Bosses content after derby stalemate

Angus rivals Montrose and Forfar had to settle for a share of the spoils in a new year derby, an outcome which left both managers reasonably satisfied.

Montrose boss Stewart Petrie said: “We had some great chances in the first half and when you dominate a game you need to go ahead.

“I think we played better in the first half today than we did against Dumbarton in our last home match, but that day we were 3-0 up at halftime because we took our chances.

“For far came much more into the game in the second half and there were some super saves from both keepers.

“It is another game unbeaten for us and another clean sheet.

“Russell Mclean was missing for Covid-related reasons, but Craig Johnston came in up front and did well. Lewis Milne was outstanding and on another day he might have had a couple of goals.

“I am hopeful of keeping our three loan players (Chris Mochrie, Ha r r y Cochrane and Cammy F. Ballantyne) and if I do we won’t be doing much business in the transfer window. We have competition for places throughout the team.”

Montrose made a flying start to the game and almost scored in the first minute when a curling shot from Graham Webster was brilliantly saved by Marc Mccallum.

On 18 minutes, Mochrie crossed for Kerr Waddell to head wide, then a great passing move ended with Johnston having a shot saved.

On 23 minutes, Webster shot just wide, then Johnston worked a onetwo with Milne and was denied by the busy Mccallum.

Mochrie put a Ballantyne cross over from close range, then Sean Dillon took a short free-kick and his drive forced another save from Mccallum.

On 38 minutes Milne was put through by Andy Steeves and shot wide.

Forfar came more into the game after the break and on 59 minutes, Murray Macintosh shot inches wide.

Jack Mckenzie shot over and Chris Antoniazzi fired wide as the Forfar pressure continued. On 77 minutes, Alan Fleming made a superb save from a Florent Hoti drive that was bound for the bottom corner.

Ross Campbell had the final chance for the home side when his shot was saved by Mccallum.

Forfar gaffer Stuart Malcolm said: “It was an even game. In the second half we probably edged it and I’m disappointed not to score.

“They were the better team in the first half and our keeper made one great save. In the second half we got into some great areas at times and on another day might have scored two or three.

“Every point is precious. Montrose are the form team of the league so any point away to them is a good one.

“The result is something to build on. I need to get some bodies in to help us in January as we need to get away from the bottom of the division.”

Stuart Malcolm.

Stewart Petrie.