Arbroath 2 Montrose 1

Last updated : 05 November 2005 By Footymad Previewer

Arbroath showed tremendous commitment to come from behind to win the 100th league meeting of the two Angus rivals.

"I was pleased that we gave 100 per cent for the whole 90 minutes and I think we deserved the victory," said Arbroath manager John McGlashan.

Montrose got off to a great start, opening the scoring in the fourth minute through Martyn Fotheringham. Arbroath defender Steven Rennie received a yellow carded for tugging Greig Henslee's shirt on the edge of the penalty area, and Fotheringham sent the resultant free-kick high into the net.

Chris Jackson thought he had fired home the equaliser in the 28th minute, but his effort was disallowed for offside. Just before the interval Paul Doyle dispossessed Ian Dobbins and send over a tantalising cross which Henslee just failed to reach.

Pat Clarke has Arbroath's best chance in the opening period but shot narrowly wide after some good build-up play. Arbroath battled strongly in the second half and fully deserved to pull level after 71 minutes.

An Alan Brazil free-kick was headed into the six-yard box by Steven Cook and Ian Dobbins was on hand to nod the ball home.

Montrose's hopes were extinguished 60 seconds later when goal scorer Fotheringham was sent off for a comment he made to the referee just after being booked.

Arbroath dominated the 10 men, and it was no surprise when Clark grabbed the winner with six minutes remaining, shooting home from 12 yards. It was the youngster's first goal for the Gayfield side.

Montrose manager Henry Hall admitted Arbroath deserved to win.

"We didn't play well enough," he said. "We made mistakes but we weren't helped by the referee, who was very inconsistent."