Arbroath 3-1 Alloa

Aug 3 2008 Alistair Robson Reports

ARBROATH boss John McGlashan reckons his side fired a warning shot to their rivals with a stunning showing following their promotion from Division Three. The Gayfield side got off to a flier with three goals in a superb first-half show.

Afterwards McGlashan said: "We can't go overboard - it's going to be a long, hard season - but nobody will underestimate us after this result."

The deadlock was broken after just seven minutes when Scott Gates' free-kick was deflected to Alan Rattray, who bundled the ball over the line from close range.

Arbroath doubled their lead with a super second goal in 24 minutes.

Barry Sellars fed Steven Rennie who pushed forward and delivered a great cross for Sellars to head home.

Arbroath went further ahead in 27 minutes when Gates nutmegged Scot Buist before crossing for Bryan Scott to knock the ball home Alloa pulled one back in 51 minutes when Andrew Ferguson smashed a shot into the net from a free-kick.

But Arbroath sealed the points when a quick free-kick found sub Andy Reilly and he fired home a fine left-footed drive.