Arbroath verdict: Player ratings and key moments as Angus side draw with Morton

David Gold netted a second half leveller as Arbroath picked up a crucial Championship point at home to Morton.

Arbroath fell behind to a Lewis McGrattan 45th minute strike

But they battled back after the break with Gold earning the Angus side a draw.

Key Arbroath moments v Morton

Arbroath have struggled for goals this term.

And they have made no secret of the fact they will be shopping for attacking reinforcements in January.

But they stepped on the gas from the start, with Scott Allan’s low drive testing Morton keeper Brain Schwake.

Efe Ambrose then nodded a Tam O’Brien effort off the line as Arbroath turned the heat on the Ton defence.

Morton always looked lively on the break and Ricky Little had to be alert to block a Lewis Strapp effort on the line.

Arbroath were dealt a huge blow as Scott Bitsindou came off injured on the half hour mark.

That injury knocked the stuffing out of the Lichties, with Lewis McGrattan allowed too much space to break from midfield and drive low beyond Derek Gaston for the opener.

Goal! @ArbroathFC 1-1 Morton Greenock. The Red Lichties equalise through a cracking strike from No7 David Gold to send the crowd into raptures here at Gayfield Park. Come on Arbroath! pic.twitter.com/9K13N2tw0t

— Layth (@laythy29) December 3, 2022

But Dick Campbell’s side showed great fighting spirit after the break with Gold converting Fosu’s cross for the equaliser.

And, overall, they can be content that they performed very well – with Fosu missing late chances to win it.

Arbroath player ratings v Morton

Arbroath: Gaston 7, Oakely 8, Hamilton 6, Little 7, O’Brien 7, Gold 8, Bitsindou 4 (Hoti 30, 5), Allan 5 (Fosu 46, 6), McKenna 6, Tait 5 (Jacobs 46, 5), Linn 7 (Corfe 78, 2). Subs not used: Gill, Shanks, Isiaka.

Referee: David Dickinson

Arbroath star man

Marcel Oakley has been a revelation since joining on loan from Birmingham City.

His pace and lung-busting energy down the right-flank was vital for Arbroath here – both in defence and attack.

But Gold also deserves a special mention for his versatility and cool finishing.

Manager under the microscope

Arbroath assistant Ian Campbell issued a rallying call to fans earlier this week insisting no-one should question the Gayfield’s side’s Championship credentials.

And after a professional 2-0 win in the Scottish Cup last week, brother Dick just made one change to his starting line-up with Dylan Tait in for Florent Hoti.

Campbell shuffled the pack at the break, bringing on Daniel Fosu and Keaghan Jacobs for Tait and Allan.

And the subs reaped instant rewards with Fosu making a telling contribution to set-up David Gold’s leveller.

Man in the middle

Referee David Dickinson allowed the game to ebb and flow and was very sensible in his decision-making process.

The only question mark was the lack of time he added on at the end of the first period.

But this isn’t the World Cup, is it?