Goal-hero Doolan glad to play a part

ARBROATH 1 RAITH ROVERS 0

Despite scoring the winning goal in Arbroath’s impressive victory over Raith Rovers at Gayfield on Saturday, veteran striker Kris Doolan will have no complaints if he’s back on the bench for the trip to Ayr next weekend.

The former Partick Thistle star has been forced to take a back seat in recent weeks with the recruitment of Jack Hamilton, who burst on to the scene by bagging three goals in his first four appearances for the Lichties.

But with the on-loan Livingston youngster nursing an injury, Doolan was recalled to the starting 11 and made the most of the opportunity by blasting home the only goal of the game on the hour mark after latching on to a fine pass from Michael Mckenna.

Doolan’s strike extended

Arbroath’s unbeaten streak to seven games and propelled the Angus men to sixth position in an incredibly tight Championship table.

Now he’s looking forward to fulfilling whatever role manager Dick Campbell asks him to fulfil in the weeks ahead.

Doolan said: “I’m 34 now, so I know my position. I know my role in the squad and why I was brought here.

“I’m delighted to see Jack

here and that he’s getting goals. I like to see the young ones doing well and if I can help in any way, that’s part of my job as well.

“I was happy to step in today when he wasn’t available, but I’ll probably be back on the bench next week.

“It doesn’t matter who is on the pitch or who is on the bench. The manager has been great. He makes everyone feel part of it.

“Everyone feels involved and everyone gets their

chance. The players buy into that. And if you’re not playing, he always takes time to explain why.”

The obviously strong team spirit at Gayfield shone through in this latest victory.

The 1-0 scoreline suggests a tight game but, in truth, Arbroath should have won by more and would have done so had Jamie Macdonald not been at his best in the Rovers goal.

The former Hearts and Kilmarnock stopper denied Ben Williamson in the first half and twice prevented Dale Hilson from extending the Gayfield men’s lead in the closing stages.

Arbroath were by far the more energetic and inventive side throughout the 90 minutes and home keeper Derek Gaston didn’t have a save to make.

Raith boss John Mcglynn said: “It’s a disappointing performance but Arbroath deserved the points.

“They dominated the game. We need to dust ourselves down and move on.”

PRESSING GAME: Raith’s Daniel Armstrong is squeezed out by Arbroath pair Thomas O’brien and Scott Stewart.

Kris Doolan was the matchwinner for the Lichties.