PLAY-OFF DREAM ENDED

24-Apr-2010

The third biggest home league crowd of the season, 836, were there to watch Sons continue their bid for the final place in the first division play-offs, and Arbroath continue their struggle to avoid the second division play-offs.

Despite what was at stake, it was a low key affair, but the visitors battled that little bit harder. They deserved the three points, and for Sons it was a case of what might have been as they can longer finish in fourth place.

Jim Chapman fielded a makeshift home defence with Ben Gordon — later to be named player of the year — out suspended and Chris Smith — later named young player of the year — injured. The ever-versatile Iain Chisholm was joined by youngster Martin McNiff in central defence, with Ross Clark and Michael Dunlop the wide players in the back four.

Towards the end of a rather dull first half Jamie Redman opened the scoring for the Red Lichties, finding the bottom corner of the net from just outside the area.

After the break on-loan Aberdeen striker Mitchell Megginson doubled the visitors advantage when he slotted home Ian Nimmo's corner. Sons best effort on a day when they lacked real penetration came from sub Derek Carcary.