Ladbrokes League 2: Arbroath sink to the bottom on opening day
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Third last season, Arbroath’s push for promotion out of Ladbrokes League 2 got off to a poor start, going down 3-0 to Elgin City.
In a fixture that’s witnessed a 7-5, two 5-3s and a host of six and five-goal thrillers in recent years, this contest couldn’t quite match those goal laden encounters.
Craig Gunn put City one-up inside five minutes, before slotting home a penalty after Craig Wilson’s dismissal.
Mark Nicholson wrapped up the points late on, and Smokies chief Todd Lumsden was understandably frustrated.
Lumsden told the The Courier: “That will be the easiest three points Elgin get all season.
“We can all do better, myself included, and I am confident that won’t happen again.”
Elgin were the only side to win by more than a one-goal margin this weekend, though Berwick kicked off their League campaign with a home win over Montrose.
Blair Henderson scored either side of a Paul Watson spot-kick to hand the Borderers a 2-1 opening day win at Shiefield Park, as they bid to improve on last season’s eighth-place finish.
East Stirling, Annan, and Clyde picked up the rest of the points, each claiming a 1-0 success over East Fife, Queen’s Park and Stirling Albion respectively.
All three matches were deadlocked until after the hour mark, an indicator perhaps of how close it could be in Ladbrokes League 2 this season.
Clyde’s win at Stirling Albion will have tested the patience of the fans at Forthbank, who have now seen Albion win just three times in any competition or friendly since January.
In contrast, Lee Kinnaird’s winner for East Stirling at home to East Fife will have been met with glee at Ochilview Park as they witnessed a first Shire victory since the end of March.
East Stirling may have finished ninth last term, but they were just 10 points off the play-offs, so even at this early stage, every point is crucial.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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