Brechin City 1 – 2 Arbroath
Arbroath came back to win their first pre-season friendly against Brechin City at a very sunny Glebe Park this afternoon.
New signings Keaghan Jacobs, Kieran Shanks and Cammy Gill all started on the bench, but two trialists started with #34 in midfield #35 up front as Arbroath were without Colin Hamilton who was getting married and Michael McKenna who is on holiday.
Arbroath were attacking down the slope in the first half and despite enjoying lots of possession the Brechin City defence were doing well to stifle any attack with former Arbroath keeper Lenny Wilson being very alert.
Brechin were quick on the counter attack and Marc Scott was looking a threat at either end.
Bobby Linn came closest for Arbroath when his free kick smashed off the cross bar from a free kick, with Lenny Wilson also making a good save to deny Trialist #35 who showed a great touch before Wilson saved the shot.
It was however Brechin who took the lead when Scott managed to get a cross in from the right which found Grady McGrath at the back post to give Brechin the lead in the 37th minute.
Wilson denied trialist #34 with a stunning save just before the break but Brechin City should have scored but fired wide on the counter.
Half Time – Brechin City 1 – 0 Arbroath
At half time Dick Campbell lost out in a sudden death penalty shoot-out to Craig Levein as it finished 1-2.
Arbroath also made 5 changes with Dylan Paterson, Luke Donnelly, James Craigen, Keaghan Jacobs and Kieran Shanks all coming on whilst Nicky Low, Trialist 34, Trialist 35, Dale Hilson and Scott Stewart all coming off.
Arbroath definitely started to attack and press more in the second half as Paterson went down the right, and Linn on the left with Donnelly and Shanks up front with Jacobs sitting in front of the defence.
James Craigen forced Wilson into a great save at the expense of a corner in the 52nd minute before Jason Thomson headed just wide from a Paterson corner in 66.
It was Shanks though who was catching the eye as he showed great energy chasing every ball and harassing the defenders before he pulled Arbroath level in the 70th minute.
A cross from Linn, who had switched to the right was headed back into the box by Dylan Paterson before Kieran beautifully controlled the ball, beat his marker then hit a right foot shot from 9 yards out to level the game.
Just a minute later and James Craigen and Luke Donnelly both had chances to put Arbroath level as Arbroath started to press.
The winning goal game in the 83rd minute as David Gold struck a low shot from 20 yards to give Arbroath the win.
Full time – Brechin City 1 – 2 Arbroath
A very warm afternoon for both sides in a good work friendly which was played in front of a good crowd.
Debuts for Jacobs and Shanks who fitted seamlessly into the team and hopefully we shall see Cammy soon.
Thanks to Brechin City for their hospitality and it was so good to see so many Lichties at today’s game.
C’mon the Lichties!
Brechin City
1 – Lenny Wilson
2 – Marc Scott
3 – Kevin McHattie
4 – Iain Davidson
5 – Trialist (Trialist 80)
6 – Kieran Inglis (Trialist 88)
7 – Trialist (Loudon 60)
8 – Seth Patrick
9 – Grady McGrath
10 – Cammie Ross
11 – Jordan Northcott
Substitutes
7 – Ewan Loudon – 5; 60th
10 – Trialist – 5; 80th
16 – Trialist – 6; 88th
20 – Trialist (GK)
Goal – McGrath 37
Arbroath
1 – Derek Gaston
2 – Jason Thomson
12 – Scott Stewart (Craigen 45)
4 – Ricky Little
5 – Thomas O’Brien (c)
6 – Nicky Low (Jacobs 45)
7 – David Gold
34 – Trialist (Paterson 45)
9 – Dale Hilson (Donnelly 45)
35 – Trialist (Shanks 45)
11 – Bobby Linn
Substitutes
14 – Dylan Paterson – 34; 45th
15 – Luke Donnelly – 9; 45th
28 – James Craigen – 12; 45th
32 – Kieran Shanks – 35; 45th
33 – Keaghan Jacobs – 6; 45th
21 – Cammy Gill (GK)
Goals – Shanks 70, Gold 83
Referee; Chris Fordyce
Assistant Referee 1; Gordon Crawford
Assistant Referee 2; Duncan McCulloch
