Greenock
Morton 2 v 1 Albion Rovers 
Division 3
18th January 2003
Greenock
Morton 2 v 1 Albion Rovers
Division 3
18th January 2003
Mini-movie of Rovers goal
Click to enlarge
Attendance : 2405
Scorers ~ Greenock Morton : Williams (10), McGregor (86). Albion Rovers : Mercer (30).
With only four minutes left of what had been a nail-biting second half, it looked as if Rovers had done enough to deny Morton for a third time this season. However, it was not to be, as in a carbon-copy of Jim Mercer’s goal for Rovers, Derek McGregor’s glancing header sent the home fans into raptures of delight - or was that relief?
Then, even although the whistle was imminent, there was still enough time left for referee McGarry to ignore what appeared to be a perfectly valid claim for a free-kick on the edge of the box, a decision which led to incensed manager Peter Hetherston being banished to the stand, Jock McStay warned and substitute ‘keeper Chris Fahey being booked - and he wasn’t even on the field!
Following the initial sparring, in six minutes home newcomer Lee Robertson’s left foot snap shot was yards wide of Rovers’ goal. Only four more minutes had elapsed however, when a devastating pass from midfield found John Maisano wide on the right with no defenders near him. He slung an accurate cross into the middle where Alex Williams - also well clear of markers - waited, and the Division’s top scorer coolly slotted the ball behind Shearer. This early reversal. was the last thing Rovers needed, and it was a real blow.
Equaliser
Following Jered Stirling’s 18th minute booking, a pacey John Bradford cross was just missed by Iain Diack, then a good thirty-five yard drive by Marco Maisano was well held by Shearer. A Diack header from an Andy Paterson cross was saved by Craig Coyle in the home goal, as Rovers took control of matters for a substantial spell. It all paid off in 30 minutes when an inswinging corner by Jered Stirling was head-glanced into the net by captain Jim Mercer. At this stage, it was no more than the visitors deserved.
Unsurprisingly however, the Greenock team fought back and a Jani Uotinen 20-yarder was well held by the Rovers’ goalkeeper. With the interval approaching, Diack shot past, a hanging cross by Robertson was punched clear by Shearer and from a Kevin McAllister free-kick, Diack headed the ball back across goal where Mercer, at the back post, just failed to get the final touch.
Into what was to be a torrid second period, and for the first fifteen or so minutes, Rovers were under severe pressure - coping well in defence but with clearances often going astray. John McCaig then had his name added to the list of wrongdoers. In 66 minutes, McAllister and Bradford made way for Jim Dick and Charles McLean, and home defender Derek Collins, the sponsors’ Man of the Match, was booked. One minute later, the visiting fans were on their feet to acclaim Rovers’ second goal - only it didn’t happen! Sent clear by a superb ball from midfield, Diack raced in on Coyle and seemed a sure bet to stick it away. For some reason however, the elected to fire low for goal, and Coyle saved. If he had taken the ball round the keeper, well . . .
A Montford-type stramash almost on Rovers’ goal-line was ended by Shearer before McCaig’s head met another corner kick to send the ball inches past the upright. Then Diack had another chance to grab the lead, but his low shot from around twenty yards was saved by Coyle. Yet another scramble close to Rovers’ goal had the pulses racing before the ball was booted upfield and a try by the impressive Uotinen sped across the face of the goal with no takers. Phew!
Disaster
In the 84th minute, Shearer raced form goal to beat Williams to the ball, but just two minutes more had passed when McGregor’s header found the net for what proved to be the decisive goal. Rovers were distraught, but after Mark Weir had replaced Paterson, they rallied to make their traditional fighting finish. Unfortunately it didn’t work out this time and the touchline histrionics from people who really should know better simply soured what had been an exciting encounter.
Finally, a message to Greenock stand patrons. You really ought to take lessons in reality. Of course, support your team and be annoyed when things don’t always suit the script. However, it’s simply inconceivable to suggest that every decision given against your favourites is wrong, and that every tackle or challenge by the opposition is a case of assault and battery! You’re even worse than Queen’s Park supporters in this respect - and that’s saying something!
Greenock Morton : Coyle, Collins, Bottligieri, McGregor, Henderson, M Maisano, Robertson, J Maisano, Williams (McAllister 90), Hawke (Cannie 72), Uotinen. Unused Subs : McDonald, Gaughan, McGurn.
Albion Rovers : Shearer, Paterson (Weir 87), Stirling, Smith, McCaig, Lumsden, McAllister (Dick 66), Silvestro, Bradford (McLean 66), Diack, mercer. Unused Subs : Cormack, Fahey.
Referee : Brian McGarry
Man of the Match : Chris Silvestro
