Background

The Christmas season is well and truly upon us. There is somewhat of a magical feeling surrounding Scottish football at this time of year. Games come thick and fast, momentum can be gained or slowed, and teams can start to see the improvements that are needed come January. However, snow has fallen across the country over the last couple weeks, and while it is always an aesthetic visual, it causes chaos in the Scottish football world. Postponements swept the nation, with the vast majority of fixtures feeling the brunt of the wintery conditions. I was due to head up to Fife last weekend to watch East Fife take on SPFL new boys The Spartans, but alas it was not to be. But, I’m hoping the weather plays nice this time as I’m hoping to visit one of the most iconic grounds in the country…

Following a meeting in the George Hotel, Arbroath FC were born in 1878. The club started off humbly, only playing friendlies and competing in local competitions. During this time, they did amass a large supporter base in the town and further Angus region – something that would stick with them for years to come. It didn’t take long for Arbroath to stick their name on the footballing map. To this day, they hold the world record for the largest win in senior football history. On the 12^th of September 1885, they knocked thirty-six goals past Bon Accord in a Scottish Cup tie. Amazingly, it is said that a further 5 to 7 goals were also chalked off for offside.

It wouldn’t be until 1921 when Arbroath would move into a national league system. They became a full-time professional outfit, joining the Scottish Football League. Since then, The Red Lichties haven’t looked back. They have remained a steady ship in the Scottish football pyramid, taking their place in all four divisions at some point in the last 100 years. The club also reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup in 1947, where they lost 2-0 to Aberdeen in front of 22,000 at Dens Park.

In more modern times, Arbroath’s successes have come in the form of several promotions and league titles between the three tiers below the Scottish Premiership. League 2 titles were achieved in 2011 and 2017 as well as a League 1 title won in 2019. However, it would be a silver medal placing that would capture the minds of world football…

In 2022, Arbroath came mightily close to promotion to the Premiership. The club almost played a season beyond their wildest dreams. Sitting just a point behind league leaders Kilmarnock, Arbroath travelled to Rugby Park to face the title favourites. If The Red Lichtiesavoided defeat or won, they would take the championship to the final round of fixtures. However, a loss would see Killie lift the title right there and then. It was a huge game that was watched by tens of thousands of people across the country. Unbelievably, Arbroath took the lead after a counter attack was awkwardly slotted home by James Craigen. The away side held on until 12 minutes of regular time remaining, when Ash Taylor scored for the hosts. However, it was Blair Alston’s strike on the 90-minute mark that would break Arbroath hearts and secure the title for the Ayrshire side. Unfortunately for Arbroath, the play-offs would not go to plan either. Two successive draws against Inverness Caledonian Thistle took the tie to penalties, which the Highland side win 5-3. A fairytale story, but no happy ending.

However, the tale goes on. Arbroath are still plying their trade in the cinch Championship and are still holding their own in Scotland’s second tier as a part-time side. Currently, they sit in the relegation play-off place, 4 points ahead of today’s visitors Greenock Morton. It is a huge game for both sides and could prove to be a bit of a relegation six-pointer. Personally, I’m a bit gutted to have only chosen now to visit Arbroath, with the legendary manager Dick Campbell handing in his resignation just 2 weeks ago. It would have been class to have seen the bunnet in person, but I’m sure the big man will be wishing nothing but the best for the club he took so close to the top table of Scottish football. Today’s encounter is new boss Jim McIntyre’s first game in charge. Lets hope it’s a cracker.

Facilities

Gayfield Park has been the home to Arbroath FC for over 150 years – having acquired the land of the former rubbish tip in 1880. Since then, except for a slight pitch movement 60 yards to allow for greater room for spectators it has been largely unchanged. I’d been told many amazing things about Gayfield and how it is as a football venue. It is the closest professional ground to the sea – often creating a whirlwind of gust and rain. I’d been advised to wrap up warm, given how cold it can get inside the arena. They were not wrong.

However, Gayfield is certainly one of the best grounds I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Two-thirds of the ground consists of a large concrete bowl-like terracing, with shelters behind both goals and on the far touchline. The terracing has largely been untouched from the olden days, leaving a wonderfully rustic feeling to the ground. The Gayfield Stand (Coelbrew Stand for sponsorship reasons), sits behind the dugouts. Having only opened in 2002, it looks pretty good as a contrast to the concrete jungle in its periphery.

Despite the more old-fashioned structures pitchside, the rest of the facilities at Gayfield represent a club who looking to upgrade to the modern times. From the electronic ticket scanners to the good-looking club store and ticket office, Gayfield is a class mix of old and new. I absolutely love it. Just wish their card machines workedso I could try some of the famous pies. Next time. 4.5/5.

Atmosphere

Just over 1,200 people were in attendance for this match today, with the vast majority packed under the shelters behind the goals and opposite the main stand. For that reason it did feel pretty busy, and definitely helped deal with the freezing cold wind and rain coming from the North Sea. Despite the poor weather, most supporters were in good spirits, with drums and chants coming from both ends of the stadium.

