Arbroath 0 – 0 Heart of Midlothian
The Lichties earned a deserved point this afternoon in a goalless draw against Championship Champions in waiting, Heart of Midlothian.
All other teams directly above Arbroath picked up points, with Greenock Morton and Ayr United now sitting 3 points above Arbroath on 25, with Alloa Athletic 5 points below on 17 with Arbroath on 22.
Arbroath were without Jason Thomson but Carlo Pignatiello made his full debut at right back and David Gold, Kris Doolan and Bobby Linn all returned to the starting line up as Bobby made his 300th competitive appearance for the Lichties.
Arbroath attacked the Harbour end in the first half and there was an early appeal for a hand ball in the Hearts box as the ball seemed to bounce up and hit Craig Halkett on the hand.
The first real chance of the match came Arbroath’s way. A cross from the right wing by Ben Williamson was met by Bobby Linn at the back post and his cut back fell to Kris Doolan but his shot from close range was just over the bar.
Heart’s striker Armand Gnanduillet had a header wide of Derek Gaston’s right post in the 21st minute as Heart’s had their first half chance in front of goal.
James Craigen struck in the 24th shot but he was wide, then Bobby Linn came closer but still just past the post 5 minutes later after an excellent run forward past three Hearts defenders.
Carlo Pignatiello made a really good impression in his first Arbroath start and alongside Ricky Little, Thomas O’Brien and Colin Hamilton the Arbroath defence were again doing well to break up any Hearts attack.
Half Time – Arbroath 0 – 0 Heart of Midlothian
Half Time Stats
Possession – Arbroath 47% – 53% Heart of Midlothian
Total Shots – Arbroath 3 – 1 Heart of Midlothian
On Target – Arbroath 0 – 0 Heart of Midlothian
Off Target – Arbroath 6 – 1 Heart of Midlothian
Corners – Arbroath 1 – 1 Heart of Midlothian
Fouls Committed – Arbroath 7 – 4 Heart of Midlothian
Michael McKenna came on for Kris Doolan during the interval as Arbroath freshened things up front.
David Gold had a shot at goal just two minutes into the second half but it was wide to the right.
Derek Gaston made a comfortable save from Armand Gnanduilet on the hour mark after a Hearts corner.
Liam Boyce was booked for a very high challenge on Thomas O’Brien in the 64th minute which left the Arbroath defender with a big hole in his socks high up his shin where the striker caught him.
Ricky Little somehow scooped an Andy Irving free kick over his own bar for a corner which looked certain to be a goal.
Carlo Pignatiello had a great run in from the wing before curling a shot just over the Hearts bar in the 66th minute.
Colin Hamilton was booked a minute later for a foul on Gary Mackay-Steven before Gervane Kastaneer replaced Gary Mackay-Steven in the 69th minute.
A goal mouth scramble looked certain for a Hearts goal with Liam Boyce trying a back heel over the line before Thomas O’Brien cleared only for the ball to rebound back at goal with Ricky Little heading Gnanduilet header off the line.
Dale Hilson replaced Bobby Linn in the 73rd minute, before Jamie Walker replaced the injured Stephen Kingsley just 3 minutes later with Scott Stewart replacing David Gold seconds later.
Arbroath almost nicked a goal but Jack Hamilton’s shot was blocked just inches off the line following an Arbroath corner.
Hearts rallied and had a good spell of possession and a series of corners but the Arbroath defence and midfield stood up well to every ball and cross.
Full Time – Arbroath 0 – 0 Heart of Midlothian.
It was a deserved point for the Lichties which could be crucial at the end of the season. Another good performance in 2021 but a few more wins are needed as only 6 games remain.
C’mon the Lichties
Full Time Stats
Possession – Arbroath 47% – 53% Heart of Midlothian
Total Shots – Arbroath 6 – 5 Heart of Midlothian
On Target – Arbroath 0 – 2 Heart of Midlothian
Off Target – Arbroath 6 – 1 Heart of Midlothian
Blocked – Arbroath 0 – 2 Heart of Midlothian
Corners – Arbroath 5 – 5 Heart of Midlothian
Fouls Committed – Arbroath 12 – 8 Heart of Midlothian
Arbroath
1 – Derek Gaston
22 – Carlo Pignatiello
3 – Colin Hamilton
4 – Ricky Little
5 – Thomas O’Brien (c)
7 – David Gold (Stewart 77)
28 – James Craigen
18 – Ben Williamson
19 – Jack Hamilton
14 – Kris Doolan (McKenna 45)
11 – Bobby Linn (Hilson 73)
Substitutes
6 – Mark Whatley
8 – Michael McKenna – 14; 45th
9 – Dale Hilson – 11; 73rd
12 – Scott Stewart – 7; 77th
21 – Scott Gallacher (GK)
Yellow Card – C. Hamilton 67
Heart of Midlothian
1 – Craig Gordon (c)
2 – Michael Smith
9 – Armand Gnanduillet
10 – Liam Boyce
16 – Andy Halliday
17 – Gary Mackay-Steven (Kastaneer 69)
18 – Aaron McEneff (White 45)
19 – Andy Irving
21 – Stephen Kingsley (Walker 76)
26 – Craig Halkett
28 – Mihai Popescu
Substitutes
3 – Aidy White – 18; 45th
6 – Christophe Berra
7 – Jamie Walker – 21; 76th
24 – Elliot Frear
29 – Gervane Kastaneer – 17; 69th
31 – Euan Henderson
13 – Ross Stewart (GK)
Yellow Card – Boyce 64
Officials;
Referee – Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee 1 – Ralph Gordon
Assistant Referee 2 – Chris Phillips
