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Elgin City 1 v 5 Albion Rovers |  |
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Elgin City 1 v 5 Albion Rovers | |
| Bell's League Third Division 18th October 2003 |
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Attendance : 681
Scorers ~ Elgin City : McMullan (23). Albion Rovers : McManus (2), Yardley (33), McAllister (51), Mercer (76), Stirling (pen 90).
Season tickets for Hetherston and McStay! Given the last few results for rampant Rovers - twelve goals scored and only one conceded - it looks as if the wayward pair are more effective at a distance than in the dugouts.
Rovers are firing on all cylinders at present and the other promotion contenders will be casting slightly more than anxious glances over their shoulders as the Cliftonhill crusaders simply steamroller over the opposition.
So, veteran goalkeeper Andy Goram admitted his part in City's downfall by "gifting" the first couple of goals, but even allowing for that, the eventual outcome would have been no different.
With only two minutes played, Goram's flat-footedness allowed Paul McManus to meet a Kevin McAllister corner from the left and give the visitors the perfect start. "The Goalie's" first touch as a City player was therefore to pick the ball out of the net. At the other end, Neil Bennett did well to save from a suspiciously offside Alex Bone.
Following bookings for John McCaig and Paul McManus, it was ex-Rover Ryan McMullen who restored equality, his excellent forcing run ending with a fine twenty-yarder which gave Bennett no chance. Then Willie Martin brought out the best in Bennett who had to quickly adjust his position to save.
In 33 mins, Rovers regained the lead when Goram again looked culpable as Mark Yardley knocked in from close range. McAllister, Yardley and Graeme McCaul all tried their luck in quick succession - but without success.
Into the second half and when McAllister took advantage of a Yardley dummy to net with a low drive, Rovers were in total control. For a change, Goram then twice did his job well, saving from Yardley and the brilliant McAllister.
Although home sub Chris Ogboke seemed to make some impact on the game, Rovers were still top dogs and when a Sean Sweeney drive rebounded to skipper Mercer who rattled in number four from about 8 yards.
Ogboke again came close in 82 minutes, as did McAllister shortly afterwards. Still pushing forward, Rovers administered the coup-de-grace in injury time. Home defender Jamie White handled in the box and Jed Stirling completed the rout from the spot.
Man of the Match : Although one wag suggested Andy Goram, it has to be Kevin McAllister, who was the biggest crowd pleaser on the day. The wee man lasted the whole 90 minutes and was at least as happy as the travelling Rovers support.
Albion Rovers : Bennett, Paterson, Stirling, Sweeney, McCaig (Cormack 35), Farrell, McAllister, McCaul, Yardley, McManus (Diack 80), Mercer. Unused Subs : McBride, Smith, Fahey.
Elgin City : Goram, Dickson, Campbell, White, Coulter, Allison, Martin, Hind, Bone, N. McLean (Ogboke 53), McMullan. Unused Subs : Gallagher, Murphy, Steele, Hamilton
Referee : Andrew Hunter
Man of the Match - Kevin McAllister
