The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Ten-man Mo hold on for vital derby point
Share of spoils ensures Arbroath finish 2018 11 points clear at top
It was a case of “take a point and move on” for assistant-boss Ian Campbell as he watched Arbroath come from behind to draw with 10-man Montrose.
Montrose played with 10 from early in the second half after the dismissal of their captain, Paul Watson, but the point gained means Arbroath end 2018 a healthy 11 points ahead of second-placed Raith Rovers in the League One table.
Campbell said: “It was a strange game. We played well in the first half but couldn’t take the lead.
“The game changed in the second half after they had a man sent off. We were looking to push on, but Montrose can take a lot out of the game.
“I am disappointed we didn’t win but it is a point away from home and a draw was a fair result.
“It was a good response after the Raith Rovers game. We were disappointed then, but that game is history now and we will move forward.
“The second half was too bitty but we go down the road with a point and move on.”
Campbell says it is “highly likely” that Arbroath will move to strengthen their squad in the transfer window.
“It is difficult, as our squad is already good, but I feel we need a couple in.
“All our focus is now on the next game at home to Brechin. We will concentrate on what we do as a team and if we do that we will come out where we want to be.”
Arbroath started brightly and on 13 minutes an effort from Bobby Linn almost sneaked in at the near post but Sean Dillon cleared.
Eight minutes later a drive Michael McKenna was saved by Fleming.
Montrose almost grabbed the lead on the stroke of half-time. Terry Masson did well to get the ball across the face of the goal and an effort from Euan Henderson was saved by Darren Jamieson.
On 52 minutes, Watson was for a lunge at Omar Kader.
The home fans in a bumper crowd of 1,666 were roaring on 75 minutes when the 10 men took the lead. Masson had a shot parried and Martin Rennie followed up to score.
Arbroath levelled two minutes later. Jason Thomson crossed from the right and Tom O’Brien headed home.
In the sixth added minute, Ross Campbell nearly won it against his dad’s side when the ball was taken off his head a few yards out.
Montrose boss Stewart Petrie said: “In the first half we struggled to get to grips with the game and we showed them too much respect.
“We started the second half well and the sending-off seemed to galvanise us.
“We needed to hold on to our lead for a bit longer, but I am happy with a draw with 10 men against the best team in the league. The game is a benchmark for us and when we are at it we are a match for most teams.
“Paul gave the referee the option to send him off by leaving the ground and not getting the ball. I spoke to the referee and he said it was reckless so we have to go with that.” from Allan redcarded