With several players unavailable for a variety of reasons, there were just enough numbers for a starting 11 with two goalkeepers the only substitutes on the bench.

Despite that, Vics started off brightly and went on to make plenty of chances in the first half.

Finally In the 40th minute a fine Vics move opened up the Violet defence and led to the opening goal. Kevin Laing began the move playing the ball upfield to Warren who crossed it along the 18-yard line. Urquhart chested the ball down into the box and PEARSON ran into the area to send an angled drive low into the far corner.

Half-time: Arbroath Vics 1, Dundee Violet 0.



The first chance of the second half fell to Violet when Dall was harshly penalised just outside the box, but Milton sent the free kick curling over the bar.

In the 57th minute a shocking decision from the referee saw Vics reduced to 10 men. Johnston blocked a Violet player's run just inside his own half and the referee produced a red card for the offence, which scarcely deserved a booking.

With 65 minutes on the clock, Violet got back on level terms. Anderson gained possession and played the ball into the box for REYNOLDS who lost his marker and turned quickly to drill a shot into the back of the net.

Five minutes later, Violet completely changed the complexion of the game when they went in front direct from a corner. REYNOLDS cross was misjudged by Duncan and sailed over his head, and although the ball was booted clear at the back post, the referee ruled it had crossed the line and awarded the goal.

Violet then replaced Milton with Mark Reekie before stretching their advantage with a third goal in an eight minute spell. Szpak picked out the run of LUNAN and the striker picked his spot beyond Duncan from 15 yards.

There would be no further scoring.

Teams:
Arbroath Vics - Duncan, McLeish, Laing, Johnston, Gove, Dall, Urquhart, Fotheringham, Bell, Pearson, Warren. Unused substitutes: Reid (gk) and Cargill (gk).