A bright and breezy Gayfield had a good turnout of fans (604) though maybe you'd expect the league leaders to bring a few more. The home fans went home frustrated - encouraged by a determined and skilful home showing but lacking the final touch in attack. There was plenty of effort and determination on show. They looked a superior side to Alloa who didn't create or threaten much and didn't even seem that solid at the back
The starting lineup was the same as against Brechin on Wednesday. Arbroath lost the toss and played into the wind which freshened second-half. We started fairly well with Marco doing a fine job marshallng the team in the middle of the pitch and Hislop and Doris making probing runs down the right to win corners.
Kenny Mclean's delivery of a dead-ball is something special and, on no fewer than four occasions he floated in dangerous corner from the right but Ratray, McLoughlin and Moyes all connected but could not get their headsers on traget when it looked easier to score. Hislop went off with a groin strain halfway through wth Bryan Scott coming on and doing well.
Alloa only generated a little pressure at the end of the first half winning three corners and requiring a good block from Hill.
Second half was mainly Arbroath as Alloa struggled to control the ball - normally it's easier into the wind. Booth started showing up more out left and Doris and Scott made good attacks down the right. We won plenty freekicks and corners and were less wasteful.
Best chance of all came when Scott got t the byline cutback he ball only for Gibson to ballon over. Jackson seemed to come close as the ball richoceted around the box. Doris had a couple of shots but their keeper as never seriously tested.
Alloa worked a couple of situations in our box but Hill and the defence looked looked solid. Rennie and Milne came on for Gibson and Jackson
Tough luck Arbroath - we didn't get our full reward today but we showed that we a easily match te teams further up the league (5 points eachthis sason for Alloa and Arbroah from the 4 games). A soft ref left Alloa lucky to earn only 2 yellow cards