Hero Linn has the last laugh

BOBBY LINN reflected on how crucial victory over Alloa was for Arbroath, not least because it provided him with a ready riposte to the wisecracks being flung in his direction from his mates back home in Dundee. Pitting the league’s two parttime teams against each other, this was an early indicator as to which could succumb to relegation next May. On this evidence, Alloa might struggle. Arbroath were excellent value for their first win in the second tier in nearly 17 years and Linn was yet again their key man. Scorer of 23 goals as he shot the Angus club to the League One title last term, the 33-yearold slotted in Greig Spence’s pass in 17 minutes for the win. Linn admits victory was a morale boost as they face big guns Dunfermline, Partick Thistle, Dundee United, Ayr United and Dundee in the next few weeks. ‘That was a big win,’ said the ex-Dundee striker. ‘I’m from Dundee and there’s been a few Dundee and Dundee United fans saying to me: “You won’t win a game”. I know it’s tongue in cheek but you don’t want to be the whipping boys.’ Linn also praised rivals Alloa, as he added: ‘They are a great example to us, by staying up. ‘They’re the model you look at and think you can emulate. Alloa are a credit to their club. ‘This is new for us but the boys we’ve got in the squad will enjoy the experience.’ After Linn’s goal, Arbroath also struck the upright with a James Murphy effort and Alloa’s hopes were killed off when Steven Hetherington was sent packing for a second booking late on. Wasps boss Peter Grant said: ‘The discipline has to be right. We can’t afford to lose players.’