Midlands League – 18th August 2024 @ Thomson Park
Match Report From Marten Kats
After starting with 2 away games, Lochee United had the first home league game of the season. The ‘Chee started well with victories against Carnoustie and Downfield. The visitors were Arbroath Victoria, who also started with 2 wins. They played both games at home, against Scone Thistle and Forfar United, and won both 4-1.
Lochee United showed their intentions right from the start with Danny Cavanagh just shooting wide after an attack built up by Bobby Linn. Lochee kept the initiative after that and were pushing forward. This didn’t result yet in many big chances though as the visitors were defending well. Kerr Hay tried an overhead kick 17 minutes in but it was well saved by the Arbroath goalkeeper. At that point, the visitors were getting more into the game although the ‘Chee remained the better side.
Lochee kept looking for an opening but found it tough to break down the Vics defence. Callum Moore just missed the target 35 minutes in. Shortly after, the visitors had their biggest chance, but Jamie McCabe made a great save. After 41 minutes Kerr Hay was brought down and the referee pointed to the spot. However, the penalty was saved by the goalkeeper. Lochee got many corner kicks and had most of the possession but knew they had to do more with it as the game was goalless at the break.
Danny Cavanagh had the first chance of the second half as Lochee continued looking for the breakthrough after the restart. That breakthrough finally came 8 minutes in when Danny Cavanagh had a great distance shot from outside the box that went in the bottom right corner of the goal, putting the ‘Chee 1-0 ahead. The visitors tried to equalise straight after but McCabe was alert and saved the attempt. Only five minutes later, the ‘Chee went 2-0 ahead when Bobby Linn scored an absolute screamer from from a difficult angle on the edge of the box.
Arbroath Victoria didn’t give up but Jamie McCabe made another good save. Callum Moore scored the third one 20 minutes into the second half and it was another beautiful goal. He controlled the ball well and shot the from a distance in the corner of the goal. He was close to scoring again soon after but the Arbroath Vics goalkeeper made another good save. Kerr Hay tried to get on the scoresheet with a good action but his shot missed the target. With 11 minutes left a good attack built up by Bobby Linn and Callum Lamb was well finished by Ryan Paterson who gave the ‘Chee a 4-0 lead. Jamie McCabe ensured that he kept a clean sheet with a good save from a well taken freekick just before the end of normal time. Kerr Hay was close to the fifth goal for the ‘Chee in stoppage time but he hit the crossbar.
The game finished 4-0 after a much better second half. The victory was well deserved. The visitors deserve credit for how they defended, they looked stronger than last season, but after the second goal the game was decided. A few players deserve a mention. Calvin Colquhoun had his first start in a long time and was solid in defence. Hopefully he can stay clear of injuries now as he is an asset to the team when he is fit. Jamie McCabe had some excellent saves and got himself a well deserved clean sheet. Bobby Linn and Danny Cavanagh both scored cracking goals and were important in the build-up. Ryan Paterson played well when coming on and scored a good goal. But my man of the match is Callum Moore who was dangerous all game and scored a great goal.
A good performance overall for Lochee United who will be confident for the next game, which will be a cup game at Forfar West End on Wednesday night. As always: COME ON THE ‘CHEE!
