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September 2002

(30/9/02)

Win For Reserves

Rovers' reserves tonight defeated Queen's Park by 2-0 in a fairly dull match at Cliftonhill. After a goalless first period, the visitors were reduced to ten men when substitute No 12 was dismissed for a "last man" offence, barely three minutes after coming on. From the resultant free-kick, Iain Diack struck a beautiful shot past the despairing 'keeper, and Rovers were ahead. A few minutes later, Rovers doubled their lead when John McCaig rose well at the back post to meet a Diack corner and send the ball flashing into the net. Although there was no more scoring, Rovers had by far the better of things and thoroughly deserved the win.

No Airdrie Second Eleven

Although a number of weeks ago we gave the news that Airdrie United would be playing their reserve matches at Cliftonhill, it now transpires that as our local rivals will not be operating at that level this season, the deal is off.

Oops
Like all the press at the game on Saturday we reported that Rovers fourth was scored by James Coulter, when in fact it was John Bradford that scored it. Thanks to Charles McLean for letting us know.

Shearer Update

Manager Peter Hetherston is today reported as Saying that goalkeeper Scott Shearer's week with Everton is so that the big man can spend some time under the wing of former Rangers' 'keeper Chris Woods. Maybe so, but it would be odd if the Goodison Park people were not also having a look at his potential. Spurs are reportedly keeping tabs on him too.

(28/9/02)

Shearer For Merseyside
We heard today that Rovers' 'keeper Scott Shearer is again off on his travels, this time to Everton. We understand the Scott will be with the Premiership giants for five days while they assess his potential.

Top Of The League
Rovers went top of the league with a 4-2 win at Hampden. A strange match with no less than four penalties, two for each team although Queen's missed one of theirs.

Event Called Off
The Cabaret & Karaoke Night scheduled for next Friday (4th) in Whifflet Community Centre has been cancelled due to insufficient interest.

Fan Of The Month
Bell's, the whisky company, have launched a "Fan of the Month" competition. The first winner was David Stafford, a blind Queen's Park supporter who makes a round trip from the south England regularly to follow his favourites. Every club has at least one fan who, while maybe not as dedicated (should that be "daft"?) as David, could well be worthy of nomination. No doubt we all have our own ideas. Nominations can be given to General Manager John Reynolds or sent direct to jo.dain@leedex.com.

Stadium Certificate Renewed
The annual inspection by officials from North Lanarkshire Council took place recently and the old stadium, the butt of many a joke, comfortably passed the rigorous demands of the inspecting party.

(27/9/02)

Under 18's Go Down

Rovers' youths were beaten 3-1 by Forfar Athletic at Station Park last night in a match which saw the Coatbridge youngsters finish with ten men. It was a thoroughly disappointing night for the lads, with only Willie McNab's goal raising the spirits.

Hampden Hopes

Manager Peter Hetherston today confirmed that he will have a full squad available for tomorrow's visit to Queen's Park. One player has a slight knock, but is expected to have recovered in time to take his place in the line-up.

Pitch Improvements

Following the manager's public criticism of the bumpy condition of the Cliftonhill pitch, immediate action is to be taken to improve the condition of the playing surface. Appropriate machinery is being made available in an attempt to eliminate the problem.

Bonar Back!

His many admirers will be happy to learn that Paul Bonar, missing from Rovers' plans so far this season, is back at Cliftonhill, albeit on a part-time basis. Paul, who joined the fire service earlier this year, will report for training on Monday, and his eventual return to the squad will give the manager a further option on the left of the field.

AGM News

Although now not being held on 5th of October as originally hoped, the club's long-awaited Annual General Meeting is on schedule for later in the month (possibly 26th). This further delay is apparently due to a lack of concrete information about some shareholders - their holding and location.

(25/9/02)

Social Event
Eddie Hagerty has asked us to remind fans that the club is organising a social fund-raising evening which will take place in Whifflet Community Centre on Friday 4th October. The event kicks-off between 7.30 - 8.pm and is described as a Cabaret & Karaoke Night and features Sandy Beaches and The Deckchairs. The cost of tickets is £5 and they're available from Cliftonhill or Eddie himself (phone 01236 603764).

Reserves/Youths News

Rovers' reserves will be in action next Monday night when they take on Queen's Park at Cliftonhill, KO 7.30pm. The Under 18s will be next on the Coatbridge turf when they meet Hamilton Accies on Wednesday 2nd October. The SFA Youth Cup tie against Edinburgh City is scheduled for Meadowbank Stadium on Wednesday 9th October at 7.30pm.

(23/9/02)

No More Injuries

Following Saturday's disappointing draw with our current bogey team, Elgin City, there is only the normal quota of match knocks and bruises for our physio to treat.

Air Horn Menace Curbed

Irrespective of how the vote on this site turns out, we understand that the juvenile-minded adult who has been blasting the senses with an air horn at the last couple of matches will be told in no uncertain terms that the awful noise must cease.

