Arbroath vs Stenhousemuir

Match Report

Defeat for the Warriors in Angus as Arbroath sealed the League Title in a dominant display.

The Warriors started the first half strong and dealt with Arbroath’s attacking threat well, though they were undone by a loose ball just before half-time. This season, the Warriors have recovered goals when they’ve been forced to, and the belief was there for them to do so, however Arbroath showed their quality and began to run rampant.

The hosts capped off their return to the Scottish Championship with a dominant 4-0 display, with a Stanton brace and one contribution each from Taylor and Winter propelling their team to promotion.

The Warriors began to unravel in the second half

The first 40 minutes lacked fluidity with neither side really snatching a glimpse at goal. When on the front foot, Arbroath looked the most threatening as they knew they could become league champions.

It was the Warriors though, who could have registered the first shot at goal in the 41st minute. Ross Taylor’s great skill and determination took him past the Arbroath defence and to the edge of the area where he laid the ball off to onrushing O’Reilly, but his shot went agonisingly over the bar.

Arbroath ensured this was the only sight at goal the Warriors saw, as Stanton drew first blood for the hosts. The ball bobbled around in our box and Stanton latched onto it and made no mistake in rifling it in from close range. 1-0.

The second half proved to be difficult for the Warriors as they struggled to make tracks out of their own half. Arbroath were determined to put on a show for their fans and had the Warriors pinned back at every opportunity; their persistence paid off as they dispatched the Warriors.

Just two minutes after the restart Arbroath, were sniffing in and around the edge of Stenny’s box and we couldn’t clear our lines quick enough as Fraser Taylor latched onto the ball and drilled his effort low into the corner. 2-0.

Stanton bagged himself a brace in the 52nd minute, as the hosts came forward again through Stewart, who was causing trouble down the wing. Stewart’s deep cross in found its way to the back post where Stanton was lurking to tap it home. 3-0.

Arbroath sealed the deal with a fourth in the 60th minute through striker, Winter, who looked desperate to join the scoring action. He rocketed the ball into the net from close range after suspect Warrior defending. 4-0.

This was a tough result to take for the Warriors as we aim to continue our stride towards a play-off position, however we can’t dwell on this result as we must turn our attention to next weekend when we face Inverness at home. Please make sure you join us there to support Gary and the boys.

Match Report by Louise Davidson

Preview

The Warriors are aiming to halt a League winner’s celebration in Arbroath this weekend.

This weekend the Warriors are travelling to Arbroath where they will take on the league leaders in another highly anticipated televised fixture. The mighty Warriors have only been defeated once away to Arbroath this season.

Stenny have found themselves in a sticky run of form lately, having only picked up two points from their last five games, though this weekend they aim to return to their former glory with a huge opportunity to disrupt league celebrations at Gayflield. Three points this weekend would see Arbroath seal the league trophy; however the Warriors aim to swing the pendulum the other way and prolong the Angus side’s wait to return to the Championship.

Arbroath’s unbreakable league form.

The Red Lichties have gone unbeaten in eight league games since February, and with 18 wins already this season, they will be eager to add another to their possible league title day. Though goals haven’t been an issue for Arbroath, in recent matches they have only found victory via slim margins.

The maestro in front of goal for Arbroath, Ryan Dow, has amassed seven goals this season, and along with partner in crime and top assister, Fraser Taylor, will be hoping to cause the Warriors’ defence some problems.

Despite a recent run of poor form, the Warriors defence remains strong having grasped 15 clean sheets already this season, and with a play off place up for the grabs, the Warriors will be keen to snuff out any Arbroath chances.

The Warriors ran rampant last time out!

Back in February, the Warriors made their stand at Ochilview when they pushed for a victory. Two great goals from Alston and Taylor sealed the deal for the Warriors and left Arbroath stunned.

Blair Alston, who is quickly climbing the top scorers’ list, will be searching for a repeat of last time out and with a play off place to chase the Warriors, won’t be holding anything back.

As always, your support is vital, but none more so than ever, as we look to clinch our play- off place and take on our fiercest rivals. Please join us at Gayfield this weekend to spur on Gary and the boys. Remember to stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Kick off: 5.30pm 12th April (Live on BBC Alba)

Location: Gayfield Park

Match Preview by Louise Davidson