Albion Rovers 1 v 2 Plymouth Argyle 
Friendly
28th July 2001
Albion Rovers 1 v 2 Plymouth Argyle
Friendly
28th July 2001
Scorers ~ Albion Rovers : Stirling (15). Plymouth Argyle : Heathcote (34), Coughlan (37).
In a match which was played with a question mark hanging over the word "friendly", this pre-season clash of the Third Divisions saw the English version come out on top by the narrowest of margins. Not for the first time in recent times, Rovers’ failings in front of goal were all too evident, but it was actually defensive weaknesses which allowed the Devon side to score the goals which gave them the win.
It all started so promisingly for the Cliftonhill men whose early play had the visitors in trouble. In the eleventh minute, an excellent long-range free-kick by captain Jamie McKenzie crashed off the junction of post and crossbar, and just four minutes later the yellow-jerseyed lads took a deserved lead. Jered Stirling, out on the left touchline at least thirty-five yards from goal, espied Luke McCormick off his line and fired in a glorious drive which flashed into the corner of the net past the astonished ‘keeper. Plymouth then gave themselves a shake and when Mick Heathcote met a Brian McGlinchey cross into the area, he really should have done better than head high over.
Play was quite even thereafter, but the game was turned on its head just after the half hour when Argyle suddenly found themselves in front. In the 34th minute, Chris Fahey pulled off a breathtaking save to deny the dangerous Brian McColligan, but when the resultant corner came over, an almighty scramble in the box ended with Heathcote prodding home from close in. Hardly had the game restarted when the visitors did it again with an almost identical move. Another corner was fired into the area, once again the defence failed to deal with it, and this time it was Graham Coughlan who was on the spot to force it over the line.
Although it was only the 37th minute, that not only ended the scoring for the day, but also much of the interest, for the second period was notable only for six substitutions, three bookings - and a Rovers’ penalty claim six minutes from time. With Rovers seeking an equaliser, Stirling swung yet another fine corner into the danger area and it certainly looked as if a green-shirted arm got in the way. However, referee John Gilmour thought otherwise and ignored the claim. Yellow cards were shown to Jamie McKenzie and Ryan McMullan of Rovers and Miguel Reisinho of Argyle
So, although a defeat was the outcome, it was another good work-out for John McVeigh’s lads as they prepare for the long season ahead.
Albion Rovers : Fahey, McKenzie, Stirling, Smith, Tait, Silvestro, Waldie (McLees 77), Easton (Booth 61), McLean (Harty 77), Trialist (McMullan 51), McKenna (Bonar 51).
Plymouth Argyle : McCormick, Connelly, McGlinchey, Wills, Heathcote, Coughlan (Adams 62), D’Sane, Reisinho, Critton, Trudgian, McColligan.
Referee : J Gilmour