Arbroath, as is becoming the norm, chose the difficult route in an Angus Scottish Cup derby with Montrose which eventually delivered incident and action.
The slow burner was a contrast to the Gable Endies’ league demolition of their Angus neighbours earlier in the season, but it sets up an enticing weekend replay and both managers were at least happy to see their sides still in the cup hat.
Gayfield gaffer Paul Sheerin declined to take all the plaudits for his side’s turnaround, but there was no doubting the positive impact of his second-half involvement after they had played second fiddle to the hosts for almost an hour.
And once again the Lichties finished with only 10 men following a second yellow for Josh Falkingham in the 66th minute, a trend Sheerin is keen to halt.
A cagey start to the tie gave way to a decent spell for the hosts but Paul Tosh will be disappointed his experience did not help him convert a string of chances.
But he played a key role in helping Montrose get their noses in front on the half hour, heading on a Ross McCord corner for Aaron Sinclair to pop home on the line.
Steven Tweed’s men continued to hold the upper hand for the remainder of the opening period and had a chance to seal the tie when McCord fired a Sinclair cross wide just after the interval.Game-changerSheerin’s decision to join the action and change the formation paid dividends when Steven Doris hit the leveller in 56 minutes, beating Montrose keeper Daniele Giordano a loan from Celtic with a beautifully struck shot.
There was more controversy in the final quarter when Lichties sub David Dimalta was booked for a dive in the box, then still time for Tosh, Martin Boyle and Paul Watson to have good opportunities.
Sheerin’s bewilderment over his side’s inconsistency is exercising his mind.
“The difference in our two halves was there for everybody to see,” he said. “I wish I could put my finger on things,” added the Lichties boss, who fears the way his side’s week is laid out is impacting on their matchday performance.
“We can’t get a Thursday training session and I wonder if Wednesday is just too far away from a Saturday.”
Sheerin felt Falkingham was hard done by over his dismissal, and was unhappy over Dimalta’s yellow for his penalty area incident.
“When he’s going at that pace it’s difficult for him to stop and my first reaction was penalty, but the more frustrating thing was the sending off.”
Opposite number Steven Tweed said, “We had enough chances to win it and we didn’t take them, but we’re still in the cup. I’m now worried about the injuries we’re picking up and the players we’re going to be without.
“(Jonathan) Crawford’s a concern, we don’t know if it’s ligament damage so we’ll wait and see,” he said after the midfielder was stretchered off.”Hospitality arrangementsThe Lichties are throwing open their hospitality suite for fans of both clubs attending the replay.
The Gayfield outfit are offering a budget one-course meal plus complimentary drink followed by half time snacks deal for £25.
Dress will be casual and anyone interested should call 01241 872157 or Maggie Reid on 07525 630100. The club’s 36-0 Suite will also be open but, owing to segregation arrangements, only for home supporters.
Montrose FC Supporters Club will be providing transport to the replay, leaving Links Park at 2pm and departing from Gayfield straight after the game.
The club have agreed to open the bar at Links Park from 12.30pm and will provide some catering free of charge. Those wanting to book a seat should contact Gordon Milne on 07927 294439.