Goalkeeper scores SCREAMER in the Scottish Championship as part-timers Arbroath throw on reserve shot-stopper against the league leaders having used all their substitutes… and his stunner helps them salvage a draw!
- Ali Adams scored a long-range volley as the team came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2
- The final changes had been made at half-time and only four substitutes had been named
- Chris Sutton and Ian Ladyman reveal their best sporting moments of the year It all starts
Arbroath boss Jim McIntyre's decision to use substitute Ali Adams as striker proved a masterstroke as the substitute scored a goal of the season in a 2-2 draw at Raith.
An exhausted Arbroath were two down and had used all three outfield subs when a fresh injury forced McIntyre to throw Adams up front for his club debut.
And Adams repaid his manager's faith in him by collecting the ball 30 yards from goal and unleashing a screamer that denied home guard Maciej Dabrowski a chance.
Three changes had already been made to the match, with Darren Lyon replacing Thomas O'Brien early, and Keaghan Jacobs and Kenan Dunnwald-Turan at half-time.
Adams, labeled 'a real team player' by the official Arbroath
Goalkeeper Ali Adams scored a long-range effort for Arbroath against Raith Rovers after coming on as an outfield player
He celebrated beautifully after getting his team back into the match, which ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw
The goalkeeper took a pot shot from distance and eventually scored a volley from 30 meters for his team against the league leaders
The match was Adams' competitive debut for his side after joining from Musselburgh Athletic in the summer transfer window
With the ball bouncing around 30 yards out, the 32-year-old tried his luck with a volley on the turn, firing high past Kevin Dabrowski to give his side hope of a result.
Arbroath, who are ninth out of 10 in the Scottish Championship table, named just four substitutes for the match, with Adams as back-up goalkeeper, replacing Derek Gaston.
Although he may not have expected to play a role unless in an emergency, McIntyre made the decision to play his in a forward role when centre-back Steele went down injured.
Adams, who joined on a free transfer from Musselburgh Athletic this summer, wore a kit he wasn't quite used to and trudged onto the pitch with the score still at 1-0.
Hopes of any result against the league leaders seemed all but lost soon after he took the field, with Jack Hamilton scoring a second goal for the home side to make it 2–0.
But Adams took it upon himself on what was his side's competitive debut to take a pot shot from distance and gave his side hope, with Arbroath !! WHAT A MAN!!”
Away manager Jim McIntyre (pictured) had already used all his substitutes when Aaron Steele went down injured
The goalkeeper turned forward got stuck in an unknown position for half an hour
The 32-year-old had to adapt to the new position, but helped his side get a point out of the draw
He was mobbed at full-time by his teammates as they applauded the visiting fans – who chanted Adams' name
Leighton McIntosh then scored a penalty to complete the fight in the championship match which McIntyre described as 'bizarre'.
“Because we only had three outfield subs, we were left with a sub goalie,” McIntyre said. 'We thought: why not throw him up front? It was the least dangerous position to hold him.
'The message was: just start harassing, we didn't expect that!
“I don't think there will be a better goal all season. The connection was incredible.”
It's not the first time Adams, a gym owner from Midlothian, has been on the scoresheet and it's not his first cracker either. Three years ago, again playing in the outfield, he found the net with a 55-yard free-kick while playing for Tranent Juniors of the Lowland League.