Relichtie
Memorable
matches
March 8 1969 Arbroath 2-1 Aberdeen Scottish League Division 1
Fighting a losing battle to retain their 1st Division status, Arbroath did manage three of their five league wins in March, this being the first of these.
After Forrest had put the Dons in front in 9 mins. with a shot through the legs of keeper Hodge, from an inch perfect pass from Peterson.
Arbroath fought back and 6 mins. later Bruce had a shot blocked by Whyte, but the ball rebounded to him and his left foot effort squirmed past McGarr.
The rest of the half saw determined play by Arbroath, but the best of the chances fell to Aberdeen, and Hodge was the Arbroath saviour with fine saves from first, Craig, and then Robb.
In 52mins. the lichties went in front when Sellars challenged Keeper McGarr for a high Wilkie cross, and the Aberdeen custodian fell clutching the ball, on the wrong side of the line. Referee Kellock scorned the spirited Aberdeen protests, and pointed to the centre circle and the goal stood.
Kennedy replaced the tiring Reid for the home side, and despite constant Aberdeen pressure, ably dealt with by the maroons defence, the visitors couldn't breach the solid home rearguard and Arbroath held on for two more points.
Arbroath - Hodge, Booth, Hughes, Cargill, Stirling, Reid, Sellars, Cant, Jack, Bruce, Wilkie. sub Kennedy.
Aberdeen - McGarr, Whyte, Shewan, Peterson, Boel, Buchan, Hamilton, Smith, Forrest, Robb, Craig. sub Rae.
Referee - T. Kellock, East Kolbride.
Attendance 4698.
On the next successive Saturday's Arbroath recorded wins away to Hibs, on March 15th, when goals from Jack and Sellars , answered a solitary strike from Cropley. A home win against fellow strugglers Falkirk on the 22nd, when a double from Bruce and a third from Reid saw the lichties record their best win of the season by 3-0. In between these Saturday matches, midweek defeats away to Rangers ( 0-2 ), and Clyde ( 0-1 ) saw the end of a busy month for the maroons.