The Lichties proved again, that is always worth fighting to the end, as a Bobby Linn goal in the 90th minute secured a dramatic win over Angus neighbours Forfar Athletic.
In a bitterly cold afternoon at Gayfield it didn’t take long for tempers to flair as a series of physical challenges by the visitors went unpunished by referee Alan Newlands.
A bad tackle on Danny Denholm on the wing left the winger in some discomfort but Danny carried on.
In an ironic twist Ricky Little was the first name in the referee’s notebook as he fouled Eddie Malone just outside of the Arbroath box.
David Cox and Dylan Easton combined over the free kick with Cox scoring from outside of the box.
Danny Denholm was soon targeted again, this time by a wreckless challenge by Eddie Malone on the edge of the Forfar box. Other officials have deemed those a straight red card offence but Malone survived, but unfortunately Danny had to go off with David Gold a direct replacement.
Ryan McCord struck the free kick and it rattled of Marc McCallum’s cross bar. Leighton McIntosh scrambled to react and seemed to be brought down by Darren Whyte who landed on top of him but Referee Newlands gave the foul to Forfar.
Substitute David Gold had an incredible game and his runs down the wing were pivotal in Arbroath’s come back.
Leighton McIntosh netted his 3 goal in 2 games for the Lichties when he slotted in after Thomas O’Brien headed down a Ryan McCord corner to pull the Lichties level in the 32nd minute.
A Colin Hamilton header was the closest Arbroath came in the remainder of the first half.
A cross early in the second half from Forfar caught everyone out as it bounced off the Arbroath cross bar and at the other end Ryan McCord came close as his strike was blocked.
Matthew Aitken of Forfar was booked for simulation in the 53rd minute then Dylan Easton was booked 4 minutes later.
Forfar did have long spells of attacking play but failed to really test David Hutton in goal.
David Gold was taking on defenders for fun and he twice skipped down the wing with teasing balls into the fray but on both occasions Marc McCallum rushed out to claim the ball.
Forfar’s David Cox looked to have pulled his hamstring as he chased a long kick down the field but frustrated the home fans as he made his way back onto the pitch before sitting down as the Loons tried to waste time all afternoon.
Kane Hester and Bryan Prunty came on for Arbroath and Hester’s pace and link up play started to create more problems for the Forfar defence.
David Hutton kept his side in the game as he pulled of a stunning save as a Forfar free kick looked destined to fly past him but he jumped across goal at full stretch and held onto the ball.
As the clock hit the 90th minute a ball was played into the Forfar box before landing at the feet of Bobby Linn at the far side of the goal and with a little piece of magic and composure Bobby fired the ball past McCallum to send the home support into a celebratory frenzy!
A dramatic game and important win, especially given the challenges faced on the pitch.
C’MON THE LICHTIES!
