Paterson’s late goal is a Turkish delight
ARBROATH 1 Paterson (90)
Dick Campbell’s brother reckons the Red Lichties boss will have needed a lot of help to make sure he saw Arbroath’s victory from his holiday in Turkey.
The manager is away celebrating his wife’s birthday with his family and Ian – his twin brother and assistant – was delighted the players made it an extraspecial weekend by beating St Mirren with a winner in added-on time from Dylan Paterson.
He said: “I think the whole of Turkey was involved in getting the game streamed so that he could watch it.
“His three sons are very good technologically but I can’t imagine Dick streaming anything. He will be over the moon with the result.”
Campbell admitted that he would rather the competitive action hadn’t started so early.
He added: “I can’t stand this cup. We had four players who only came back from holiday on Wednesday and it’s very difficult for part-time teams.
“That said, our boys were tremendous. We got better and better as the game went on.
“Coming to Paisley and winning is a tremendous boost, not that we needed it. Everyone is getting to know what is expected of being an Arbroath player now.”
It looked like the game would end in a draw and a penalty shoot-out would decide which side got the bonus point.
St Mirren appeared to settle for that, but Arbroath sensed a winner was still possible.
There had been 93 minutes played
when Mckenna floated in a cross from the right and Paterson was given time to fire a shot past Carson.
It was more like an end-of-season showing from Saints, rather than a group trying to show they’re ready for the rigours of a new campaign.
That did not please manager Stephen Robinson, although he was quick to take responsibility for the sluggish performance.
He said: “We looked really leggy throughout the game. We have worked the players really hard, so ultimately I take the blame on that.
“We’re better than we showed and it’s a wake-up call for us all. There’s lots to work on.
“We have brought in six new players
but four of them aren’t available right now.
“That’s not an excuse, though, it was all a bit slow and predictable. We are collectively disappointed.”
St Mirren did have a spell just after the break. Grieve, who headed wide after only three minutes, came close with a couple of attempts and Joe Shaughnessy headed against the bar.
Declan Gallagher saw his headed effort nodded off the line by Shanks.
That burst of energy and added composure came and went, allowing Arbroath the chance to claim a famous victory against Premiership opposition.
As their late goal showed, you can never write off the Red Lichties – even with their manager 3,000 miles away.