(22/9/02)

Youths Triumph At Elgin

After travelling north last night, two teams of Rovers' youngsters were this morning in action against their counterparts from Elgin City - and both came out on top. The Under 18s beat their Borough Briggs rivals 2-0 thanks to a double strike by Mark McKenzie and the Under 14s were victorious by the magnificent margin of 9-3! In this one, Rovers' goals came from Quinn (3) and Docherty (2), with Larkin, O'Neil, Reid and Finnessy notching one each.

(21/9/02)

McMullan Earns Elgin A Point
Former Rovers forward Ryan McMullan returned to Cliftonhill and scored the goal which got Elgin a draw. Top scorer last season Charles McLean (who had suggested he'd do a column for this site but hasn't yet) broke his duck today getting Rovers equaliser. Rovers would have won the game if John Bradford had scored with a penalty obtained when McLean was brought down by the Elgin keeper in the first half, the keeper saved the poorly taken shot.

(18/9/02)

Crunchie Testimonial

Rovers' have given permission for veteran Kevin McAllister to play in his own testimonial at Brockville on Friday 4th October, the night before Rovers make their second trip of the season to Gretna. It is expected however, that the wee man will make little more than a token appearance for the Bairns. A nice touch is that the entire Rovers' first team squad will go along to support their colleague on his big night.

(17/9/02)

Reserves : Stenhousemuir 5; Albion Rovers 3

The fact that there were as many yellow cards as there were goals in this match should not be taken to indicate that it was a dirty game - it wasn't, even though Stenny finished with just ten men. It was simply another example of a referee being just too free with the colours.

Before the match had properly warmed-up Rovers had stormed into a two-goal lead through excellent strikes by David Carr in 2 minutes and Lee Duncan just three minutes later. Stenhousemuir pulled one back in 10 minutes, but midway through the half, the two-goal margin was restored when Iain Diack netted from the spot. After Chris Fahey had brilliantly parried a fierce drive from home striker David McFarlane, the same player was again sent clear and when Fahey advanced to make the challenge, the striker regained possession and trundled the ball into the empty net. Shortly afterwards, the scores were level when McFarlane once more took advantage of a fortunate break. 3-3 at the interval and a good second period in prospect.

It didn't really work out that way however, as referee Colin Brown's whistle was seldom silent. The hosts took the lead for the first time via a back post header in 53 minutes and although defender Alex McMillan saw red for a second offence in 82 minutes, Stenny sealed the win with a fifth goal two minutes from the end.

Albion Rovers : Fahey, Stevenson, McCaul, Weir, Richardson, Trialist, Silvestro, Dick (Mackie 66), Diack, Duncan, Carr. Unused Subs : Connolly, McStay

Reserves At Ochilview

Youths Back To Dublin
Youth coach Jimmy Lindsay today revealed that next month, fifteen members of his Under-18 squad will embark on a five-week training exercise to Dublin where they will link-up with Irish giants Shelbourne. The course, sponsored by Scottish Enterprise (Lanarkshire) and Cumbernauld College amongst others, is seen as an opportunity to broaden the youngsters' horizons in educational and football matters. During their absence, it is likely that all the remaining Cliftonhill youth teams will move up an age group to fulfill fixtures.

Foxes Update
General Manager John Reynolds is having great difficulty in arranging for the removal of the Cliftonhill foxes - the ones digging up the pitch on a regular basis. John reports that in spite of making representations to a variety of animal welfare organisations, none is willing to accept responsibility. So, in the short tem at least, groundsman Hugh McBride must deal with the almost daily problem.

(14/9/02)

Valuable Win
Despite having three midfield players suspended Rovers managed an excellent display at Cappielow to win by 1-0. Todd Lumsden was the man who scored the important goal in the first half which was dominated by Rovers. Kevin McAllister didn't let his advanced years slow him down, and was magnificent until subbed near the end.

(13/9/02)

Shearer Back To Reality!

At Cliftonhill this morning, goalkeeper Scott Shearer was back to the reality of the Scottish Third Division after sampling the high life during his three days with Bolton Wanderers. Scott was full of praise for the Lancashire outfit (and its facilities) - and the fact that the club had him as their guest at the tremendous win over Manchester United the other night at Old Trafford in front of 67,623. In addition, reports have come back to Rovers that Scott conducted himself in an exemplary fashion while down there, as well as impressing with his abilities. Bolton (and others, no doubt) will be keeping a close eye on the big fellow in the run-up to the next transfer window in January.

No Injury Worries

Manager Peter Hetherston reports that his squad is injury-free for tomorrow's trip to Greenock. That's the good news! The bad news is, of course, that he'll be without the services of Chris Silvestro, Jim Dick and Jim Mercer - all suspended. What permutation of the remainder will be fielded? We won't know until just before tomorrow's kick-off.

New Mini-Buses?

Jimmy Lindsay also reports that within the next couple of weeks he hopes to take delivery of two new mini-buses for club use. The current vehicle has given sterling service but is apparently approaching the end of its useful life and requires to be replaced. Talks with sponsors are now at an extremely advanced stage and the deal should soon be finalised.

(12/9/02)

FIFA Relax Signing Ban
The news tonight has reported that FIFA have agreed to let clubs sign players who're out of contract. Whether Silky will make use of this option remains to be seen.

