Scorers ~ Albion Rovers : Stirling (35), Silvestro (53), Bradford (71).

Although the general performance was not quite so impressive as in recent matches, the end result proved that Rovers have the credentials to see off any team in the Third Division. As a measure of expectation, it’s really come to something when our supporters are disappointed that we scored only three!

Mind you, the first half was a bit iffy in parts and manager Peter Hetherston had a go at his lads at the interval. It paid off with a much better showing after the break and the win was sealed long before the finish.

Within the first five minutes or so, there were a few chances - mainly for Rovers - the best of which was a Jered Stirling long-range effort which flew over the bar. The visitors also caused a brief flutter when Gregor McKechnie’s deep cross was held by Scott Shearer under his own crossbar.

Although Rovers were generally in control, in the 18th minute Montrose almost shocked the home faithful with a McKechnie snap shot from around 22 yards which had Shearer scrambling across his line. Fortunately for Rovers, it passed inches outside the post. The visitors were dealt a blow in the 22nd minute when midfielder Grant Johnston took a knock and had to be replaced by Graeme McCheyne. After Chris Silvestro, spotting Gary McGlynn off his line, was out of luck with an audacious 30 yard lob, Steve Kerrigan and Kevin Webster combined to threaten but Shearer’s block and drop saved the day. The long-awaited opener came in 35 minutes when, from a Kevin McAllister corner, the ball reached the unmarked Stirling whose low drive rifled into the net through the proverbial forest of legs.

With half-time approaching, Mark Yardley shot straight at McGlynn and McKechnie’s blooter sailed harmlessly over the bar.

There were 53 minutes on the clock when Silvestro capped a fine display with a stunning goal from about 20 yards. Similar to Stirling’s, it followed a half clearance and the wee man’s screamer was in the net before anyone could move. What a goal! There was no holding Rovers now, and some of the football on display was well above what might be termed Third Division standard. The further reward for industry came in 77 minutes when John Bradford - a replacement for Iain Diack - took advantage of a defender’s slip to knock number three past McGlynn.

So, another satisfactory performance - and the important three points. Things are looking good around Cliftonhill way at the present! As is now the norm, there were many contenders for the top honour, but Chris Silvestro’s drive, commitment - and goal - just swung it his way.

Albion Rovers : Shearer, McCaig, Stirling, Smith, Cormack, Lumsden, McAllister (Dick 77), Silvestro, Yardley (McLean 77), Diack (Bradford 61), Mercer. Unused Subs : Paterson, Fahey.

Montrose : McGlynn, Donachie, Ferguson, Gibson, Christie, McQuillan, Webster (Thompson 61), Johnston (McCheyne 22), McKechnie, Kerrigan (Brand 79), Riley. Unused Subs : Henderson, Hankinson.

Referee : Tom Brown.