ARBROATH DESERVE THEIR SPOT AT THE TOP

Just like a star atop of a Christmas tree, it’s Arbroath who occupy the prime position in the Championship over the festive period.

A gutsy display from the Lichties earned three points in the 2-1 win over Morton.

The football wasn’t the best but the result, and its significance, lit up an otherwise cold and miserable day on the Angus coast.

Arbroath were not near their best but, given the circumstances, that could be forgiven. With coaches John Young and Rab Douglas taking temporary charge, the side ground out the result.

After being pegged back and Morton piling on the pressure, Anton Dowds grabbed his chance when it was given to him. From then on there was only one winner.

Their spot at the top is thoroughly deserved given their form this season: just two defeats, they’ve beaten every team around them and haven’t lost in 10 games. Add in the fact they’re the only parttime team in the league makes for an even more remarkable feat.

They’re halfway there. Can they hold on to that top spot, who knows? But given their recent form, anything is possible.

The Lichties had been rocked by a positive Covid case on Friday leading to manager Dick Campbell, his assistant and six players missing the game.

Michael Mckenna and Thomas O’brien dropped out of the line-up, while David Gold, Dale Hilson, Luke Donnelly and Calum Antell were also unavailable.

Despite more than half a team missing, the Lichties were still able to field a near full-strength line-up showing the strength they have in their squad. Every one of them dug in for the team and played their part in the table-topping victory.

Arbroath will hope to keep their players in bubble wrap to avoid any further absences, either through injury or Covid.

Should they manage to do that, they will be ready to kick off 2022 with a full squad to maintain their position at the top of the table.