East Fife 0 v 0 Albion Rovers 
Division 3
4th August 2001
East Fife 0 v 0 Albion Rovers
Division 3
4th August 2001
Attendance : 465
In spite of the fact that this was a better outcome for Rovers than in the same fixture twelve months ago, it was a bitterly disappointed John McVeigh who left New Bayview this afternoon after watching his men squander a hatful of chances - just one of which would have been enough to gain the three points the Coatbridge side deserved. The culprits are obviously already well aware of their shortcomings and no doubt they will be forcibly reminded of them by the disbelieving boss.
Although it has to be admitted that East Fife were a poor outfit, Rovers nevertheless played very well, with intelligent football and a high degree of commitment allowing them to control things for long periods. Indeed, the Fifers played second fiddle to the constructive play of Rovers who restricted their hosts to just a couple of real opportunities throughout the game.
New signings Charlie McLean, Paul Bonar and Steve Hamilton failed to make the starting line up although all three found places on the bench.
With only two minutes on the clock, a Steve McCormick lob was wide of the target and seven minutes later Ryan McMullan’s cut-back from the line did not find a friendly foot. Shortly afterwards, McCormick was again in the spotlight when his volley from a Colin Waldie cross flew straight into ‘keeper Ross Godfrey’s arms. Rovers continued to dictate matters and just after the half hour a long clearance from goalkeeper Chris Fahey found McMullan in great position, but the youngster screwed his shot wide of the goal. Then, just before the interval, McMullan had another drive saved and a great instinctive lob from distance by Waldie sailed over the crossbar with Godfrey nowhere.
On the restart, East Fife at last began to make some positive moves upfield but Kenny Munro was unable to convert either of two good chances presented to him. Midway through the half, a mix-up in Rovers’ defence almost led to disaster, but a fingertip diversion by Fahey saved the day. Then Rovers’ substitute Paul Bonar made space for himself but fluffed the final shot before Charlie McLean had the visitors hanging their heads in despair. A poor clearance from Godfrey was headed back into the Fifers’ half. From a possibly offside position, the new striker latched on to the ball and ran in on the exposed goalkeeper and looked odds on to score. However, a combination of a less than perfect shot and a brave dive by the ‘keeper saw the ball diverted away from the goal.
Even then, it just looked a matter of time before Rovers were rewarded for their pressure and when Bonar found himself in space twenty yards out, the game was there to be won. Unfortunately however, his drive was a couple of yards too high and the Fifers breathed again. At the final whistle, the relief on the home faces was there for all to see. So, a better start for Rovers. Sooner or later those chances will begin to be converted and the Coatbridge lads will be on the march.
East Fife : Godfrey, Wilson, Gallagher, Gibson, Mortimer, Ovenstone, Herkes (Nairn 33), Graham (Cunningham 80), McManus, Munro, Allan. Subs not used : Lofting, Courts, Trialist.
Albion Rovers : Fahey, McKenzie, Stirling, Smith, Tait, Silvestro, Waldie, Easton (Hamilton 46), McMullan (McLean 60), McCormick, McKenna (Bonar 40). Subs not used : Carr, Shearer.
Referee : Alan Gemmill
Man of the Match : Jordan Smith
