Rovers half way to Division 2

Albion Rovers are on course for their first promotion since 1989 with a hard working 3-1 win over Annan Athletic

The Rovers took the lead in the 14^th minute after Lawless and Chaplain had shots comfortably saved by Summersgill in the visiting goal. The opening goal came when Gemmell’s cross from the right fell for Love after a miskick from Lawless but the winger made no mistake from 6 yards out.

The remainder of the first half was poor stuff with a swirling wind causing problems for both sets of players. Annan did get a grip of the game in the closing 15 minutes and it was no surprise when they equalised.

A throw in from the right was thrown into the box by Muirhead and was volleyed home by former Rovers man Harty. The visitors could have been further ahead before the break but Muirhead saw a shot deflected wide.

The second half also started poorly, and it was the 66^th minute before we had a shot on goal. Ryan Stevenson’s effort from the edge of the box proving easy for the keeper.

But two minutes later the midfielder robbed Docherty at the edge of the box and despite his two efforts to round the keeper proving unsuccessful the ball eventually fell for Love to poke home his second of the night.

The game was sealed on 76 minutes, and it was a brilliant goal for the Rovers. McGowan’s ball from the right was dummied by Love for Gemmell to play the ball back into his path to roll the ball into the net for his hat trick.

Amazingly after the game Rovers Manager Paul Martin wasn’t too impressed by his team saying it was a good result but not a good performance given the standards they have set this season. A man who is clearly hard to please…..