Arbroath 1 – 1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle – Match Summary
Match Sponsor – Arbroath Golf Links
Jack Hamilton continued his dream start to his Arbroath Career with his second goal in his second match but it wasn’t enough as Inverness drew level early in the second half as both sides shared a point.
Arbroath made only one change from Saturday with James Craigen replacing David Gold with both Mark Whatley and Kris Doolan returning to the squad.
Despite all the snowy weather hitting Scotland the Gayfield pitch was looking immaculate but unfortunately the wind turbine had been switched to on and conditions were not to far off from last season when the match was abandoned against Ayr United.
The wind was unusually blowing from the North and so Arbroath attacked the pleasureland end with a very strong wind at their backs and Dale Hilson wasted no time in getting his range in with a shot in the 3rd minute which Mark Ridgers saved.
There wasn’t really many chances after that as the wind really disrupted both teams with Miles Storey looking dangerous for Inverness every time he got the ball with his pace a real threat on the counter attack.
Inverness were forced into an early change as Scott Allardice had to replace James Keatings who seemed to have a knee injury.
Jason Thomson was again having an outstanding match down the right getting forward every opportunity and tying to drive into the box.
Inverness should have really opened the scoring in the 30th minute but Daniel MacKay’s shot was just past Derek Gaston’s far post.
Bobby Linn hit a dipping long range shot in the 32nd minute which forced Ridgers to scramble to keep hold of the ball with Dale Hilson also forcing a save just 3 minutes later before a Thomas O’Brien shot was blocked seconds later.
It looked like Arbroath were going to go into the break without the advantage of a goal but Dale Hilson found Jack Hamilton who showed great strength to battle a defender and then a wonderful touch and a steady composure seen him rifle in a right footed shot under Ridgers for his second goal in only his second appearance.
Half Time – Arbroath 1 – 0 Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Inverness knew they had to get level and started on a high tempo from the kick off. Colin Hamilton was booked for a foul on Shane Sutherland in the 46th minute and just two minutes later Sutherland had pulled Inverness level.
A fantastic cross from Cameron Harper was met by the head of Sutherland who left Gaston no chance as his diving header flew into the back of the net.
It was a blow for the Lichties but they still had plenty of time to get another goal.
Ben Williamson was impressing again in midfield showing some great touches as he tried to bring his team forward.
Dale Hilson had a drive blocked on the hour mark as Arbroath tried to counter. As the ball went out of play shortly after that Scott Stewart replaced Bobby Linn for the first Arbroath substitute of the match.
Stewart was soon feeling the effects of a very hard challenge by Wallace Duffy which landed the Inverness defender with a yellow card.
John Robertson added the attacking threat of Aaron Doran in the 71st minute for Daniel McKay as he sought out the 3 points.
Jack Hamilton almost grabbed the winner in the 76th minute. A fantastic run down the right wing by Michael McKenna was followed with a great cross into the box and Hamilton had found space in the 6 yard box but his diving header was just over the bar.
Derek Gaston made a brilliant save just minutes later with his leg to deny Shane Sutherland as the action went from end to end.
Dale Hilson and Jack Hamilton were replaced by Kris Doolan and Luke Donnelly in the 80th minute as Arbroath tried to find the winning goal.
Derek Gaston again saved Arbroath with a fine save in the 84th minute from Cameron Harper but with just 2 minutes left of the 90, Michael McKenna played a fantastic pass through to Kris Doolan who as terribly unlucky as he hit a tricky angled drive only to see his shot bounce off the far post, so very close to a winner.
Full time – Arbroath 1 – 1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
A very tricky night for football, but another point for Arbroath as they make it 4 games undefeated and move onto 11 points, just 3 points off 7th and 8th and 6 points of 5th and 6th.
Hamilton’s impressive performance up front gives the team confidence but it will be another tough match on Saturday when Dunfermline visit.
C’mon the Lichties
Possession – Arbroath 47% – 53% Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Total Shots – Arbroath 12 – 11Inverness Caledonian Thistle
On Target – Arbroath 4 – 3 Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Off Target – Arbroath 3 – 3 Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Blocked – Arbroath 5 – 5 Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Corners – Arbroath 3 – 5 Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Fouls Committed – Arbroath 12 – 9 Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Arbroath
1 – Derek Gaston
2 – Jason Thomson
3 – Colin Hamilton
4 – Ricky Little
5 – Thomas O’Brien (c)
28 – James Craigen
8 – Michael McKenna
18 – Ben Williamson
19 – Jack Hamilton (Donnelly 80)
9 – Dale Hilson (Doolan 80)
11 – Bobby Linn (Stewart 61)
Substitutes
6 – Mark Whatley
7 – David Gold
10 – Gavin Swankie
12 – Scott Stewart – 11; 61st
15 – Luke Donnelly – 19; 80th
14 – Kris Doolan – 9; 80th
21 – Scott Gallacher (GK)
Goal – Jack Hamilton 45
Yellow Card – Colin Hamilton 46
Inverness Caledonian Thistle
1 – Mark Ridgers
2 – Wallace Duffy
4 – Sean Walsh (C)
7 – James Keatings (Allardice 22)
11 – Shane Sutherland
14 – James Vincent
16 – Cameron Harper
17 – Miles Storey
22 – Brad Mckay
27 – Daniel Mackay (Doran 71)
77 – Nikolay Todorov
Substitutes
8 – David Carson
10 – Aaron Doran – 27; 71st
12 – Roddy MacGregor
18 – Scott Allardice – 7 22nd
25 – Harry Nicolson
26 – Ryan Fyffe
21 – Cammy Mackay (GK)
Goal – Sutherland 48
Yellow Card – Duffy 68
Officials;
Referee – Alan Newlands
Assistant Referee 1 – Calum Spence
Assistant Referee 2 – Colin McAlpine
