Gibson Grabs Glory over Tangerine Teenies

By Gary McKenzie
August 1 2002

Montrose get the perfect start to the 2002/2003 season by winning the last trophy of the 2001/2002 season against a second-string Dundee United XI. Goals from Keith Gibson and Ralph Brand secure the silverware at Links Park.

Things looked bleak for the Mo with the news that
Kerrigan, Craig and Gilzean were injured, while Kevin Webster, Leask and keeper Anderson were all cup-tied. However, pony-tailed new signing Colin McDonald looked lively in the centre forward spot and he was supported well by Chris Webster. Keith Gibson started between the defence and midfield and the Mo took on a kind of 4-1-3-2 formation. Gibson was running the show and Montrose edged the early exchanges although United looked strong on the counter. David Robertson went off early on to be replaced by Stuart Ferguson in the left
back position. Hopefully Robbo will be back with us for the start of the new season.

The scores were level after an entertaining first
half.

In the second, Montrose kept the pressure on a United side which had Combe, McConalogue, Aljofree, Hamilton and Carson amongst their number, and tightened the grip on midfield without really seriously threatening the United goal. However, with about 5 minutes remaining, Keith Gibson picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area from a cross from the right and
volleyed it past a helpless Combe into the top
right-hand corner. Montrose defended stoutly and United forced a number of corners, the last of which was awarded with around 3 minutes to go. United keeper, Combe made his way into the Montrose box and almost connected with the cross,
but the move fizzled out. Mo keeper, McGlynn, spotted a quick option from the goal kick, and with the United stopper stranded in the centre circle, Ralph Brand ran on after the United defence had failed to deal with the long ball from defence, and calmly slotted it into
the empty net.

Grant Johnston collected the trophy after a fine team performance. This may well give Sheran selection problems, as many of these players would not have been considered first team regulars, but they staked their claims today.