Simon Murray was confident his dad Gary who made more than 200 appearances during two spells at Montrose between 1978 and 1991 would have nothing but praise for the stunning goal the young Arbroath striker grabbed against the Gable Endies in Saturday’s derby win.
The 22-year-old, who joined the Lichties from Tayport during the summer, had been on the field for less than two minutes when he smashed home the Gayfield side’s third goal of the afternoon just after the hour mark.
It was a superb individual effort which started with a slick interchange of passes with Stuart McBride and ended with Murray demonstrating a series of deft ball skills as he weaved through the visiting defence before firing powerfully into the net.
Murray said: “It’s the best feeling to score a goal. My dad will be delighted even though he’s a Gable Endies legend.
“I started off at Montrose as well, when I was 17, but they let me go and I went to Tayport. I worked hard and now I’m here and I’ll be trying to keep improving.”
Arbroath made an excellent start with two goals inside the opening 22 minutes.
Midfielder Bobby Linn opened their account when he pounced on a ball from Paul McManus, rounded keeper Stuart McKenzie and calmly slotted home.
Not long afterwards Kevin Buchan flicked an Adam Hunter free kick beyond McKenzie’s reach after the tireless McManus had been fouled wide on the left.
Murray’s spectacular effort put the game beyond the visitors’ reach, although Graham Webster pulled one back with eight minutes remaining.
Montrose defender Declan O’Kane was shown a straight red in injury-time after scything down Murray.
The only downside for Allan Moore’s side was the loss of David Crawford just before the interval. The keeper sustained a knee injury following a couple of hefty challenges from Brian Deasley and Gary Wood.
Moore was delighted with the result which maintains Arbroath’s 100% league record and keeps them clear at the top of the table.
He said: “You can’t ask for any more than four (wins) out of four. We’ve got a good squad now with plenty of great characters in the dressing room, which is important.
“I thought we might have scored more goals and I was a little disappointed to lose a goal as that would have given us three clean sheets in a row.”
Montrose boss George Shields said: “We weren’t at our best but I thought we created as many chances as Arbroath, if not more.
“We didn’t make their goalkeeper work enough. I’m sure the lads will bounce back.”