Elation as long-sidelined Doris scores crucial goal at Gayfield

ARBROATH 3 DUMBARTON 1

Steven Doris’s popularity at Gayfield can be measured by the unbridled expressions of sheer joy and delight which beamed from the faces of fans, management and team-mates when the Arbroath striker scored his side’s vital second goal just a couple of minutes after coming on as a substitute in the League One victory over Dumbarton.

The energetic striker was making only his second appearance following 13 months on the sidelines because of a cruciate ligament injury.

He had come on for the final 17 minutes of the previous weekend’s unexpected 4-1 capitulation to Edinburgh City in the Irn Bru Cup but was unable to affect the outcome.

He joined the fray at a similar stage on Saturday but this time his impact was immediate and pivotal.

The Lichties and Sons were tied at 1-1 when Gavin Swankie delivered an exquisite ball into the danger area where Doris pounced to guide it beyond Robbie Mutch to put Arbroath ahead.

It was his first goal since August 2017 and Gayfield erupted.

The home side seemed to gain an extra source of energy and inspiration and two minutes later the points were made safe when Swankie calmly guided home Arbroath’s third.

Doris was delighted to get back on the scoresheet and paid tribute to everyone who has supported him on his long journey back to first team football.

He said: “It’s a good feeling to get the goal and that has given me a boost. The past year has been the toughest of my life, both physically and mentally.

“I’d like to thank the board and management team here for having faith in me and helping me all the way.

“They have backed me all the way. “I’m not there yet. There’s still a lot of hard work to be done.”

The result maintained tabletopping Arbroath’s unbeaten record in the league although that seemed to be under threat when the Sons led at the interval courtesy of Iain Russell who pounced to net after Lichties keeper Darren Jamieson failed to hold a Dominic Thomas long range effort.

With the wind at their backs in the second period the home side took a grip of the game with Ryan Wallace equalising on the hour mark before Doris and Swankie clinched the victory.