Ayr United 1 – 0 Arbroath
Ian Campbell Post Match Interview
Joel Nouble Post Match Interview
The Lichties suffered their first defeat since the 16th of October at Somerset Park this afternoon – their first defeat in 11 Championship games.
The first 35 minutes was perhaps the poorest of the season so far with many uncharacteristically mistakes and loose passes through the team.
In Joel Nouble’s last game for Arbroath, the Lichties were also without Jason Thomson with David Gold deputising at right back with Scott Stewart returning and Jack Hamilton taking Anton Dowds place up front.
On a very wet pitch with a howling wind at their backs the Lichties just couldn’t find space to play with the tall Ayr United defence clearing any high balls which were played over the top.
Lifted with a new Manager, Ayr United on the other hand were finding gaps in the Arbroath defence and Arbroath were punished in the 18th minute. Arbroath had the chance to clear the ball on 3 occasions but James Maxwell was allowed to get his shot in and unfortunately for Ricky Little who tried to clear Maxwell’s shot the ball spun up and wriggled over the line.
Arbroath did start to play and Scott Stewart and James Craigen were both denied by blocks from Sean McGinty.
Half Time Match Stats
Possession – Ayr United 47% – 53% Arbroath
Total Shots – Ayr United 3 – 5 Arbroath
On Target – Ayr United 2 – 1 Arbroath
Off Target – Ayr United 0 – 2 Arbroath
Blocked – Ayr United 1 – 2 Arbroath
Corners – Ayr United 2 – 3 Arbroath
Fouls Committed – Ayr United 3 – 3 Arbroath
Michael McKenna fizzed a shot wide of the post at the start of the second half but despite Arbroath dominating possession they just couldn’t find the space of the clear cut chance they needed to get back level.
The one positive for Arbroath was the return of Nicky Low who came on in the 64th minute for David Gold. Nicky made an instant impact and was looking for the ball at every occasion to get it forward.
In the dying seconds Joel Nouble almost rescued a point but his curling shot was saved by McAdams.
It’s always hard to suffer defeat, but perhaps today was a tougher defeat in the way that the game went.
Full Time Match Stats
Possession – Ayr United 45% – 55% Arbroath
Total Shots – Ayr United 7 – 8 Arbroath
On Target – Ayr United 4 – 3 Arbroath
Off Target – Ayr United 2 – 3 Arbroath
Blocked – Ayr United 1 – 2 Arbroath
Corners – Ayr United 3 – 9 Arbroath
Fouls Committed – Ayr United 11 – 11 Arbroath
However we are still top of the Championship and we will regroup and go again next Saturday.
C’mon the Lichties
Arbroath
1 – Derek Gaston
7 – David Gold (Low 64)
3 – Colin Hamilton
4 – Ricky Little
5 – Thomas O’Brien (c)
18 – Chris Hamilton
12 – Scott Stewart (Linn 69)
8 – Michael McKenna
17 – Joel Nouble
20 – Jack Hamilton
28 – James Craigen (Hilson 83)
Substitutes
6 – Nicky Low – 7; 64th
9 – Dale Hilson – 28; 83rd
10 – Gavin Swankie
11 – Bobby Linn – 12; 69th
15 – Luke Donnelly
22 – Liam Henderson
21 – Calum Antell (GK)
