Manager Peter Hetherston declared himself well satisfied with the exercise which saw all the players in action at some time. The only two regulars who did not feature were the holidaying Kevin McAllister and the injured Chris Silvestro.

The only blot on an otherwise successful trip was an injury to striker John Bradford who suffered damage to a medial ligament and was last seen hobbling about on crutches. At best, Braddo will be out of action for a few weeks. "This is a real blow", said the manager, "and it’s really disappointing for the lad, especially as he had done all the pre-season build-up."

Malahide 0; Albion Rovers 3

This match, played in the ghostly stadium of the Bohemian club, saw Rovers deservedly come out on top. John Bradford lasted only three minutes before he was crocked, with Mark "Squib" McKenzie taking his place and turning in a performance which outshone many of his more illustrious colleagues.

Rovers took the lead in 12 minutes when McKenzie found new boy David Farrell in front of goal and the debutante netted with a low shot under the ‘keeper. The visitors continued to press forward and a splendid Graeme McCaul drive was turned aside by the Malahide goalkeeper, undoubtedly his side’s best player. It was not until the 28th minute that Chris Fahey in Rovers’ goal was called into action when he easily held a long-range effort. Five minutes later, the lead was doubled when a McKenzie cross was turned into his own net by a harassed Malahide defender, and although the Coatbridge lads combined well, they could not increase their advantage.

In the second half, Rovers made several substitutions - the appearance of Mark Yardley being one of them - and the big man got his name on the scoresheet in the final minute when he had time to pick his spot.

Belgrove United 1; Albion Rovers 1

The following afternoon Rovers - with Yardley replacing the stricken Bradford - faced a stiffer test against league champions Belgrove at the impressive AUL complex.

Following the initial bout of sparring, Rovers went ahead in the 18th minute. David Farrell’s fine free-kick was diverted for a corner and when the ball came over there was something of a scramble before Mark Yardley’s effort was adjudged to have crossed the line. Iain Diack and Jim Mercer were then out of luck, the latter seeing a great hook shot come crashing off the face of the crossbar. In spite of some good play, Rovers were unable to add to their tally before the break.

Belgrove drew level in 64 minutes when Jordan Smith unfortunately slipped when going for a through ball, leaving home striker Whitworth with an easy task to round Chris Fahey and net the equaliser. Three minutes later the ‘keeper showed that he had lost none of his agility when he dived to make a splendid save at the base of a post.

This was a tough workout for Rovers against a no-nonsense Irish outfit with considerable talent in their ranks.

Youths in Action

Belgrove United

Manortown United

Also on the trip were Rovers’ youngsters who had a couple of tough matches against skilled opponents. Their first match - against the Belgrove under-21’s - was a disappointing affair which finished goalless, but the second fixture against the amateurs of Manortown United was a much more satisfying exercise which saw our lads triumph by 4-2. It took just ten minutes for the young ‘Vers to make their mark when Gary Robertson shot home. However, the hosts drew level within a couple of minutes when a good move gave Kevin Swain in Rovers’ goal no chance. Six minutes before the break, Andy McLeish restored the lead with a fine header, but the interval score was 2-2 with Manor Town netting almost on the whistle.

Rovers dominated the second period with Graeme McCaul and John Calderwood scoring the goals which sealed the win.