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Albion Rovers 1 v 1 Elgin City |  |
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Albion Rovers 1 v 1 Elgin City | |
| Irn-Bru League 3rd Division 22nd March 2008 |
Attendance : 212
Scorers ~ Albion Rovers : Gemmell (37 Pen). Elgin City : Campbell (27).
Elgin City and their small band of supporters travelled to Coatbridge hoping to secure three points vital to their play-off ambitions. They didn't manage it despite dominating much of the second half.
Rovers striker John Gemmell got the match underway having a shot easily saved by Ally Ridgers a couple of minutes in. Elgin came close to opening the scoring on 11 minutes when Craig Frizzell had his effort cleared by Alan Benton a few feet from the goal line.
David Hind was leaning back when he launched a ball high over Rovers crossbar which was soon followed by a Pat Walker header going over the other bar.
In 27 minutes City took the lead when Craig Campbell slotted a low ball across the 'keeper and onto the net. Frizzell headed over Rovers bar followed soonafter by Pat Walker crossing to Bobby Barr whose shot went straight into Ridgers arms.
In 37 minutes Willie Martin was somewhat unnecessarily brought down in the visitors box by David Niven. Gemmell fired the ball low into the net although Ridgers did make contact with in.
Half-Time
Gemmell spoilt a long run upfield with a final ball which was between a cross and a shot, his colleagues awaiting a cross were left disappointed. At the other end Zander Sutherland had his corner cut out by Scott.
Jamie McKenzie then assumed responsibility for a free-kick in 62 minutes, it rebounded from the assembled Elgin wall to Barr to shoot wide of the target.
In 76 minutes a combination of good fortune and frantic defending stopped Elgin regaining their lead when their corner whizzed into the box and Scott wasn't able to hold it. Two shots in quick succession were blocked on the line and the third was over the bar.
Elgin were in control now and another corner shortly afterwards was punched away by Scott, Niven was there to head the ball at the feet of the 'keeper. The stopper was down like a flash to save.
A cross from the nearside found City gave substitute Mark Smith the opportunity to head the ball but Scott was equal to it from point blank range. With only seven minutes left on the clock Rovers found more space to try and press for a winner which they scarcely deserved.
Gemmell shot woefully wide after a decent move, a minute later and the frontman hit the ball woefully high. City then played ping pong in Rovers penalty area, the ball ending up in the hands of a relieved Scott.
The last throw of the dice had Pat Walker thread a ball through to Gemmell who advanced on goal only to slide the ball past the post from 15 yards.
Summary
A hard fought draw, Rovers fourth share of the points in their last five games. The season may be winding down for Rovers now but the final league position still matters to the players.
Albion Rovers : Scott, Reid, Donnelly, Robert Walker, Benton, Ferry, Barr, McKenzie, Gemmell, Willie Martin (Ally Martin 46), Pat Walker. Subs Not Used : Watson, McDougal, Trialist, Mitchell.
Elgin City : Ridgers, Nicolson, Campbell, Niven, Kaczan, Gilbert, Sutherland, Hind, Crooks (Smith 70), O'Donoghue, Frizzell. Subs Not Used : Dempsie, Ross, Charlesworth, Bowden.
Referee: George Salmond
Man of the Match : Alan Benton