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Albion Rovers 0 v 2 Arbroath |  |
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Albion Rovers 0 v 2 Arbroath | |
| Bell's League Third Division 7th March 2006 |
Attendance : 237
Scorers ~ Arbroath : Watson (39), McMullan (76).
It was a dreech night at Cliftonhill for this match postponed way back on Boxing Day and this was reflected in the crowd figure. Again the lack of the ability to score caused Rovers problems although they didn't dominate this match to the extent of the double header against Stenhousemuir, back in Rovers line-up was striker George Wallace.
With couple of minutes on the clock Arbroath came close when Black passed to Reilly who in turn gave the ball to Greig Miller. The 20 year-old son of Anfield assistant Alex fired at Rovers goal but Cliftonhill starlet Gordon Lennon was in the right place to header over his own crossbar, McGlynn wasn't required as the 2nd line of defence.
In 4 minutes a vicious Swankie corner was put out for another which disappointed and gave Rovers the chance to advance upfield but Donachy's final ball was poor. Donachy was in action again soon after but his shot was blocked and the chance fell to Jamie Doyle but his effort was deflected over the visitors goal.
Jamie Doyle shrugged off the attentions of former Rover Ian Dobbins to loose the ball towards the Red Lichties goal, it failed to trouble Mark Peat between the sticks. Shortly afterwards a low shot by Scott Chaplain went straight to Peat.
Andy Reilly tried his luck with an attempted chip which McGlynn touched over his crossbar. The resulting corner by Swankie saw Reilly head inches past.
A strong crossed ball from close to the near corner whizzed into the Albion Rovers box which Reilly contrived to hit over from a range of around 6 inches!
A long ball upfield by Scott Friel had 'keeper Peat and Rovers striker George Wallace vying in mid-air for the ball, the former Rovers stopper won the challenge and the attack was over.
Miller had a shot blocked leading to McCulloch's attempt being saved by McGlynn. A strong Reilly crossed ball looked a good bet to end with a goal until McMullen failed to connect with it.
In 39 minutes Arbroath were rather fortunate to take the lead when Paul Watson hit the ball from 30 yards, 'Keeper McGlynn got both hands to it but failed to stop it crossing the line.
Seconds after the restart George Wallace had the ball plucked from his feet by the hands of Mark Peat. The last shot of the first half came when Paul Watson launched the ball well over the Rovers bar.
Half-Time
McMullen started the second period as his teammate finished the first one by launching the ball skyward in the direction of the opposition goal. Rovers tried to redress the situation with Wallace having his header deflected following a Doyle corner, the 2nd corner resulted in Rovers being encamped at the Arbroath end of the park without achieving anything worthwhile.
Stephen Donachy passing to Scott Friel who in turn laid off the ball to McGhee before the ball completed its journey when Chaplain headed it from 6 yards straight at Peat.
Still pushing forward Steven Noble provided Donachy with an opportunity to strike and he did so with Mark Peat spoiling things by getting in the way. Rovers came close again when Jamie Doyle flighted a free-kick into the Angus sides box from the touchline and Wallace's header just missed the target.
In 76 minutes Arbroath scored again when Miller mishit a shot straight to McMullen who didn't hesitate to ram home the ball from 6 yards out.
A few substitutions surrounded Albion Rovers plugging away to pull back a goal and having a header straight to Peat. Next a Doyle free-kick deflected off the assembled Red Lichties wall onto the goalpost and away to safety.
The last actions of the 90 minutes saw Albion Rovers miss by the proverbial mile and Gary McGlynn clear danger at the edge of his box.
Donnelly and Friel of Albion Rovers along with Watson and Miller of Arbroath were booked during the game.
Summary
Once more Albion Rovers failed to score and lost to a couple of somewhat fortunate goals for the opposition.
Albion Rovers : McGlynn, Friel, McGhee (Noble 65), Lennon, Donnelly, Doyle, Chisholm, Chaplain, Wallace, Bonnar (Reid 78), Donachy (Sim 82). Subs Not Used : Selkirk, Ewings.
Arbroath : Peat, McMullen, Watson (Jackson 80), Raeside, Dobbins, McCulloch, Rennie, Miller, Reilly (Taylor 62), Swankie, Black. Subs Not Used : Bishop, Stein, Inglis.
Referee : Alan Boyd
Man of the Match : Jamie Doyle