Arbroath ensured the Championship title race goes right to the wire after ruthlessly disposing of Queen of the South at Gayfield.
It looked to be a long afternoon for the Lichties after falling behind early on.
But Dick Campbell’s side ensured they kept their Championship title dream alive stunning the Doonhamers with five goals.
The Angus side are now just one point behind their Ayrshire title rivals ahead of an enormous clash at Rugby Park next week.
Courier Sport takes a look at three talking points from Arbroath’s 5-1 win.
Never say die
Goalscorer Colin Hamilton summed it up succinctly: “We’re relentless.”
After going behind, riding some pressure and getting their equaliser, there never looked like there would be any other outcome than an Arbroath win.
They knew three points was a must and they sure as hell got them.
And it’s not the first time the side have had to dig deep this season.
Against Raith Rovers a few weeks back, they found themselves two goals down. Still, that proved no real barrier as the Lichties clawed themselves back level.
More often than not this league campaign, Arbroath have managed to get something from a game after falling behind.
In 13 games where they’ve faced defeat, the side have rallied round to draw five and win four. That’s 17 points gained from a deficit – more than any other side in the Championship.
Compared to Kilmarnock, the Ayrshire side have only gained seven points from a losing position.
Conversely, when Arbroath have gone ahead in the Championship this season, they have never lost.
Kilmarnock in a sweat
If the two stats above don’t get Kilmarnock fans a bit twitchy, then the manner of the 5-1 Arbroath win certainly will.
Knowing full well the opportunity ahead of them, thanks to Killie’s defeat in Inverness, the Gayfield side shrugged off the pressure.
There was an anxious start but Dick Campbell’s men burst into life. Although bottom of the league, Queens proved no real threat to the home side.
Ahead of the massive game on Friday, it’s now the Ayrshire side who will be feeling the heat.
Arbroath are the only team Kilmarnock have not beaten this season. They haven’t even scored against the boys in maroon.
The Angus side, meanwhile have scored against and beaten everyone.
It wouldn’t have been comfortable viewing for Derek McInnes who was watching on from the stands.
Feel-good factor
On Saturday night, the Arbroath players, staff and some fans gathered to celebrate the End of Season awards.
While individual awards were dished out to the player of the year, young player of the year and for goal of the season – the whole team deserves an award.
Who wants to buy the social media admin a beer? #arbroathawards pic.twitter.com/bSo85NgNBn
— Arbroath FC (@ArbroathFC) April 16, 2022
Club commercial chief Paul Reid said previously that the club are winners regardless of what happens in the league due to the spirit and togetherness.
At full-time against Queen of the South there was a real sense of that with the players and fans celebrating as one.
The eyes of the country will be watching on next Friday, but whatever the result, the feel-good factor at Arbroath won’t face away any time soon.