It was also great to see around 100 or so Morton supporters make their way to Angus. They consistently had their voices heard throughout the ninety minutes. I always find it hilarious seeing wee guys give it the big one in the away end when their team score – a couple of their younger supporters certainly provided ample entertainment for me as a neutral.

Overall, despite the pretty poor weather conditions, I fair enjoyed the atmosphere provided by both sets of supporters. 3/5.

Quality of the Match

With the rain coming down and the wind howling around the park, a good quality game of football was never on the cards. As much as Arbroath did try to play a passing game in the first half, both sides quickly realised that a classic game of ‘hoofball’ was the only real game-plan for the afternoon.

The first chance of the match fell to Arbroath defender Aaron Steele. Some good work by Scott Stewart down the right-hand side resulted in a corner, which was swung in to the far side of the box. Unmarked, Steele could only glance his header wide and perhaps should have hit the target at very least.

Jay Bird would be next to go close for the Red Lichties. The striker powered through the Morton defence and found himself through on goal, but from a very slight angle, the former MK Dons man could only blast his strike high and wide.

Around a minute later, Arbroath paid the price. A misplaced pass in the middle of the park allowed a ball to be played through for Morton’s Lewis McGrattan. One-on-one with Derek Gaston, he slotted home to give the visitors the lead against the run of play. The travelling support didn’t care though, they were sent berserk. It would be the final real talking point of the half.

Half Time: Arbroath 0-1 Greenock Morton

The wind continued to play its part in the second half. So much so, that every time Morton goalkeeper Ryan Mullen took a by-kick, the ball would hang up in the air and barely cross the halfway line. As such, the hosts found it sensible to play a more direct style for the second forty-five.

However, it would be the visitors who would carve the first opportunity after the break, with goal scorer Lewis McGrattan going close once more.

Scott Stewart continued to power up and down Arbroath’s right. His endeavour and hard work opened up a great opportunity to equalise. His low cross into the box was flicked on by Jay Bird, with the ball falling to the feet of David Gold. The midfielder swept his left foot strike into the far corner to deservedly put the hosts on the scoresheet. 1-1.

After a lot of pushing, Arbroath could only muster a few half-chances here and there. Despite having the majority of possession, it would be the away side who dealt the final blow. Ten minutes from time, re-signing Lewis Strapp’s long-throw was flicked on by centre-back Darragh O’Connor. The ball found it’s way to big striker George Oakley, who had time to take a touch and blast a shot into the top corner. A superb finish from the ‘Ton forward, who earned his side all three points.

Full Time: Arbroath 1-2 Greenock Morton

Jim McIntyre will be wondering how his side didn’t manage to pick up at least a point here. I felt his side looked the more dangerous, but just lacked the cutting edge to break down a resilient and battling Morton side. I felt Scott Stewart was one of the Arbroath stand-outs for me. He consistently pushed down the right-hand side and worked extremely hard for the team. I felt Jay Bird had an okay game too. His hold-up play was good, and if he had managed to slot away his big chance, we could be talking about a very different game. However, the home side are now in serious trouble, with Morton now just a point behind them in the table. There’s a long road ahead, but I believe Arbroath have the capacity to survive this season if they get the January transfer window right.

Dougie Imrie and his Morton side will be absolutely delighted to have snatched a victory against their closest league rivals. Despite not playing at their best, they took their two best chances of the game and move to within a point of the relegation play-off. I felt Lewis McGrattan and George Oakley took their goals fantastically, with the defence standing strong to deny the hosts an equaliser at the death. The re-signing of Lewis Strapp also looks to be a smart piece of business. The only way is up for Morton.

Overall, despite the poor conditions, I felt I was treated to a genuinely interesting game of football. Both sides adapted to the weather and played the way they felt would be best to get a result. There was no shortage of drama with missed opportunities and a late goal to seal a victory. I feel it deserves a solid 2.5/5.

Pricing

For this game in the second tier of Scottish football, a standard ticket for the terrace was priced at £21. I think this is generally fair, as this ticket allows you wander across both sides of the ground and gives you the opportunity to change your vantage point at any time. The actual football was never going to be amazing today given the weather, but I feel more often than not, this ticket price is reasonable given the division Arbroath are in at the moment.

Although I wasn’t able to indulge in any food or drink within the ground, these also looked to be reasonably priced. I’ll make sure to bring some actual cash with me next time. Overall, I feel the pricing deserves a 4/5.

Final Score

Arbroath end the weekend with a final score of 14/20 from me. As a ground, Gayfield genuinely might be one of my all-time favourites. The feeling around the place just oozes history and you actually feel a part of something bigger once you’re in the ground. There’s not many places I can say that about. It feels good to have finally travelled up to visit the place, and I hope their inhabitants continue to enjoy success within its walls. I know its been said a million times, but if you haven’t already experienced Gayfield, please do. Embrace the cold. You won’t regret it.

-Connor