East Stirlingshire 0 v 0 Albion Rovers

Attendance : 298

A lacklustre performance by Albion Rovers away to perennial underdogs East Stirlingshire could have ended in defeat had it not been for an unusual refereeing decision reversal. As it was, Rovers hope of a play-off place at the seasons end took a dent.

The match started quietly with Lee Thompson fumbling a 'Shire cross from close to the corner but no harm was done as the homesters weren't ready for it.

Paul Tweedie came close shortly afterwards when he spun round quickly and sent in a low shot which Thompson did well to get down to and turn round the post for a 'Shire corner.

Brian Smith embarked on an assault on goal up the far wing which ended with a low shot at goal smothered by 'keeper Anton Nugent. Former Rover Marc McKenzie replace Paul Brownlie in 15 minutes due to injury.

An impressive move involving Scott Chaplain and Dave McFarlane gave Phil Creaney an excellent chance, his first attempt came off the 'keeper and his second cleared the 30 foot wall behind the 'Shire goal.

Paul McBride embarked on a mazy run down the wing which the Rovers defence failed to halt, this resulted in a tapped shot which Thompson had no difficulty dealing with. Then Gordon Lennon was to the fore with a trademark critical clearance preventing a further opportunity for East Stirlingshire.

Tweedie reprised his earlier shot when spun and shot forcing Thompson to concede a corner which came to nothing. Steven Adam would be embarrassed to see his ball go skyward from distance.

Chaplain was given an ideal chance when he received the ball 8 yards out from goal but put it a yard wide of target. Rovers gained a corner which Nugent flapped at but the Coatbridge men couldn't capitalise on the mistake.

McFarlane created a chance for Rovers when he supplied the ball to Pat Walker who rounded the 'keeper and shot as he slipped and the ball went over the wall once more. Adam on the nearside whizzed the ball across Rovers goal but fortunately for the visitors McKenzie couldn't quite stretch far enough to make contact.

Half-Time

Andy Brand missed, then Thompson managed to hold a crossed ball at the second attempt in a dangerous situation. In 56 minutes Rovers had a free-kick 25 yards out but McFarlane hit the ball straight to the grateful Nugent.

One minute later a through ball to Tweedie saw the striker walking towards the Rovers goal with only the 'keeper to beat. Almost on the goal-line with Thompson as his feet he missed the shot but the stopper illegally impeded his next attempt, and as the ball went past the post referee Colin Hardie awarded a penalty to 'Shire.

Some time passed as various representations to the man in black were made and he spoke to Rovers' gaffer Jim Chapman. The ball was spotted and as the penalty taker waited for the go-ahead to take it the standside assistant referee called over Mr. Hardie which resulted in the penalty being rescinded and a free-kick to Rovers for offside replacing it.

This started a round of "There's only one Colin Hardie" from the massed Rovers support on the terracing. Undeterred McKenzie saw his cross cum shot held by Thompson. Chaplain then intercepted pass within his own half and charged goalward, regrettably nothing came of it when he reached the destination.

Paul Stewart fired wide when Rovers 'keeper punched the ball in his direction as a man in white was making it awkward for the youngster to deal with it. Brian Smith made and excellent run, expertly avoiding the assembled defence but his shot was far too wide to trouble anyone.

With full-time fast approaching East Stirlingshire were desperate for a win and to get their first goal at home since September 30th, but attack after attack fizzled out.

Ciaran Donnelly had an opportunity in 88 minutes but his 25 yard free-kick was soft and to the 'keeper. On the stroke of full-time the ball came out of the 'Shire box to substitute Iain Chisholm but the resultant volley was well past the post.

Summary

A very disappointing display by Albion Rovers which could have ended in a defeat but they live to fight another day!

East Stirlingshire: Nugent, McAloney (Trialist 75), Ure, Thywissen, Oates, Brand, McBride (Dymock 65), Stewart, Tweedie, Brownlee (McKenzie 15), Adam. Subs Not Used: Boyle, Tiropoulous.

Albion Rovers: Thompson, Moffat, Lennox, Lennon, Donnelly, Creaney (Nicoll 68), Thomson (Sim 68), Chaplain, McFarlane, Walker (Chisholm 78), Smith. Subs Not Used: McGoldrick, Scott.

Referee : Colin Hardie

Man of the Match - Gordon Lennon

Fixtures/Results/Reports/Pics

Home  Latest  League Table