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Ayr United 0 v 2 Albion Rovers |  |
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Ayr United 0 v 2 Albion Rovers | |
| ALBA Challenge Cup 1st Round 25th July 2009 |
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photos from this match courtesy of Paul Reilly!
Attendance : 979
Scorers ~ Albion Rovers : Barr (79), McFarlane (85).
What a difference a couple of months make, Rovers couldn't buy a win but now triumph at a first division ground. Four new faces namely Mark Canning, Paul Tyrrell, Michael O'Byrne and Chris Boyle played along with the returning for a second spell David McFarlane.
Prior to the match the discussions amongst fans were whether young 'keeper Derek Gaston would get a game ahead of the more experienced Jamie Ewings and despite the youngster featuring in the pre-season outing Ewings got the nod.
A healthy travelling support saw a Rovers move in the opening seconds fail when McFarlane's pass to Steve McKeown was easily intercepted. Ayr didn't take long to advance goalward with Ryan Stevenson striking a free-kick from just outside the Rovers box, Kevin James narrowly missed getting a touch which could easily have opened the scoring.
Stevenson was once more on the ball shortly afterwards but his high and wild ball caused no concerns to Ewings. In 20 minutes Stevenson had another free-kick at the edge of Rovers penalty area, Ewings did well to put the ball out for a corner but was lost when it came back into his box. Martyn Campbell headed it well over the bar.
A Tyrell free-kick from distance missed the target before the only booking of the game was given to Alan Reid for a foul on Dean Keenan. A quick turn and low drive by Kevin Cawley tested Ewings but the stopper was equal to it.
McFarlane and Pat Walker combined to make their way to the opponents box where the move fell apart. Ayr through Kenny Connolly had a chance when it a good position he passed to Cawley rather than shoot, Rovers cleared the danger.
A quality tackle by McKeown on David O'Brien as he advanced down the wing prevented a dangerous situation from developing.
Half-Time
After the break McFarlane was first to impress with a run avoiding the attention of a couple of defenders he passed to Bobby Barr who unleashed a shot which 'Keeper Craig Samson caught.
Former Airdrie United hitman Brian Prunty smashed the ball from the side of the box only for Ewings to bring off a superb diving save. A Tyrell cross found Walker in front of the Ayr goalpost but the resulting header was wide of the target. Keenan fired in the ball from 20 yards which was punched away by Ewings.
Shortly afterward Keenan was replaced by Aitken, the final change allowed by Ayr gaffer Brian Reid. Barr was scything his way up the field and crossed for McFarlane whose powderpuff attempt was disappointing. Barr once more put in a cross but it missed it's intended target and play switched ends but O'Byrne pulled off the all important tackle to prevent any further advance.
In 79 minutes the breakthrough came from that man Barr when he made space and launched the ball past Samson from 20 yards to send the Rovers fans into a frenzy.
A minute later Mark Roberts soon followed by Willie Easton shot off-target at Rovers goal. In 85 minutes it was match over when a Reid cross was slipped in at the post by McFarlane sending large chunks of the home crowd heading for the exits.
On the stroke of 90 minutes Tyrell ran along the byline only to be blocked by the 'keeper. Gibson tackling Marc McCusker inside the United box was the last move of the game.
Summary
A superb result for Rovers against a team unbeaten at home last season, things look rosy for Paul Martin especially considering Marc Pollock and Todd Lumsden were unavailable. Rovers now await the draw for the second round of the ALBA Challenge Cup with interest!
Ayr United : Samson, Gibson, McGowan, James, Campbell (Roberts 53), Stevenson, Connolly, Keenan (Aitken 62), Prunty, Cawley, O'Brien (Easton 59). Subs Not Used : Grindlay, Borris.
Albion Rovers : Ewings, Reid, McGowan, Donnelly (Canning 89), Benton, O'Byrne, McKeown, Tyrrell, McFarlane, Walker (McCusker 82), Barr (Boyle 87). Subs Not Used : Gaston, Crozier.
Referee : Eddie Smith
Man of the Match - Bobby Barr