Stranraer 4 v 0 Albion Rovers

Attendance : 1250

Scorers ~ Stranraer : Finlayson (9), Moore (28), Graham (44, 67).

It was party time at Stair Park and Albion Rovers were invited on the understanding that they didn't spoil things by winning and robbing their hosts of the championship. The blues required just a draw to guarantee the trophy but were going for the win. Their exploits largely attributed by Rovers boss Kevin McAllister to their ability to field the same team week in week out. The sunny weather encouraged the home support who brought beach balls and lilos, both of which they threw onto the pitch holding up the kick-off.

The first real chance went to the home side in 5 minutes when Jenkins crossed the ball to David Graham whose shot from 2 yards hit the side netting. Rovers didn't have to wait long before having their first attempt on goal, John Bradford had his shot blocked. The ball rebounded to Ricky Patrick whose quality attempt was saved by 'keeper McCondichie.

In 9 minutes the Blues took the lead when Kevin Finlayson got the ball then hit a sweet shot from outside the box into the top right hand corner of Rovers goal. Play proceeded with Stranraer having the bulk of possession but Rovers coping well. Stephen Swift was next to try a shot for the homesters but managed to miss the target when it seemed easier to score.

Stranraer doubled their lead in 28 minutes when Michael Moore bagged his 25th league goal of the season. It was and individual effort from the right-hand side of the pitch, after receiving the ball he had a few touches and then beat Neil Bennett (in goal for the Coatbridge side of the final time) from a tight angle.

Seconds later Moore tried for a glory goal from 30 yards but it was far too high to trouble Bennett. A few minutes later there was a stramash in the Rovers penalty area which saw the ball bouncing about with nobody clearing or having a decent shot on goal.

With the half-time whistle imminent David Graham picked up the ball 35 yards out from goal jinked past several Rovers defenders and tapped the ball into the net after rounding Neil Bennett.

Half Time

The 2nd period started with controversy when Neil Bennett went down requiring treatment after a home attacker had apparently left a foot in when the 'keeper was picking up the ball. The home fans weren't convinced it was genuine and let him know in no uncertain terms.

In 57 minutes a Blues free-kick connected with David Graham who struck the ball over the bar. Scott Crabbe had the next shot with a strong and low effort which McCondichie stopped quite comfortably.

The scoring was concluded in 67 minutes when Lee Sharp took a free-kick from near the corner which produced a header that was blocked. The ball rebounded to the waiting Graham who blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

Stranraer were in almost complete control now and Stephen Swift had his progress to goal halted by a well timed Jordan Smith interception. Everybody expected a 5th Stranraer goal when a Henderson header went goalward but it rebounded from the crossbar. The champions elect kept up the pressure with a long Jenkins run which was stopped at the edge of the box by Kerr Potter.

Rovers made a rare 2nd half foray upfield with 10 minutes remaining when replacement Marc McKenzie ran up the wing and crossed the ball from the corner but saw it cut out by the 'keeper. David Graham then ended some good build-up play by his colleagues by hitting the ball over Rovers bar from 20 yards.

The game ended with Jenkins missing a shot with an open goal in front of him and then Henderson heading over from 6 inches.

Rovers players acknowledged Stranraer's feat and the travelling support before leaving the field to the homesters celebrations. Uncharacteristically referee Mr. Melville didn't take any names during the game.

Stranraer : McCondichie, Swift, Wright, Wingate, Henderson, Jenkins, Finlayson, Aitken (McAllister 88), Moore (Turnbull 66), Graham (Crawford 88), Sharp. Unused Subs :  Gaughan, McCaulay.

Albion Rovers: Bennett, Paterson, Stirling, Potter, Smith, Farrell (S. Kerr 87), Patrick (McKenzie73), Silvestro, Bradford, Crabbe, Cormack.
Unused Subs : Connolly, Selkirk, Carr.

Referee : Cammy Melville

Albion Rovers Man of the Match - Kerr Potter

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