Montrose – the Gable Endies – are League 1’s longest-serving side, but this season has brought one of their toughest starts since returning to the division. The only worse opening after five games came in 2018/19, when they failed to win until the end of September, finally beating Peterhead 4-3.
This year, they broke their duck a fortnight ago – again against the Peterhead – with a 2-1 victory. Aidan Quinn poked home from a corner before Blair Lyons doubled the lead from Graham Webster’s cross. Peterhead hit the bar through Dylan Forrest and pulled one back via Kieran Shanks, a second-half saved Euan Loudon penalty failed to ensure a more comfortable margin but even then Montrose held firm to gain three points.
Although it has to be said they were unlucky to have not picked up that accolade the week previous against Cove, playing over 70 minutes with 10 men after Keir Bertie’s dismissal, only to concede a stoppage-time equaliser in a 3-3 draw. Signs suggest Stewart Petrie’s men may be turning a corner after a difficult opening to the season, but tomorrow presents another stern test.
Familiar Opponents
Montrose face Alloa, who already edged them out in the Premier Sports Cup group stage. That game finished 2-1 to the Wasps, sealed by a wonder strike from Cameron O’Donnell and Kurtis Roberts’ first goal since May 2024.
The first half was evenly matched until Stefan Scougall earned a free-kick, dispatched emphatically by O’Donnell. Kerr Waddell’s unmarked header drew Montrose level after the break, but Roberts quickly restored the lead with a calm finish. Alloa’s defensive organisation and substitutes ensured the points stayed at the Indodrill as the Wasps advanced from the group with a perfect record – the Mo managed just one win against Lowland League side Bonnyrigg Rose.
Shock Retirement
Montrose were hit by the shock retirement of Craig Wighton, who announced this week he is stepping away from the game at just 28. The former Dundee, Hearts, and Dunfermline forward cited ongoing struggles with knee problems. Wighton, capped six times for Scotland U21s, joined Montrose in the summer after a successful loan spell but said he could no longer cope with the physical demands of the game.
Ones to Watch
While Wighton may not have lived up to the hype on his signature on the pitch, forward Euan Loudon has impressed since arriving from Brechin. He grabbed headlines with a Puskás-worthy scorpion kick against Aberdeen B last week as Montrose ran out comfortable 3-1 winners.
Since the last meeting Montrose have also added quality service from Lewis Gibson. The former Queen of the South winger, on loan from Raith Rovers, has showcased some wicked deliveries into the box against the Wasps. In his League 1 seasons so far, the now 20-year-old has regularly managed double figures in goal contributions although he struggled to match that with Raith in last year’s Championship.
