Top of the table Arbroath virtually ensured progression into the semi-finals of the Under 19 League Cup with this close victory over Dundee at Craigie Park on Sunday afternoon.
Dundee’s John Bonnar was the busier keeper from the start, making an excellent save to turn a Pat Martin header over the bar as early as the sixth minute.
The Dens Parkers replied with a shot from Dale Davidson that Len Wilson pushed away for a corner then a Josh Skelly shot which Wilson did well to hold.
However, it was the Red Lichties who took the lead on 11 minutes when, latching on to a cross from the left wing, Chris Scott gave Bonnar no chance with a low drive into the corner of the net.
Two minutes later a miskick by Dens full back Liam Gibb gave Dayle Robertson a chance but the Arbroath striker headed over. The same player had another chance on 34 minutes but was once again denied by a fine Bonnar save.
A timely interception by Cammy Black on Scott prevented the visitors from increasing their half time lead.
HT: Dundee 0 Arbroath 1
Dundee restarted with some purpose and Lichties keeper Len Wilson had to be alert to two Josh Skelly efforts in the opening minutes of the half.
Coach Gavin Burns made an early substitution, bringing on Alex Gibb for Matty Davidson five minutes in.
Calum McHardy made an uncharacteristic error, giving away possession to Arbroath but he got back in time to block Martin’s shot.
On 62 minutes right back Greg Warwick, who had to have treatment in the first half, sustained a nasty knock and had to be replaced by Robbie Casey.
Arbroath looked the likelier to score at this stage and a shot from Robertson went narrowly wide of Bonnar’s right hand post.
The Dark Blues came close to equalising 10 minutes from the end when skipper John Black fired in a shot that Wilson couldn’t hold. The ball rebounded to Dale Davidson whose goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Andrew Hampton.
The visitors raced down the other end and Maroons striker Robertson saw a header come back off the Dundee bar.
McHardy then created a chance for Skelly but Wilson brought off a good save and there was just time for Bonnar to replicate his opposite number by diving at the feet of Arbroath sub Pat Smith.
FT: Dundee 0 Arbroath 1
Dundee: John Bonnar, Greg Warwick (Robbie Casey 62), Liam Gibb, Cammy Black, Sean Gallacher, Dale Davidson, Max Avolio, John Black (capt), Josh Skelly, Calum McHardy, Matty Davidson (Alex Gibb 50).
Arbroath: Len Wilson, Sam Burnett, Andrew Hampton, Kyle Findlater, Ross Mitchell, Kieran McWalter, Jamie Thompson (Josh Chalmers 71), Chris Scott, Dayle Robertson (Pat Smith 66), Pat Martin, Scott Adam. Sub not used: Paul Weir.
Report: Jim Davie
