Campbell hails swish work as Swankie storms back
Arbroath assistant manager Ian Campbell praised his players for their commitment and attitude after this well-deserved victory that hoisted the part-time Gayfielders up into fourth position in the Championship.
A virtuoso performance from veteran Gavin Swankie, who was involved in the lead-up to both of the home side’s goals, lit up a wet and windy afternoon on the edge of the NorthSea.
The midfielder missed the opening half of the season because of injury but is now back to his best and has played a key role in helping Arbroath secure three league wins on the bounce.
Campbell said: “It’s a great three points for us and we deserved it. We were tremendous.
“The first half in particular was a first-class performance.
“We never gave them a chance to settle and we ran out worthy winners.
“There was a spell in the second half when they came at us, but there are times in a game when you have to defend well and we did that.
“We had good organisation and some fantastic individual performances. So, it was a good day for us.”
The Lichties took the lead in the sixth minute with a well-worked goal.
Swankie cut the ball into the path of Jason Thomson, who found David Gold in the box, and the midfielder sent a tremendous header into the far corner.
Stephen Dobbie came close to equalising shortly afterwards with a 20-yard free-kick that seemed destined for the back of the net. But Derek Gaston flung himself across the goal to fingertip the ball to safety.
The home side went further ahead
in the 35th minute, however, Dale Hilson slotting home from 10 yards after more good work from Swankie on the right.
Queens came more into it in the second period and Gaston twice came to Arbroath’s rescue with fine saves from Jack Hamilton and Derek Lyon.
But Craig Wighton missed a golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt near the end when he missed the target with the goal at his mercy.
Doonhamers boss Allan Johnston wasn’t impressed by his side, who now sit third bottom of the table.
He said: “We got what we deserved, which was nothing.
“Arbroath were the better team. We got out-battled for the majority of the game and they dominated us.
“We gave away cheap goals, which is something we are disappointed about.
“So, we know we need to do better, and soon, because we are not in a good position in the league.
“We have to make sure we start winning.
“But if we play the way we did today it’s going to be very tough.”
However, while Johnston acknowledged some improvement from his team in the second half, he made it clear that he expected much better.
“We were a bit better in the second half but it wasn’t enough,” he added.
“We passed the ball a bit better and created a few opportunities.
“But the midfield never really got a grip of the game and our strikers never did enough either.
“Right through the whole team I don’t think anyone got any pass marks.”