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Albion Rovers 0 v 1 Berwick Rangers |  |
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Albion Rovers 0 v 1 Berwick Rangers | |
| Bell's League Third Division 28th January 2006 |
Attendance : 299
Scorers ~ Berwick Rangers : Hutchison (12).
Second placed Berwick Rangers came to Cliftonhill having gained their first win in 9 matches the previous week, a run which included a home defeat to Rovers. Rovers included Gary McGlynn making his debut in goals after the surprise purchase of Allan Creer by Alloa Athletic who released McGlynn at the same time. Missing from the Rovers line-up was captain Scott Friel who was suspended and a multitude of players due to injury.
In 3 minutes McGlynn was severely tested by a McGroarty inswinging free-kick from outside the side of Rovers penalty area. The 'keeper was equal to the shot making a one-handed diving save. A few minutes later he was there to make a somewhat easier stop from McLeish after the midfielder let loose after a mazy run.
Rovers first serious assault on the visitors goal came in 8 minutes when Stephen Reid ran up the near wing and put in a cross to Craig Young whose snapshot was a little too high.
In 12 minutes Berwick took the lead when McLeish ran up the wing. Unhindered by defenders he cut in from the corner area to pass to Gareth Hutchison around 2 yards out from goal and the striker bagged his 6th league goal of the season heading over the powerless McGlynn.
A header from Kevin Haynes was looking dangerous when Gordon Lennon interjected. Play switched ends and Stephen Reid tried to take advantage of a poorly judged punch-out by 'keeper O'Connor but his kick was in fresh air.
A Donachy low and hard drive failed to unduly trouble the English sides stopper. Gareth Hutchison failed with a cheeky 25 yard lob attempt when he spotted McGlynn slightly off his line but it was too high before referee Finnie broke the soporific spell by blowing for half-time.
2nd Half
Berwick had the ball in the net a few minutes into the second half when Haynes crossed to Little who was 2 yards from goal. The midfielder who played alongside 'keeper McGlynn at Alloa was offside.
A Noble chip which went over the Berwick bar preceded a Doyle snapshot from 25 yards out which was a foot too high. Home fans got a fright when a Haynes header which seemed harmless almost connected with a defender crossing its path, McGlynn was able to scoop the ball up.
Connelly shot past then Haynes hit the ball goalward and McGlynn touched it onto the crossbar. Donachy tried to equalise in 86 minutes when he latched onto a cross from substitute Lee Sichi who was in the corner area only to see O'Connor save.
At the end Mansaré Abou Beaker made his home debut failing to get a touch of the ball in the few seconds he was on the pitch before the final whistle sounded.
Chisholm of Rovers and McNicoll of Berwick Rangers were booked.
Summary
A less than thrilling match dominated by the visitors whose lack of firepower could have allowed Rovers to share the points.
Albion Rovers : McGlynn, Black (Chisholm 75), McGhee (Abou Beaker 90), Lennon, Donnelly, Doyle, Reid (Sichi 80), Chaplain, Young, Noble, Donachy. Subs Not Used : Bonnar, Quinn.
Berwick Rangers : O'Connor, Murie, McGroarty (Horn 52), McNicoll, Cowan, Greenhill, Connelly (Swanson 90), McLeish (Manson 71), Hutchison, Haynes, Little. Subs Not Used : Ramsay, Connon.
Referee : Stephen Finnie
Man of the Match : Jamie Doyle