Arbroath were happy to soak up the pressure, confident in their ability to defend, patiently waiting for their turn, which inevitably came.

Comrie had to be alert to put in a saving challenge just before the hour mark and two minutes later Little headed over from a free-kick.  Jakub Stolarczyk hadn’t had too much to do but proved his worth with a fine save when a shot took a late deflection.

The Pars fans were baying for changes and were pleased when Dom Thomas stripped to come on.  The busy Pybus had become slightly inhibited in his play after a first half booking, and Dow had become less effect after Arbroath’s half-time change, but instead it was Comrie who gave way as the Pars moved to three at the back.  

Dunfermline took a few minutes to settle into the new formation allowing a couple of half chances – Stewart was wide from long range and the division’s leading scorer Michael McKenna, who had been having a quiet afternoon, got into a good position in 66 minutes but sclaffed his shot.  Then it was Coll Donaldson to the Pars rescue as he made a last-ditch challenge as the Pars were again caught out in midfield.

Desperate times call for desperate measures and with eight minutes left we saw a remarkable quadruple substitution from the visitors.  Off went Ambrose, Dow, Dorrans and Pybus; on came Martin and Breen to be part of a back three (allowing Edwards to push forward), Polworth (making his debut) and McCann who moved up front.   

In the final minute of normal time McCann got his head to Polworth’s long ball from deep, but Gaston got to the ball just ahead of the lurking O’Hara. A minute later Breen found McCann on the left, the Northern Irish under-21 internationalist cut inside and unleashed a shot that Lawless turned on to the bar, summing up the Pars’ performance – close, but not close enough.

Results elsewhere with Queen of the South defeating Morton 3-0 and Ayr United winning 4-0 at Stark’s Park, meant the Pars slip to the bottom of the division and with their position looking particularly perilous, their luck needs to change soon.

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