The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Red Lichties still only thinking about survival
MORTON 1 ARBROATH 1
They were supposed to be the Championship whipping boys after gaining promotion from League 1 last year as one of only two part-time sides in the division.
However, having conceded just 26 times in 26 games, Arbroath have the second meanest defence in the league.
Only runaway leaders Dundee United have a better record, and Arbroath were seconds away from a fourth successive clean sheet before Sean Mcginty’s late header put an end to the run.
Mcginty’s goal curtailed Arbroath’s hopes of a crucial win, following an earlier strike from Craig Wighton, and blocked their chances of going joint fourth with Dundee.
“It’s the best and the worst feeling in football,” said goalkeeper Derek Gaston.
“When you score a last-minute equaliser you feel on top of the world but if you concede it’s an absolute sickener.
“We limited Morton to very few chances and we defended the box really well but they were always going to have one chance and unfortunately he put a great header into the top corner.
“Their free-kick after 78 minutes was Morton’s first shot on target. They didn’t have many chances at all after that.
“But there was always going to be a moment and it’s just my luck that we threw it all away with almost the final touch of the ball.
“In time we’ll look back on this as a decent point away from home but it’s hard to feel that way right now.
“I’ve had three clean sheets in a row but lost that record to a goal in the 94th minute. It’s hard to take.”
Arbroath seemed set for a deserved win until Mcginty’s late intervention.
They dominated proceedings with Danny Rogers keeping Morton in the game with saves from Wighton and James Craigen before Wighton’s second half opener. He drilled home from 15 yards to put the visitors ahead and they had further chances to seal the win.
Dale Hilson shot over from close range and sub Bobby Linn hit the bar before Morton forced a series of late chances in search of an equaliser.
Then, just as it looked like Arbroath had done enough, Mcginty rose to meet a Nicky Cadden corner and head into the top corner.
It was a bitter blow to Arbroath who gave so much to this game.
They have been a real credit to manager Dick Campbell all season and can hold their heads up high as they go into the final 10 games on the brink of safety and challenging for a shock SPL play-off place.
“The media keep asking us if we are looking up the table now,” added Gaston. “But we aren’t thinking that way. No one in our dressing room has spoken about that.
“We are only interested in survival. We are trying to tick the games down and get closer to safety every week.
“This feels like a defeat but it is another point on the board and we have to keep going.”
Morton goalscorer Mcginty said: “That was such an important goal and it’s my first one this season.
“We didn’t play well at all so we’ve rescued a point but have been on a good run of form and need to keep it going to push up the table.”