After missing the last three games due to a family holiday, I had travelled back on the Thursday night leaving Manila and got back in Cupar mid afternoon on the Friday. So l was happy to be able to attend the game at Gayfield.
I had arranged to get my ticket while on holiday and booked the Premier Inn near the train station as my Oldham mate Malc Kennedy was making a visit to Dundee. We first met in the Isle of Man while both our teams played in the 1987 Okell's Tournament and we have stayed friends ever since.
So we were picked up by my brother Dougie and my Sister in law Jo, along with Dave Cooper we headed through to Arbroath. We had a few pints before the game and time went quickly the rain had come on and it was pretty windy.
Dundee made two changes Shaun Byrne and Danny Johnson replacing Finlay Robertson and injured Jamie Ness. Dundee started well and pushed Arbroath back. But it was the hosts that looked more direct when thet attacked. Dorrans went close with a 20 yard free kick, but was the Red Lichties who took the lead Stewart found Bobby Linn with a neat pass and the striker curled the ball home to the delight of the home fans. Dundee at least got to half time only 1 nil down.
In the second half Paul McGowan replayed Shaun Byrne and Dundee looked so much better going forward and with the wind behind their backs it was just a matter of time before they would score. The goall did arrive on 60 minutes when Kane Hemmings found space and he headed home Cammy Kerr's cross to level the game.
Dundee pushed for the winner and McGowan came close with a shot, Danny Johnson also went close but took too long before get his shot in.
Arbroath should have won in the dying minutes as Bobby Linn somehow missed the goal from 12 yards. So it finished a draw, the home side deserved it for their grit in the second half.
As for Dundee they were slightly better in the second half but they need to do it for 90 minutes in this tough league.
Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Forster, McGhee c), Mackie,Todd (Roberson 74), Byrne (McGowan 56), Dorrans, McDaid, Hemmings, Johnson. Unused Subs: Ferrie, McPake, Moore, Mulligan, Cunningham.
Att:2,170
Ref: Alan Newlands
After the game we enjoyed a quick beer in Tutties Neuk before heading back to Dundee for a night out on the town.
Photos From Arbroath
