Albion Rovers 0 v 2 East Stirlingshire

Attendance : 346

Scorers ~ East Stirlingshire : Rodgers (29), Stevenson (51).

East Stirlingshire came to Cliftonhill on a sunny afternoon with the surface looking tip-top knowing that only three points would keep their dwindling championship hopes alive. Their win propelled them into second spot with only a theoretical chance of overtaking Dumbarton at the top.

Little happened in the opening quarter hour then in 16 minutes Rovers player of the year Bobby Barr fired a ball well over the visitors crossbar.

In 24 minutes referee Colvin made a decision which made in odds-on that the visitors would triumph. Alan Benton fouled Andy Rodgers and there was no argument about that or that a card was warranted but the red card seemed harsh. The official decided that Rodgers was denied a clear goal scoring opportunity around 40 yards from goal.

Immediately the disparity in numbers became apparent with Jamie Stevenson puting in a low shot which was easily saved. Then in 29 minutes 'Shire went ahead, Derek Ure put the ball across the face of the goal, Craig Tully hit the bar with it and it fell to Stevenson at the edge of the box. He put the ball into the net from just inside the penalty area.

Marc Pollock had a spell of troubling the Falkirk sides' defence having a header then a shot saved. As the first half drew to a close Ciaran Donnelly hit a free-kick far too high to trouble former Rover stopper Mark Peat. 

Half-Time

A positive attitude following the restart by Callan Adam was evident when he advanced up the near wing and deftly struck the ball at the nearside of the 'Shire goal. Disappointingly for home fans the save had equal merit.

In 51 minutes however the game was over as a contest when East Stirlingshire went further ahead through Stevenson. A throw-in led to Rodgers passing to Stevenson who advanced into the box and fired the ball between Ewings and his post.

Rovers were on the back foot and Robert Walker put the ball over his own bar from a couple of yards out to prevent a third goal for East Stirlingshire.

Then a Michael McGowan mistake gave substitute Marc McKenzie the ball but Ewings managed to take the strength out of the shot while the defender recovered the situation.

Barr tried his luck from distance to no avail before play switched ends and Rodgers was provider for Tully whose attempt cannoned off Ewings. Then again a few minutes later Rodgers pointblank ball came off the 'keeper.

Pollock looked dangerous for 'the Shire defence but his ball was a foot wide of the mark. Former Rovers striker McKenzie went on trademark run up the near wing, cut in and blasted the ball off Ewings into the side netting, the corner came to nothing. Shortly afterwards he dragged the ball inches wide of the goal.

Summary

Match 12 in a run without a win and four without scoring for Rovers. The only thing left to play for next week is to guarantee eighth place instead of ninth and to end on a relative high without taking a bad run into next term.

Albion Rovers : Ewings, Reid, McGowan, McKeown, Benton, Walker, Pollock (Harris 83), Ferry, Adam, Donnelly, Barr. Subs Not Used : Andreoni, Harty, Fleming, Scott.

East Stirlingshire : Peat, Hay, Tully (Dunn 67), King, Bolochoweckyj, Weaver, Donaldson, Forrest (McKenzie 52), Stevenson (Kelly 67), Ure, Rodgers. Subs Not Used : Newman, Anderson.

Referee : Brian Colvin

Man of the Match : Marc Pollock

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