Relichtie

   

Memorable matches No. 27

   Sep 21 1974                                         Dundee 0-1 Arbroath                   Scottish League Division 1

this match was requested by Allen.

It must have been with a sense of trepidation, that Albert Henderson felt when he took his side to Dundee for this match against his old club. Arbroath had never won a league match at Dens Park against the Dark Blues, and since being promoted two seasons earlier they had lost heavily ( 6-0 and 5-2 ) in the previous two encounters between the sides. To make matters worse, the lichties would be missing three influential players in Kenny Payne, Jimmy Cant, and midfield general Andy Penman. The manager took the ' opportunity to blood ' three teenagers, John Mitchell, Brian Reid, and Jim McIlravey, and they would play a major part in this unexpected victory. 

The first half belonged to Dundee, and had they scored from the numerous chances they carved out, the another heavy defeat from the 'Dee could have been the outcome. But a brilliant first half display of goalkeeping by Gordon Marshall, who dealt with everything the home side could test him with, ably assisted by full backs Milne and Rylance kept the scoreline blank at the break.

Dundee came out for the second half, with their ears ringing from the managers half time team talk no doubt, determined to make amends for the catalogue of misses of the first period. But it was the visitors who struck in the 51st minute. A ball out of defence was picked up by Mitchell on the left, who found Fletcher, who in turn slid the ball through to Brian Reid, and the youngster slammed the ball past Allan into the net.

Fletcher salutes the winning goal

Dundee fought back, and again the lichties custodian was the hero with saves from Duncan and Jimmy Wilson, but it wasn't all one way traffic as Arbroath made chances for Sellars and Fletcher. Arbroath replaced McIlravey with McKenzie before Scott netted for Dundee, but his effort was chalked off for offside. Mitchell then made way for Donald with five mins remaining, and the last chance of the match fell to Sellars but Allan raced from his line to clear.

Dundee - Allan, R. Wilson, Gemmell, Robinson, Stewart, Phillip, J. Wilson, Hutchison, Duncan, J. Scott, Johnstone. Subs. I. Scott, and Caldwell.

Arbroath - Marshall, Milne, Rylance, Cargill, Carson Murray, Sellars, Mitchell, Reid, McIlravey, Fletcher. Subs. Donald, and McKenzie.

Referee D. S. Downie, Edinburgh.

Attendance 4672.

This result, early in the season moved Arbroath up to 11th place in the league having won 2 and lost 2 of their 4 matches, while the Dark Blues dropped to 3rd bottom with 2 points from their 4 matches.

 

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