Albion Rovers 0 v 1 Berwick Rangers

Attendance : 382

Scorers ~ Berwick Rangers : Fraser (13).

League leaders Berwick Rangers came to Cliftonhill knowing that a win was essential to keep ahead of 2nd placed Arbroath and despite not showing their championship leading pedigree they went away with the vital 3 points.

Jamie Ewings back from a prolonged absence due to injury was in goal on a beautifully sunny Coatbridge afternoon. Shortly after the match got underway David Greenhill of the English side tried his luck only for the ball to end up nestling in the arms of Ewings after a weak poke.

At the other end an equally weak attempt by Dave McFarlane almost caused an upset when Iain Chisholm chased it only to be beaten by 'keeper Gary O'Connor. As play switched ends once more a superbly timed tackle by Gordon Lennon on former Rover Iain Diack at the edge of the box resulted in the referee awarding a free-kick for an infringement moments earlier in line with the advantage rule. Iain Thomson's' kick avoided the wall but not Ewings who gratefully accepted the ball.

In 13 minutes the whole complexion of the game changed with Rangers taking the lead when another former Rover Steven Noble hit a 25 yard free-kick which seemed to be touched onto the post by Ewings. The ball rebounded out for Stuart Fraser to tap into an empty net from 6 yards.

Undaunted by going behind a Rovers free-kick into the visitors' box was met by the head of Chisholm a couple of yards out from goal. The ball was given to much elevation to level the score. Then a wild shot by Steven Notman was followed by Pat Walker running goalward only for the ball to get away from him and the 'keeper to get to it first.

A Scott Chaplain chip through for Walker was narrowly thwarted by O'Connor followed shortly afterwards by McFarlane and Chisholm coming close with shots of their own. Lennon then went down the wing side-stepping defenders en route but the final ball was disappointing.

Iain Diack having his shot from the edge of the box parried by Ewings was the last noteworthy incident of the first period.

Half-Time

Berwick Rangers started the second half with a cheeky Iain Thomson lob which Ewings did well to catch. Then a Chaplain attempt was blocked and fell to Kevin Nicoll who swung but failed to connect with the ball.

Greenhill launching a ball high over Rovers' goal and Ciaran Donnelly clearing the ball on the 6 yard line saw Rovers go into the last 10 minutes of the match in the ascendancy.

Substitute Phil Creaney was the recipient of a loose ball at the edge of the Wee Gers box but the ensuing shot was given too much height. Next up Chaplain supplied Lennon only for his shot to be blocked in the Berwick box.

Iain Diack had the last word when from an excellent position his powderpuff shot ended up on the outstretched palm of Ewings right hand.

Summary

A narrow victory for the team who could well become division 3 champions next Saturday. Once more Rovers effort was not translated into goals.

Albion Rovers : Ewings, Moffat, Lennox, Lennon, Donnelly, Nicoll (Creaney 77), Chisholm (Felvus 68), Chaplain, MacFarlane, Walker (McGeough 55), Smith. Subs Not Used : Thomson, Scott.

Berwick Rangers : O'Connor, Notman, McGroarty, Horn, Smith, Fraser (Little 55), Thomson, Manson, Diack, Greenhill (Swanson 75), Noble. Subs Not Used : Lucas, Shand, Flockhart.

Referee : John McKendrick

Man of the Match : Gordon Lennon

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