Gretna 2 v 0 Albion Rovers 
Division 3
24th August 2002
Gretna 2 v 0 Albion Rovers
Division 3
24th August 2002
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Attendance : 443
Scorers ~ Gretna : McGuffie (66), Hore (84).
Until the 84th minute, Rovers were in with a chance of salvaging a point from this match; a match in which for long periods they played second fiddle to a Gretna side eager to prove that they were worthy of a place in with the big boys. At that point however, indecision in defence gave John Hore time to collect the ball, wheel and send a low shot crashing into the net via a post, any chance of a share vanishing at that instant.
Although - with the exception of the injured Chris Silvestro - it was the same personnel in the bright new strips, Rovers were only a shadow of the side which had roared to the top of the table with scintillating performances in recent weeks.
As early as the first minute, Gretna signalled their intentions when Stephen Skinner fired a fierce drive a yard or two over the crossbar, and the newcomers then continued with their mastery of the important midfield area, leaving Rovers struggling to put any cohesion into their play. It was not until the 5th minute that Rovers threatened up front, a Jim Mercer header being easily mopped up before Jered Stirling drove a wayward left-foot volley high, wide and anything but handsome.
Hore tested Scott Shearer in Rovers’ goal before an incisive move down the Gretna left necessitated Jordan Smith heading a strong cross for a corner. Five minutes from the break, with Rovers having one of their better spells, they won a free-kick out near the left touchline but when Kevin McAllister’s nicely flighted ball came over, Iain Diack headed wide of goal. Then McAllister was again in the picture when his beautifully struck shot deserved better than to scrape past the junction of post and crossbar.
At the start of the second half, Rovers looked to have a bit more purpose about their play, especially after Charles McLean replaced the out-of-form Diack. Indeed, in 53 minutes McLean might have made an immediate impact rather than sclaff a poor shot straight into the arms of home ‘keeper David Mathieson. Five minutes later it looked as if Todd Lumsden, with a reprise of his diving header strike against East Stirling, had put the Cliftonhill men ahead, but this time the ball passed the wrong side of the upright.
It was a severe blow to Rovers in 66 minutes when the home side took the lead. A cross from the right wing was met by Ryan McGuffie and his flashing header sent the ball high over Shearer for a spectacular goal. Within a minute however, John Bradford had the opportunity to level matters but his header from a James Coulter cross floated tamely into Mathieson’s arms.
Rovers were trying hard to retrieve the situation but their efforts near goal simply lacked the power or guile to succeed and when Hore netted the clincher six minutes from time there was no way back. Ironically however, Rovers then played better than at any other time during the game, but to no avail.
Few pass marks were earned in Rovers’ ranks, but Scott Shearer and Andy Paterson were the pick of the bunch.
Gretna : Mathieson, Hewson (Rooke 84), Skelton, Turner, May, Henney, Skinner, Irons, Dobie, Hore, McGuffie. Unused Subs : Cummersky, Smart, Bell, Trialist.
Albion Rovers : Shearer, Paterson, Stirling, Smith, Cormack, Lumsden, McAllister (Carr 69), Dick, Bradford, Diack (McLean 48), Mercer (Coulter 62). Unused Subs : McCaul, Fahey.
Referee : C Allan
Man of the Match : Scott Shearer
