The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Loanees play starring role for Gable Endies
MONTROSE 3 STENHOUSEMUIR 1
Montrose manager Stewart Petrie was a happy man after his side climbed to fourth in League One with an emphatic win over Stenhousemuir.
Petrie said: “That was a big game for us. We needed to bounce back after defeat last week.
“We started really well and young Chris Antoniazzi scored a great goal. Defenders can’t get near him and he does that in training every week.
“We were only one ahead but a super finish from Euan Henderson gave us a second.
“Paul Watson scored with a nice header in the second half and the goal came at a great time.
“It would have been nice to keep a clean sheet but Stenhousemuir have good players and if you switch off in this league, you will lose goals.
“We want to win our home games and that is two great results back to back after beating Raith Rovers.
“We will not get carried away. We have had a really good quarter and we must press the reset button and go again into the third quarter of the season.”
Petrie praised loanees Henderson, Antoniazzi and Ryan Harrington for their contributions, adding: “The two boys from Aberdeen are with us for the whole season and I will speak to Hearts this week about extending Euan’s loan beyond January.”
Montrose took the lead on 10 minutes. Conor McBrearty gave the ball straight to Antoniazzi and the youngster burst forward before smashing a shot home.
Montrose got the second goal their play deserved on 28 minutes. A Watson shot broke to Craig Johnston and he slipped the ball for Henderson to score.
The home side coped comfortably with everything Stenhousemuir could throw at them and effectively clinched the points on 67 minutes. Johnston did superbly on the right and his cross was headed home by Watson.
Montrose sent on Graham Webster and his first contribution on 71 minutes was a goal-line clearance to deny Harry Paton.
Stenhousemuir did score on 81 minutes when Mark McGuigan slid home from close range.
Montrose will end 2018 at home to derby rivals and league leaders Arbroath next Saturday.
Petrie added: “Arbroath have been on an incredible run and will be ready to bounce back after losing to Raith.
“There will be a big crowd and a great atmosphere. We will enjoy Christmas then get back in on Thursday to prepare for the game.
“Arbroath are the form team of the league and we will be the underdogs.”
Meanwhile, Montrose have announced the appointment of Michael Fotheringham to the board of directors.
Michael, 46, said: “I am very grateful to Montrose FC for giving me this opportunity. The club has been a large part of my life for many years.”
Chairman John Crawford said: “I am delighted to welcome Michael back to the club in this official capacity as director. He has long been a great supporter of the club and his experience and business acumen will further strengthen our position as a board as we look to continue the successful progress made since Stewart Petrie arrived as manager in December 2016.”