Sore result for the Lichties – but plenty positives

Arbroath suffered their first defeat of the season, going down in an entertaining clash against Dundee.

The Lichties made two changes to the side which drew 0-0 with Inverness.

Skipper Tam O’Brien and Jason Thomson returned to the backline with Bobby Linn and Luke Donnelly dropping to the bench.

The visitors looked lively early on and could have seen themselves go in front with a string of chances.

However, they were made to pay when Luke McCowan rifled in a shot near the end of the first half.

The second half was packed with action as Arbroath drew level twice, through former Dee Nicky Low and Colin Hamilton.

But they were left heartbroken when late goals from Zach Robinson and Josh Mulligan earned full points for the Dee.

Despite looking a real threat, Dundee just proved to be too good in the end.

With just minutes left on the clock, Arbroath looked to be pushing for a winner.

And for a split-second it looked like they may have grabbed all three points.

A bouncing cross from the right landed at Dale Hilson’s feet just yards from goal.

But rather than smash it into the back of the net, the forward saw his effort go over the bar. Dundee knew it was a massive let-off.

They made sure the points were staying at Dens Park when seconds later Robinson broke Lichtie hearts.

Matters were made worse as the visitors looked to claw another goal back – but Josh Mulligan broke away and made it four in the dying moments.

Dick Campbell will definitely rue that final chance.

It may not seem like much of a consolation after a galling defeat but, after two goalless draws, Arbroath have opened their goal account for the season.

One goal may have come from the penalty spot and the other off Hamilton’s knee but they are up and running.

The manner of the goals may come with some irony after the side worked up some clever moves but they all count.

They started with real purpose and intent which they were lacking in their previous games.

Daniel Fosu tested keeper Harry Sharp early on after turning a clever shot at goal from a Michael McKenna pass in the third minute.

Five minutes later Hamilton headed McKenna’s corner kick on to the post. Scott Stewart also went close with a glancing header.

Dundee’s defence was under real pressure and had the visitors got the rub of the green, it could have been a different game.

A sore one on the night for Arbroath but there are plenty of positives to take from the game.