Albion Rovers 0 v 2 Stenhousemuir

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Attendance : 268

Scorers ~ Stenhousemuir : McAlpine (13), Mercer (34).

As Cliftonhill basked in the sunshine the much fancied Stenhousemuir managed by and featuring several ex-Rovers players came calling. It looked a tall order for the home side to maintain the good start to the season and it proved to be so.

A couple of minutes into the match man of many clubs Paul McGrillen latched onto a pass which bypassed Rovers defence but the ball went straight to Jamie Ewings. A couple of minutes later McGrillen put a Greg Denham free-kick over the crossbar.

In 12 minutes Rovers could have grabbed the lead when a Houston pass let Sichi run from the edge of the Stenny box, he was however being hassled by Robbie Henderson which no doubt explains the poor quality of the shot.

One minute later the Warriors took the lead when Joe McAlpine headed a Carroll cross past the seemingly helpless Ewings. Rovers fought back with Donnelly and Chisholm combining in a "one-two" providing Martin Bonnar with the ball which he gave too much lift to.

Gordon Lennon moved quickly to prevent a strong chance when he dispossessed John Paul McBride close to Rovers penalty spot causing McBride to raise his hands in horror.

Following a weak Mercer header straight to Ewings, Sichi took the initiative and ran goalward where he seemed to be brought down by 'keeper McCulloch close to the goal line. Although he'd seemed to lose control of the ball which went out everybody looked to Mr. Sproule only to see him wave away all claims for a spot-kick and despite that he didn't feel it necessary to talk to, let-alone book the Rovers forward.

Craig Young was next to attack the Warriors goal but his shot was blocked. Then in 34 minutes former Rovers captain Jim Mercer, who'd been the focus of much pre-match attention in the press scored. He side-stepped the defence when on the receiving end of a McGrillen pass to put the ball into the net off the foot of the far post.

Sichi provided Donnelly with an opportunity which went straight to the 'keeper which came during a period of strong Stenhousemuir pressure. Frankie Carroll had his low shot trapped by the foot of the Rovers stopper. A Sichi run up the wing and the resultant cross along the goal line was cut-out by the defence for an unproductive corner.

Tommy Lennox had a free-kick go across the visitors goal and go out for a corner which was swung in by Scott Houston and hit wide by Donnelly. On the 45 minute mark a long ball into the Stenhousemuir goal was caught by McCulloch just as Chisholm and Young were about to get it.

Half-Time

The second period started with a Mercer cross from close to the corner flag find McBride in front of Rovers goal, he seemed well off-balance and it resulted in a woeful shot. Lennox, Sichi and Young were all up around the Larbert side's goal before a long cross by captain Scott Friel close to the goal was headed over by defender Renwick.

A Carroll shot being blocked by Lennon preceded a Chisholm pass beating the offside trap but it was just too far for Craig Young to reach. Donnelly and Bonnar made way for Wilson and new signing Donachy in 64 minutes.

In 68 minutes the league leaders missed a golden opportunity to finish the match when a well-judged cross to McGrillen who was on the edge of the 6 yard box. Jamie Ewings was the only thing between the veteran striker and the goal but he hit it straight at the 'keeper and the rebounded ball was cleared by Lennon.

Carroll for Stenhousemuir and Donachy for Rovers both had failed shots before Marc "Squib" McKenzie spurted up the wing rounded a Rovers defender and shot across goal missing the target.

McKenzie missed with another shot as did Wilson for Rovers before substitute Tommy Franch hit the ball from 25 yards only to see it come off the top of the Stenny crossbar. The match ended with Houston from a free-kick and McGrillen failing to unduly trouble their opponents goalkeepers.

The only booking of the match was for another former Rover Lee Collins.

Summary

A tough test for Rovers in which they showed they weren't overawed by their older and more experienced opponents. Rovers next match is away to Hampden when they take on Queen's Park in a venue at which they're unbeaten in all 10 matches this century.

Albion Rovers : Ewings, Lennox (Franch 85), Houston, Lennon, McGhee, Donnelly (Wilson 64), Sichi, Friel, Chisholm, Young, Bonnar (Donachy 64). Subs Not Used : Noble, Creer.

Stenhousemuir : McCulloch, Renwick, Henderson, Denham, McKeown, McBride (McKenzie 78), Mercer, Collins, Carroll (Savage 83), McAlpine (McInally 70), McGrillen. Subs Not Used : McGregor, Fahey.

Referee : Martin Sproule

Man of the Match : Lee Sichi

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