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Albion Rovers 0 v 4 Peterhead |  |
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Albion Rovers 0 v 4 Peterhead | |
| Bell's League Third Division 3rd January 2005 |
Attendance : 306
Scorers ~ Buchan (23, 72) Linn (46), Bavidge (58).
It gets ever more depressing for Albion Rovers fans quoting statistics that worsen every week, now 13 league matches in a row without a win (15 when you include cup games). It never seemed likely to improve when the 2nd placed team came to visit, especially when you realise they were a whopping 19 points clear of the 3rd placed side before kick-off.
A weak Martin Bavidge shot which was easily held by Fahey was the first action of note after some good build up play by Stewart and Campbell amongst others. Robert Raeside launched the ball over the Rovers crossbar a few minutes later.
Rovers first move came in 12 minutes when the tireless Marc McKenzie pounced on a defensive mistake at the edge of the Peterhead box, unfortunately his low shot crossed the goal and was wide of the target. Captain Jim Mercer was next to try his luck but shot too high.
Graeme Stewart shot over for the Blue Toon before the visitors took the lead in 23 minutes. Stewart was involved in the lead up but it was Jamie Buchan who let rip from 20 yards giving Chris Fahey no chance as his shot went into the top corner of the net.
Rovers best chance of the game came in 28 minutes when Paul McManus cut the ball back from the wing to Jim Mercer in the centre but his strong shot went straight to 'keeper Mathers.
In 34 minutes dead-ball expert Jered Stirling was taken to hospital in the waiting ambulance after an accidental kick in the face from a Rovers boot when he dived to head the ball in the Rovers goalmouth.
When play resumed Chris Fahey had to race out of his goal to tackle Robert Linn 30 yards out as his marker Chic Connolly wasn't in a position to do it himself.
Second Half
Within 18 seconds of the second period starting Peterhead were 2 up, Graeme Campbell took the ball down the park and provided the cross to Bobby Linn to header over Fahey into the net.
Little happened until the visitors went further ahead in 58 minutes when Martin Bavidge had a simple tap-in from 6 yards when the ball was cut back to him.
Rovers tried to hit back but john Bradford's shot from the edge of the box came off the 'keeper. Play switched ends and only a well judged Selkirk tackle prevented a strong chance of the Blue Toon going further ahead. Marc McKenzie then had a cross cum shot plucked from the air by Mathers.
A series of stramashes in the Peterhead box resulted in Mathers punching the ball clear. McKenzie was once more probing the Peterhead defence when he crossed the ball from the goal line for Black to try a shot which was stopped on the line by the 'keeper. John Bradford then found himself in the Peterhead box, turned quickly to blast a shot across the goal and out.
The scoring was competed in 72 minutes when a strong Danny Black clearance battered off Jamie Buchan and the ball flew into the net. Peterhead attacked again when a Rovers pass found it's way to Bavidge who went on a long run goalward, he passed to Linn who was in the box but Chris Fahey saved from the resulting shot.
With the game effectively over Peterhead gaffer Iain Stewart took the chance to rest key players when he brought on all 3 substitutes in one go. Rovers made another enforced substitution when Joe Boyle came on when Andy Selkirk was stretchered off.
In 82 minutes Chris Fahey twice denied Michie before the former Aberdeen striker shot over. A low shot by Paul McManus was the last noteworthy action of the game but it was saved by Mathers who dived to collect the ball.
No players were booked during the game.
Summary
Whilst not expected to do much against one of the "big two" of the division Rovers lost 4-0 to a side who put in what can perhaps be described as a lacklustre performance. Probably out of respect for manager Kevin McAllister's distinguished playing career the fans have not been very vocal in their criticism but how long that can go on is debatable.
Albion Rovers : Fahey, Connolly, Stirling (McLaughlin 34), Black, McLaren, Selkirk (Boyle 79), McKenzie, Silvestro, Bradford (Fleming 82), McManus, Mercer. Subs Not Used: Paterson, Peat.
Peterhead : Mathers, Tully, Good, Raeside, Perry, Stewart (Youngson 78), Campbell, Buchan, Linn (Michie 78), Bavidge, Hagen (Gibson 78). Subs Not Used: McSkimming, Buchanan.
Referee : Colin Hardie