Albion Rovers 1 v 2 Montrose

Attendance : 307

Scorer ~ Albion Rovers : Wilson (58). Montrose : Stephen (12), McLean (90).

A goal deep into injury time by Duncan McLean robbed Rovers of what seemed to many observers a deserved point. Wayne Gordon started on the pitch for the first time since arriving a month ago, Ricky Patrick was the only player missing due to injury.

An early high ball into the Montrose box was helped by the strong Coatbridge sunshine but 'keeper Butter managed to spot it. Wood responded for The Gable Endies shortly afterwards by firing over from 25 yards out.

John Bradford made a break up the centre of the park but was harried by Smith and the ball was cleared. Play switched ends and Montrose grabbed the lead when a Martin Wood corner was headed in by Neil Stephen who was challenged by Fahey. Things got worse for 'keeper Chris Fahey as he fell awkwardly injuring his ankle as the ball crossed the goal line, he was stretchered to be replaced by Mark Peat.

Rovers pressed forward and a Stirling corner lead to a Mercer header being saved and a follow-up header going out for a goal-kick. Another Stirling corner a few minutes later was punched by Jim Butter and eventually found its way back to the left-footed maestro who, for once failed to impress.

A long cross from the touchline was headed inches over the Montrose bar by Jim Mercer before some excellent work by Chris Silvestro led to Lee Wilson missing the target. The last action of note in the half came when Duncan McLean held off a defender to get his loose a shot but missed the target.

Second Half

Selkirk replaced Bradford in the almost customary Jimmy Lindsay half-time substitution. A few minutes after the restart Lee Wilson broke down the wing but the resulting cross wasn't accurate enough, Silvestro was close-by but failed to gain proper control of the ball.

Wayne Gordon missed the target before a speculative 30 yard attempt by Jered Stirling was inches too high, Kevin Webster had a poor effort afterwards. Jim Mercer and Neil Stephen had a clash of heads which saw the Rovers captain leave the pitch dazed to be replaced by Graeme McCaul, Stephen returned to the game after the blood flow from his nose was staunched.

In 58 minutes Rovers drew level when Lee Wilson got on to the end of a Stirling ball and chipped Jim Butter. 5 minutes later Wayne Gordon was gifted the ball by a defensive error close to the Montrose box, the striker rounded the 'keeper only for Butter to recover the ball by plucking it from Gordon's feet just when a goal seemed inevitable.

The visitors tried to hit back when a Craig Smart cross almost found McLean in front of Rovers goal but the striker failed to make contact with the ball.

Poor shots by Smart and Sharp were followed by a weak Wilson shot straight to the opposition 'keeper. A cracking 30 yarder by Chris Silvestro was saved by an equally good Butter effort. On the 90 minute mark Jered Stirling fired a 35 yard free-kick a little over the Montrose bar.

As the fans awaited Mr. Allan's final whistle Duncan McLean tapped the ball home after Mark Peat parried a Darren Spink shot.

Silvestro and Wilson of Rovers and Smart and Ferguson of Montrose were booked during the match.

Summary

The proverbial sickener when a share of the points seemed not only fair but inevitable. Mark Peat had had little to do in his time on the pitch. Rovers travel to Peterhead next week to play a side who will either be promoted a few days before they arrive or looking for the vital point against Rovers. Either way a difficult task lies ahead for the travelling players!

Albion Rovers : Fahey (Peat 14), Friel, McInulty, Black, Wilson, Potter, Silvestro, Stirling, Bradford (Selkirk 45), Gordon, Mercer (McCaul 57). Subs Not Used : McKenzie, Wallace.

Montrose : Butter, Donachie, Ferguson, Smith, Doyle (Spink 85), Stephen, Webster (Dodds 74), Smart, Wood, McLean, Fraser (Sharp 65). Subs Not Used : Slater, Hankinson.

Referee : Crawford Allan

Man of the Match - Chris Silvestro

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