Wighton grabs Arbroath’s first Tannadice win since 1958
Arbroath boss Dick Campbell was only six years old when Dave Easson hit a hat-trick as the Red Lichties defeated Dundeeunited 3-2attannadice back in November 1958.
On Saturday, Campbell had Craig Wighton to thank as his goal gave Arbroath a 1-0 win and their first away victory over the Terrors since then.
United’s day got off to a bad start when striker Osman Sow was carried off after 17 minutes and it got worse when on-loan Hearts striker Wighton struck nine minutes later, deftly touching a Colin Hamilton cross through Benjamin Siegrist’s legs and into the net.
The triumph was all the sweeter for Campbell as his team had led the runaway league leaders 1-0 back in September, only for Lawrence Shankland to strike twice in injury time and rescue United.
“No-one expected us to do anything, especially as we came so close on our last visit,” said the Arbroath manager. “I know how good our players can be and I am delighted they have created a bit of history.”
United manager Robbie Neilson said: “We lost the game in the first half. It is now all about how we respond.”
But the defeat was not overly costly for United because closest challengers Inverness Caley Thistle could only draw 1-1 at home against Alloa and now sit 17 points behind.
Iain Flannigan fired the Wasps ahead from the penalty spot on 30 minutes, with Jordan White slamming home a pass from substitute Sean Welsh to equalise just before the hour mark.
Dunfermline used corners to their advantage to win 3-2 at Queen of the South and climb into fourth place.
Gary Oliver had stabbed the Doonhamers in front on ten minutes but four minutes later the Pars levelled. Ryan Dow sent over a teasing cross after a short corner that Jonathan Afolabi headed against the bar, with Gabby Mcgill nodding in.
The visitors went ahead right on half-time when Danny De vine met dom thomas’ flag kick with a thumping header but Queens levelled just before the hour mark through Stephen Dobbie’s penalty.
The winner came with eight minutes left when Lee Ashcroft nodded in from another corner.
Dundee have dropped down to sixth after being held to a 1-1 draw by the ten men of Morton at Cappielow.
Kane Hemmings drilled the Dark Blues in front after latching on to a long pass by debutant Christophe Berra, who joined from Hearts on Friday, but Morton captain Jim Mcalister equalised after Conor Hazard had failed to hold a Nicky Cadden free-kick.
The hosts were reduced to ten men with 32 minutes left when Kyle Jacobs picked up a second caution, but still Dundee failed to capitalise.