Albion Rovers 1 v 2 Stranraer

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Attendance : 185

Scorers ~ Albion Rovers : Trialist (21). Stranraer : Hamilton (86), Walker (90).

On a pleasant July day Jim Chapman's Albion Rovers team took to the field for the first time in public, for almost all of them it was their first public appearance in Rovers jerseys. Although listed as trialists the majority of Rovers players have put pen to paper, it's just that all the formalities have not yet been finalised.

Stranraer had more possession at the start and it fell to new boy Tommy Lennox had the first Rovers attempt a few minutes in when he sent the ball over the visitors goal. Walker reacted quickly to put a low shot past Jamie Ewings post which was followed by a long shot by Rovers number 3.

Rovers goal came in 21 minutes when trialist number 9 ran onto a poor clearance by 'keeper Corr and had a relatively easy tap in. The Stair Park side tried to hit back but were unable to seriously trouble Rovers.

Around the half-hour mark Rovers number 11 had a decent attempt only to see it saved by Corr. A few minutes later Hamilton launched the ball goalward but it came off the top of the Rovers crossbar and out for a goal kick.

A wayward Stranraer attempt ended the half.

Second Half

As is common in such matches the 2nd half was liberally sprinkled with substitutions as the respective managers tried some different combinations. Replacement number 12 for the visitors forced Jamie Ewings to move quickly to save from distance. Vers number 16 shot over from the edge of the box.

Ewings and the Stranraer no.9 clashed when a ball came through to the Stranraer goal. The young 'keeper caught it and  no.9 went in with his foot up, after which Ewings fell to the ground after an apparent delay which didn't endear him to the travelling support.

Rovers number 6 got a chance later on when he turned quickly on the spot to fire a shot forcing sub 'keeper Morrison turn the ball out for a corner which resulted in number 15 heading over.

Stranraer pressed with an overhead kick by number 2 having to much elevation and a low and strong free-kick from 30 yards by their number 16 whizz 2 yards past the post.

Rovers number 14 overbalanced while getting a foot to a promising looking cross, spoiling any chance he had to increase Rovers lead. Stranraer's number 2 came close shortly before Ross shot at Ewings who parried the ball to Hamilton who made no mistake from the 6 yard line.

With seconds remaining Stranraer grabbed the victory when Walker hit a curling left-foot shot through a packed penalty area just inside the far post.

Overall the young Rovers side seems to be gelling well and were unfortunate to lose as it seemed they'd done enough for at least a draw. At an post-match meeting with fans head-coach Jim Chapman said he was delighted with the effort the players all but one of whom were under 24 years-old.

Albion Rovers : Ewings, Lennox, numbers 3 - 11 and subs all listed as trialists.

Stranraer : Corr, Hamilton, Keddie, Higgins, Henderson, Jenkins, Walker, McPhee, Ross, Moore, Hinds. Subs Used : Morrison, McLean, Gaughan, Wingate, Aitken, Sharp.

Referee : Colin Hardie

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