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East Fife 1 v 1 Albion Rovers |  |
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East Fife 1 v 1 Albion Rovers | |
| Bell's League Third Division 29th October 2005 |
Attendance : 505
Scorers ~ East Fife : McDonald (77). Albion Rovers : Chaplain (11).
Albion Rovers travelled to Methil looking to add to their points tally of 4 in the space of a week and they managed to do so. Danny Black returned to the side having spent his one match ban gained the previous Saturday in the win over Arbroath by missing the midweek draw against Montrose.
A delay to kick-off due to a minute's silence was added to by a couple of minutes while the officials sorted problems with the goal-nets. The early skirmishes contained little of note then Rovers sparked life into the match by taking the lead. Scott Chaplain was the scorer in 11 minutes with skipper Scott Friel being heavily involved too, Iain Chisholm came down the wing then provided the ball to Chaplain for him to convert.
Former Rover John Bradford soon had the opportunity to level for his new employers when he got his foot to the ball close to goal but Jamie Ewings was there to save the day. An East Fife header over the bar preceded Iain Chisholm flighting in a cross from the touchline which was mopped up by 'keeper Morrison.
A Fifers corner found its way to Smart who had plenty of time to set up his shot but contrived to put it wide of the target. John Bradford looked dangerous once more when he set off towards the Rovers goal evading defenders en route, his cross found Noble who appeared to duck spoiling the final effort completely.
Fans hearts missed a beat when Craig Lumsden received a pass close to Rovers penalty spot, turned quickly and blasted a shot past the post. Chisholm had a shot cum cross miss the target before Rovers came very close. A throw-in was given to Wallace in the East Fife penalty area, his spectacular volley rebounded from the junction of post and bar and away from danger.
The Fifers finished the first half having much possession, John Martin seeing his shot skimming over Rovers bar and Noble having his shot go a couple of feet wide from a Smart corner being the best chances.
Half-Time
A couple of minutes after the restart Jamie Ewings was forced to come out of his box to head-off an East Fife attack, he chested the ball down with great aplomb and thumped it upfield.
Gordon Lennon showed his skill on the half-way line by pirouetting to bypass a defender who wasn't impressed and brought him down, giving Rovers a free-kick.
Bayview gaffer Jim Moffat brought on a couple of substitutes in an attempt to get his side playing which was followed by Noble blasting the ball into the car park behind Rovers goal. Ewings was called on soon after to tip a shot round his post although it seemed to be wide of the mark.
The homesters then put on their last substitute which looked potentially problematic a minute later when one of their players required treatment, luckily for them he could continue.
Controversy followed when Jamie Ewings picked up a Friel ball which referee Allan was entitled to interpret as a passback although it didn't seem an intentional one. Ewings received a yellow card for his protestations and East Fife had an indirect free-kick 12 yards from goal. Rovers packed the box and the kick was put out for a corner which Greig McDonald converted with a bullet header giving Ewings no chance.
Rovers attempted to hit back with Chisholm putting a ball across the home goal a mere yard out, George Wallace stuck out his foot but didn't manage to connect with it.
More controversy followed when Rovers put the ball out of play to allow treatment for an injured player, East Fife directed their throw-in to a Rovers man as is traditional in such circumstances but followed it with a less than dignified attempt to regain the ball immediately. In the aftermath Rovers head-coach was required to leave the technical area by the referee which could have consequences at a later date.
The game finished in gloomy conditions as the lights were not on but fans could see nice play by Friel amongst others leading to the home stopper pull off a diving save.
Summary
Another tough game for Rovers in which they gained a deserved and hard fought for point.
East Fife : Morrison, Campbell, Pelosi, Lumsden, McDonald, Hampshire (Donaldson 70), Martin (Paliczka 63), Fortune, Bradford (Graham 60), Smart, Noble. Subs Not Used : Kelly, Dodds.
Albion Rovers : Ewings, Black, Lennox, Lennon, Donnelly, Friel, Chisholm, Chaplain, Wallace, Bonnar (Selkirk 83), Reid. Subs Not Used : Young, Houston, McGhee, Creer.
Referee : Crawford Allan
Man of the Match - Iain Chisholm
