Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Five key moments from Red Lichties’ unforgettable season
AFTER Arbroath eventually secured their Championship place by a single point i n the 2020-21 season, no one would have envisaged what was to come.
It was so close to being the story of Scottish football, perhaps even the footballing world, as the plucky Lichties pushed heavy-favourites Kilmarnock all the way for the title.
In the end, it wasn’t quite to be. A heartbreaking late defeat at Rugby Park ended their title hopes then weeks later, a penalty shoot-out ended their promotion hopes in the play-offs.
But when t h e d u st settles, there will be plenty of memories for Arbroath fans to treasure. Here, Tele Sport takes a look back at the key moments from an incredible season for the Gayfield side.
RUGBY PARK, PT. 1 After losing on opening day to Inverness at Gayfield, Dick Campbell’s men embarked on a sevengame unbeaten run through to the middle of October.
It was too soon in the season to be thinking of any miracles, with the Lichties’ faithful happy enough to be in the top half of the table.
However, the second quarter of the season would see Arbroath begin to turn heads and their late winner away to Killie on November 20 really stamped their authority on the league.
DECEMBER 18
The Lichties took their chance to go top of the league on a foggy afternoon in December.
A late 2-1 win over Morton sent Dick Campbell’s men to the summit, where they would remain until March.
The team showed grit and determination to win it after The Ton levelled the scoring minutes earlier – but December 18 would ultimately prove significant for Killie, too, with Tommy Wright relieved of his job. SCOTT ALLAN – THE ONE
THAT GOT AWAY Familiar faces in Jack
Hamilton and Craig Wighton were brought back in January after previous loan spells. In addition, forwards Sam Ford and Michael Bakare were brought in from left-field.
And Tele Sport can now reveal Hibs midfielder Scott Allan was very close to signing for the Lichties in the January window. The sides had agreed terms, but, at the final moment, the player decided to stay at Easter Road.
RUGBY PARK PT. 2 Arbroath were overtaken by Kilmarnock on t he weekend of March 11/12.
From March, it looked destined to come down to the penultimate game of the season between Arbroath and Killie on April 22.
Just like a Hollywood script, that’s exactly how it played out.
An early James Craigen goal had 1,500 travelling Lichties dreaming, but late goals from Ash Taylor and Blair Alston meant Kilmarnock were victorious, not just on the night but over the season, sparking wild celebrations. INVERNESS PLAY-OFFS A stalemate at t he Caledonian Stadium was almost inevitable, setting up an all-or-nothing tie in front of a packed crowd on the Angus coast.
Despite the sides being the two top scorers in the division, neither of them could be separated i n 210 minutes of football, including extra-time.
Even with Caley down to nine men, Arbroath couldn’t find a way through, meaning their Premiership dream went to penalties.
With the cruellest of twists, it was club hero Bobby Linn who missed from the spot leaving Kirk Broadfoot to slot home and send Inverness to the playoff final.
After 286 days of an incredible Championship season, Arbroath came full circle, losing out to Inverness at Gayfield – but it was a campaign no Lichtie will ever forget.