Arbroath 2 - 0 Stirling Albion

[Bellevue]

A beautiful late summer afternoon at Gayfield and a Lichties side that looked like a team rather than 11 guys thrown together to make up a side.
First half I thought the Binos had more of the pressure without creating much of a goal threat. We played some good football in patches and had a couple of chances.
Two goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half and the match was won. First goal, the ball broke to Sergio Alvares who slotted it home from the edge of the box. A few minutes later Ryan burst into the box and crossed the ball to Bobby Linn who only had the keeper to beat. We were pretty much in control for the rest of the game.
The whole team played well and Bobby Linn looks to be getting back to the player we all know he is. Thought the defence looked a lot more solid than of late and Alvares and Stewart played well in midfield. Ricky Little was his usual reliable self. For a guy who is not the tallest, he wins more than his fair share of high balls.
So a good win to l

[Nonsmokingsmokie]

Delighted as I am by the victory, I thought that was a fairly uninspiring performance. The victory against East Fife was based on a fairly defensive approach, typified by our playing the first half with a lone striker, and it seems the approach even in the home game was very similar - to try and keep things very tight and, despite being at home, try and capitalise on the fairly infrequent attack. Can't really blame the management team for this, as a logical response to our horrendous start, and especially early leaking of goals.

Anyway, apart from a relatively few but promising Lichtie attacks first half, Albion had most of the play and looked dangerous from many corners. Our defending was a little desperate on occasion but we held firm. The back four now look solid and were given good protection by Whatley and Stewart.

Albion had the bulk of possession throughout the game but we started to look more dangerous second half and the two early goals, well taken, allowed us

[Arbroath1]

Agree with above two very well taken goals first was started from a cracking pass from Bobby who was almost back to his very best in patches. Little looked very commanding and agree that the defence looks solid and compact now goalie even punching out cross balls. Think Ryan a good addition needs help upfront with him as Stirling defence had too much time in possession they could advance to halfway line no problem, but that was maybe our tactics???. Sergio looks like he can find a pass and can pick out the back if the net however maybe gets knocked off ball too easy, difficult to judge his best position???. Watson has certainly made a difference to back line looks solid roll on next week big game against Bottom East Stirling!!!!!

[Wike61]

Have to agree with you nonsmoking smokie, pleased with the win but that was a fairly desperate attempt at entertainment. As you observe we were set up to let them have as much possession as they wanted and then hit on the counter. A poor way to play at home especially considering the quality of opposition. It was barely acceptable today on glorious sunny afternoon but I am not looking forward to these tactics on freezing cold winter afternoon. Today's attendance of 680 or so with a reasonable support up from Stirling tells it's own story - that is probably a couple of hundred down on our average last season. Yet again there was no atmosphere in the ground as we are simply not being given anything to get excited about. I can understand the reasons for the management's tactics but at what point do we start to open up and entertain. There has to be another plan because conceding possession to a better team than Stirling will see us in real bother. Hate to appear so negative after our firs

[housecaptain]

Cannot say we are playing good football with one man upfront, reminiscent of the last days of J.McGlashen.Still one of the poorest teams to represent A.F.C. in my 60years+ of support. As Spock would say to Capt; Kirk,it's not football as we know it Jim.

[smokie_bacon_crisps]

Seriously? 2 wins on the trot? 2 good goals? 2nd clean sheet and you lot are still moaning????

A few hundred down off last season? Maybe for the Montrose derby matches, but we only topped 638 last season on a handful of occasions with the season average of 721.

Anyway, I'm toasting the win and 3 points. Photographs below for those interested.



- view external link

[manonthemaroon]

Could'nt make the game as I was a late sub for the Frozen signalong, but I am a bit confused by the posts. In an ideal world we will play like Barcelona and win our games. However, this is reality so after 2 straight wins I would expect a bit more positivity. Wins build confidence so hopefully the standard of performance will improve.

[maroonie]

Imo the main thing for us is to get points and move well away from the dreaded bottom spot. If we have to do it by 4-5-1 or any other means then the ends will justify the means. It would be great to be top of the table and playing galichtico style football but you have to learn to walk before you can run.

[Lichtielegend]

Incremental steps in the right direction.

I can't see how simply putting another striker on the pitch will suddenly see us play more entertaining football.

[JoseMarooniho]

We are far from perfect the wee improvement is welcome. GK coming off his line now. Back 4 much better (what about Ricky eh?). Linn mair like it and Ryan very good. Glass half full I reckon.