(11/9/02)

Shearer At Bolton

McAllister Testimonial
It has come to attention that Crunchie is to be honoured by his old club Falkirk. The testimonial game is against Hibernian on the 11th of October (a Friday night). Presumably it has deliberately arranged for the night before a free Saturday caused by a Scotland international the following day. Unfortunately Rovers new year game at Gretna has been brought forward to that Saturday and will presumably curtail McAllister's participation in the game.

CIS Defeat
A dubious penalty put Accies into the 2nd round of the CIS cup today. Nobody (except the referee) seemed to know what caused the Accies No. 9 to fall in the box. Callaghan put the ball past Shearer.

Two red cards for the second week in a row cost Rovers dear in the CIS cup game against Accies. Rovers will lose sponsors money for each red and yellow card. In 78 minutes Chris Silvestro was red carded for a bad tackle on Bonnar who decided to kick Silvio who was on the ground by this time. Another dozen players appeared on the spot within seconds and a melee was narrowly avoided, nobody else was shown a card for this incident. Jim Mercer was red carded for an off the ball incident in 89 minutes while jostling in the box for a free-kick (he and some Accies players had been warned previously for similar incidents).

There was one arrest at the end of the game. Someone wearing a Rovers scarf and Rangers change strip apparently tried to have a go at a player or official as they entered the tunnel. One bright spot was the return of the usual Scott Shearer (the one who plays well that is).

(05/9/02)

Fans' Forum

On Thursday night at Cliftonhill the first in a series of Fans' Forums took place. A reasonable number of supporters turned out to hear General Manager John Reynolds and Director Eddie Haggerty make some statements and answer questions on a variety of topics. The fans learned that the long-awaited AGM will probably take place on Saturday 5th October prior to the home match against Montrose; that former board member Gordon Dishington has become involved in an unofficial commercial role and that various options regarding our stadium are still on the table.

There were also discussions on the way forward for the club, the youth policy, season tickets and fund-raising efforts. All in all, it was voted a useful exercise. Approx 16 fans turned up.

Click To Enlarge

Silvio Doubt

We understand that Chris Silvestro's recovery from injury has not been a rapid as first thought and that his chances of playing in Saturday's CIS match against Hamilton are rated at no more than 50/50.

Diack Problem

We understand that striker Iain Diack is suffering from a blood viral problem which may keep him out of action for a couple of weeks. The problem - which leads to tiredness and a lack of energy - became apparent at the interval in the game at Gretna when Ian was withdrawn from the field.

(04/9/02)

Fans Forum
Don't forget the fans forum at Cliftonhill tomorrow night (k-o 7.30).

New Strips "In"
General Manager John Reynolds reports that additional supplies of the new strips have arrived from the suppliers, and that they are currently having the Reigart name added. John is hopeful that they will be available at Saturday's match. The largest size obtainable is 46"/48", so even our biggest fan should find one to fit!

Food News
Youth Coach Jimmy Lindsay has negotiated a contract with local company Wernick Hire to provide a catering unit for installation at Cliftonhill. Built on the Portakabin principle, the purpose-built self-contained unit will probably be situated at the south west corner of the ground (left of the stand). In a unique agreement, it will be staffed by catering students from Motherwell College who will supply meals to the youth players - and presumably full-timers - during the day. It is also possible that it will eventually be used for corporate hospitality purposes on matchdays.

(03/9/02)

Reserves Lose

Tonight Rovers played their first match for a number of years in the Reserve League West, narrowly losing 3-2 to a strong St. Mirren team. Shades of Saturday still hung around Cliftonhill as Rovers were one down with only two minutes played. Just before the half hour, Rovers drew level when a good ball from Kevin McAllister found Charles McLean on the left and the striker's strong shot hit the net from an angle. Within six minutes however, the Buddies were back in front when a splendid volley by the experienced (and rather bulky) Mark Yardley volleyed past Chris Fahey. In the 53rd minute David Carr scored a brilliant individual goal to restore equality, but with 17 minutes remaining Saint sealed the win when a cross from the right was bundled in at the back post. This was a good work out for Rovers who were unlucky to lose. Note all the folk watching from the hill despite it being free to get in!

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Reserve Match Tonight!

After an absence of a few years, Rovers have rejoined the Reserve League West and will play their first match at Cliftonhill tonight with a 7pm kick-off. The opposition will be First Division St. Mirren and Rovers will field a mixture of old and new.

United At Cliftonhill

Rovers have reached agreement with Airdrie United that the newly-formed club will play reserve matches at Cliftonhill, bringing additional much-needed revenue to the club.

Dismissal Update

Following investigation, Rovers have concluded that there is no way they can appeal against Andy Paterson's red card on Saturday. Tom Cooper's match video of the incident appears to confirm that there was little or no contact with the East Fife actor and that Paterson was correct to be indignant at the decision. Under the "different Competition" rule, Jim Dick, our other chief sinner, will be able to play on Saturday - if selected, of course.

(02/9/02)

Paterson Appeal?