A very disappointing afternoon at Gayfield for the Lichties as Stranraer came back with two second half goals to take all 3 points.
The Lichties started the match with a double blow as both Scott Martin and Colin Hamilton were forced out of the starting line up with injuries with Kader, Doris and Skelly already missing. This meant that Gavin Swankie and Danny Denholm had to be included in the starting line up / squad despite both players still struggling recovering from injury.
This meant Blair Yule dropped into the left back slot and Jamie Henry came into the midfield with Gavin Swankie also starting up front alongside Leighton McIntosh.
Arbroath did make a bright start and took the lead in the 15th minute after Cameron Belford let a long range Bobby Linn strike squirm under his body but as the ball came back into play it took an amazing piece of skill from Ryan McCord to score the goal as he hit a back heel for a tight angle to get the ball over the line.
It wasn’t the same energetic performance from the Lichties and perhaps with both Martin missing and Yule dropping into the defence there seemed to be less bite in midfield and Stranraer were winning every ball.
David Hutton produced a brilliant save as a well struck Stranraer shot was headed to the postage stamp area of his near post.
Ryan McCord picked up a booking late in the first half and this resulted in him being replaced by Danny Denholm for the second half.
As the weather conditions worsened it was Stranraer who were still on top with Arbroath unable to really test Belford.
David Hutton was definitely the busiest keeper and made a string of fine saves to keep Arbroath in the lead but in the 53rd minute Kyle Turned hit a good header which was impossible for the keeper to reach.
Arbroath had a few good balls into the box and a slight appeal for a penalty when Ricky Little seemed to be pulled down during a corner kick but Arbroath just didn’t seem to have their normal cutting edge.
Kane Hester was brought on for Gavin Swankie before Bryan Prunty came on for Leighton McIntosh but neither player really had a chance to get a shot on goal as the final ball eluded them or Stranraer won back possession.
In the 78th minute Angus Beith who had only joined Stranraer on loan from Hearts a day earlier netted to give Stranraer all 3 points.
A disappointing afternoon, but the Lichties still sit in 3rd place in the league. It will be hoped some of the players are back from injury for next week’s trip to Albion Rovers.
C’mon the Lichties
