Keith Gibson scores to secure three points v Elgin

By Gary McKenzie
August 31 2002

Saturday 31 August 2002 - Scottish League Division Three - Links Park, Montrose. - Montrose 1 (Gibson 9) Elgin City 0. Keith Gibson's piledriver secures the points for the Mo.

Both sides came out fighting and this match was played at a terrific pace. Montrose had more possession and played the more patient game. The Montrose midfield & attack also were more inventive than the Elgin front players, who were less than impressive, although their build-up play was direct and effective.

Keith Gibson opened the scoring after 9 minutes with a magnificently struck shot from 25 yards after Johnston made good ground on the left and squared it to him. Gibson fairly skelped it through a ruck of players in the penaly box, and keeper, Pirie, was motionless as it flew into the goal at his right hand post.

McGlynn had to look lively as Elgin sprung the offside trap and he dived to his right to palm away a shot when he found himself one-on-one with one of the Elgin strikers.

The wind was making things difficult, but it was still end to end stuff. The referee was having a nightmare and let a number of severe tackles go without flashing any cards.

The second half brought more of the same hard, fast action, and Ian Gilzean, who was back in the side after injury, was replaced by Steve Kerrigan. One of the Elgin players was lucky to escape with a yellow card when they blatantly kicked Kevin Webster under the referee's nose at a drop ball. Sheran, obviously keen to keep the pressure on, immediately signalled for Graham Sharp to replace him, much to the apparent annoyance of young Webster, who had played very well and received a fine reception from the home fans.

Chris Webster replaced Graham Christie and Stuart Ferguson moved back to left back to accommodate him.

The game was deep into injury-time when it threatened to boil over. Montrose were doing a fine job of keeping the ball in the Elgin half and McDonald received the ball and started on a run, when he was dragged to the ground by an Elgin player. Another strode up and kicked the ball fiercely at him as he lay there. He was incensed and it took a number of players to restrain him. The referee amazingly decided that he had had enough, signalled that the game was over and took no further action. McDonald was led away, the frustration clear on his face.

Montrose remain in 6th place, still behind Elgin on goal difference. East Fife stay on top after a 5-1 thrashing of Albion Rovers, and Queen's Park recorded their first victory of the season against Gretna.

Elsewhere in Angus...

Ayr 1 Arbroath 0
Forfar 1 Hamilton 1
Stranraer 3 Brechin 1