Montrose vs Civil Service Strollers

Montrose's half-time adjustments shifted the momentum. After a disjointed opening 45 minutes in which they struggled to test the Strollers defence, the Gable Endies pressed higher and created more sustained pressure after the restart. Webster's equaliser was the reward for that improved second-half display, though the home side could not force a winner.

Graham Webster (Montrose) — The club's experienced midfielder delivered when it mattered, scoring the equalising header in the 80th minute. Webster, who played over 30 games for Montrose in the 2025-26 season across all competitions, showed his value as a goal threat from midfield.

G. Horacio (Civil Service Strollers) — The trialist made an immediate impression with a well-taken goal inside seven minutes. His movement and finishing were a bright spot for the visitors, who had lost 5-0 to Alloa Athletic in their previous friendly on 23 June.

Civil Service Strollers defence — After shipping five goals against Alloa, the Strollers backline was significantly more organised at RPC Dundee. They limited Montrose to few clear chances before Webster's late header and nearly held on for a famous win against a side two divisions above them.

Player of the Match: Graham Webster (Montrose) — for his late equaliser and leadership in midfield.

Sports Mole's pre-match data model had Montrose as 60.1% favourites, with a 1-1 draw carrying a 7.9% likelihood — the very scoreline that materialised. The result was broadly reflective of the balance of play: Montrose dominated possession and territory after half-time, while Strollers posed a threat on the counter after their early goal.

The 1-1 draw followed the pattern of the sides' only previous meeting — a 5-2 Montrose win in pre-season 2023 — in that both teams scored, but this time the goals were spread across the match rather than concentrated in a high-scoring affair.

The draw means Montrose are still seeking their first win of pre-season after two friendlies (D1 L0). They drew 1-1 with Forfar Athletic on 27 June and will want to build sharper attacking combinations before the League One season starts on 1 August 2026.

Civil Service Strollers, who play in Scottish League Two, have one defeat (0-5 vs Alloa) and one draw from their two pre-season outings so far. The improvement from the Alloa thrashing to this competitive performance will encourage manager Gary Mackay as his side builds towards the 2026-27 League Two campaign starting in August.

Montrose's next pre-season fixtures include further closed-door games at Foundation Park, while their scheduled trip to face Civil Service Strollers at Christie Gillies Park is set for July 2026.

A fair result in a game of two halves. Civil Service Strollers will feel they let a valuable scalp slip after scoring early and defending stoutly for 80 minutes, while Montrose will be relieved to have avoided a defeat in front of their travelling support. Webster's equaliser salvaged the draw, but Campbell will want more cutting edge from his forwards as the season opener approaches.