 |
Elgin City 1 v 2 Albion Rovers |  |
|
Elgin City 1 v 2 Albion Rovers | |
| Bell's League Third Division 21st February 2004 |
Attendance : 425
Scorers ~ Elgin City : Bone (48 pen). Albion Rovers : McManus (9), Patrick (79).
The hardy band of Rovers supporters who made the 370 mile round-trip were rewarded with what could be deemed an undeserved win. Interestingly the Elgin team contained no less that five former Rovers players, the only one missing being Chas McLean who is still recovering from injury.
The hosts started brightly and their first move of real note came in the 8th minute when a run by former Rovers striker Ryan McMullan was nipped in the bud just inside the penalty area by Jered Stirling.
Seconds later a well judged pass from skipper Jim Mercer found Paul McManus near goal and he made no mistake putting the ball in the back of the net.
Elgin went back onto the attack Craig Campbell launching the ball over the crossbar. Next, former Cliftonhill favourites Rab Coulter with a header, and Ryan McMullan with a shot from a tight angle saw 'keeper Neil Bennett confidently cope with the danger. In 17 minutes it was David Hind who brought a save out of Bennett, the rebounded ball was put past the post.
Rovers assistant manager Scott Crabbe was booked by referee Cassidy for an apparent dive.
The following few minutes saw Willie Martin hit the side of the net and have another shot saved. Then Rovers made a rare foray up the pitch when a Stirling cross was intercepted by 'keeper Pirie inches from the head of the waiting Tony Low.
The half ended much as it had started when a Ryan McMullan shot rebounded safely from the Rovers goalpost. City's Alex Bone received a yellow card in the dying seconds when the stand-side assistant called over the referee to report abuse he'd been subjected to seconds earlier.
Second Half
The half started badly for the visitors when Ricky Patrick was adjudged to have brought down Craig Campbell inside the penalty box. This was the sort of challenge usually described as soft but City didn't complain when club top scorer Alex Bone made no mistake from the spot to level the score.
In 58 minutes Neil Bennett had to stretch himself to catch a Ryan McMullan lob. Soon afterwards David Hind became the second City player to be booked after being reported by an assistant referee for an off the ball infringement.
In 67 minutes the Coatbridge boys were incensed when Mr. Cassidy refused to award a penalty when Ryan McMullan clashed with Jim Mercer, sending the Rovers captain to the ground. Neil Bennett was brought into action once more saving well from a hard shot.
Sean Sweeney was on hand to foil a McMullan attack with a well timed tackle just outside the penalty area. A few minutes later Ricky Patrick made amends for giving away the penalty when his sweetly struck shot from about 25 yards sailed over 'keeper Pirie following a poorly cleared corner. It was the first goal scored by the youngster since Kevin McAllister gave him the chance to step up to the first team.
Elgin finished strongly, coming close on a few occasions in the dying seconds but it was no use.
Paul McManus received a booking during the match.
Summary
Rovers had few clear cut chances but did take them and that's what football is all about. Neil Bennett gets the MOM nomination for the 3rd match in a row for a faultless performance.
Elgin City : Pirie, Coulter, Dempsie, McKenzie, Tully, Allison, McMullan, Hind, Bone, Campbell, Martin. Subs not used - Dickson, Neil McLean, McMillan, McCormick, Hamilton.
Albion Rovers : Bennett, Paterson, Kerr, Sweeney, Smith, Stirling, Low, Patrick, Crabbe, McManus (Bradford 88), Mercer. Subs not used – Yardley, McCaig McKenzie, Carr.
Referee : Brian Cassidy
Man of the Match - Neil Bennett