Montrose 2 v 3 Albion Rovers

Attendance : 269

Scorers ~ Montrose : Rogers (39), Michie (65). Albion Rovers :  Walker (26, 90) Nicoll (54).

Rovers won their fourth match on the trot although they did leave it until there were three seconds left to score the winner. The match was played in difficult weather conditions, Lee Thompson was once more in goal for Rovers and Bobby Thomson make his first proper appearance after 3 games as a trialist.

Pat Walker was first to have a go but perhaps due to the prevailing wind his kick was neither a shot or a cross. Bobby Thomson was making himself useful when he supplied Dave McFarlane the ball in the Montrose box, the resultant shot was put out for a corner to Rovers.

Brian Smith was next to try and tame the elements when, from 25 yards he struck a low shot which Andy Reid got down to stop. Following some excellent lead-up play by Gordon Lennon, Bobby Thomson unleashed the ball which just skimmed the crossbar after the home 'keeper weakly punched the ball to him.

A neatly struck Kevin Nicoll shot was held by Reid prior to Montrose having what could be described as their first shot in 20 minutes when Andy Rodgers had a wayward effort.

In 26 minutes Albion Rovers took a deserved lead when Smith managed to get the ball past former Rover Jed Stirling at the corner of the Montrose box. The low cross found Walker eight yards out in the centre of goal, Reid did well to get down and palm the ball to his left onto the goalpost. Smith was also quick to react and got there before any men in blue to lift the ball high into the net.

Good build-up play by McFarlane was spoiled by a weak Walker attempt on the home goal, then Smith was off-balance when he shot wide. Walker had a free-kick which curled to the 'keepers hand and out to Nicoll was leaning back as he gave the ball too much elevation.

In 39 minutes the home side drew level when Andy Rogers' header was blocked by 'keeper Thompson and the striker followed up to score. The first period ended when McFarlane laid the ball off to Walker at the edge of the box but again the ball was given too much altitude.

Half-Time

Albion Rovers came out fighting in the second period and McFarlane crossed for Thompson or Walker who both failed to score from what seemed excellent positions. McFarlane again failed with a snap shot from 30 yards as Reid saw it coming. The Gable Endies had a go themselves when a well judged Rodgers cross into the box was hoofed over the bar by Scott Michie.

In 55 minutes Rovers went ahead for the second time when a Thomson free-kick into the homesters box and it took a while for anyone to get hold of it, Nicoll was there to head it into the Montrose goal.

A few minutes later Montrose could have equalised when Keith Gibson smashed the ball off Rovers' crossbar from 30 yards. Undaunted Rodgers went on a long run upfield avoiding several tackles but disappointed with a decidedly average shot at goal which Thompson easily handled.

In 65 minutes the Angus side drew level again when Michie received the ball when he looked to have been yards offside when it was directed his way, he didn't stop to wonder and lobbed the 'keeper. McFarlane's attempt to redress the balance shortly afterwards failed when Reid saved his attempt.

Rovers were dominating the game around this time, McFarlane again being denied by the 'keeper who then gave Walker the ball but saved the inevitable shot. Then McFarlane again made Reid save.

Montrose got ever more dangerous as the clock counted down and Rovers defenders were to the fore, Tommy Lennox doing well to block a ball in his own box. In 88 minutes a long ball upfield by Andy Reid straight onto the foot of Rodgers saw the 22 year old striker volley wide of target. Michie then had a kick stopped by Thompson.

With 89 minutes and 57 seconds of the match having passed Smith crossed and Walker made the travelling fans go ballistic when his shot off the post went into the net.

Summary

A hard-earned three points for Albion Rovers which propels the Coatbridge men to the brink of a play-off place. The top scorers in the division have a week to prepare for the visit of bottom dogs Elgin City to Cliftonhill in yet another critical match.

Montrose : Andrew Reid, Donachie, Stirling, Cumming, Higgins, Gibson, Henslee, Davidson, Rogers, Michie, Black (Napier 73). Subs Not Used: Kerrigan, Stephen, Phillip Reid, Trialist.

Albion Rovers : Thompson, Moffat, Lennox, Lennon, Donnelly, Nicoll (Creaney 76), Thomson (Chisholm 55), Chaplain, McFarlane, Walker, Smith.  Subs Not Used: McBride, Felvus, Trialist.

Referee : Mike Ritchie

Man of the Match - Patrick Walker

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