Albion Rovers 1 Stranraer 1

Stranraer started well in the 80 degree heat and the first chance fell to Michael Moore when he was sent clean through but under pressure he somehow shot wide from 10 yards. The Blues continued to press and it was no surprise when we took the lead in the 22nd minute. Allan Jenkins broke the offside trap. (Jenkins wasn't offside but two other players were but they were ruled not to be interfering, as the ball didn't go anywhere near them). Jenky continued his run and squared the ball to Paul Kerr who rammed the ball home from close range to put the Blues one up. The lead was well deserved.

The goal going in seemed to wake up Rovers and they forced a corner a couple of minutes later. The in swinging corner to the back post evaded McCondichie and Paul McManus was left with an easy header to level the scoring. After being completely outplayed Rovers must have delighted to be back level so quickly.

The match turned tousy and scrappy for the rest of the half. Not more so when Davie Farrell (ex Stranraer) and Tom McAllister went in for a 50-50. McAllister came out the worse because Farrell was off the ground with his two-footed tackle. The ex Blues player was fortunate to stay on the park. The last chance for Stranraer in the half was when after a good move involving Jenkins and Sharp with the final cross finding Finlayson in space at the back post but his volley was dragged narrowly wide.

The second half was a story of what might have been for both sides but Stranraer really should have won it with a string of bad misses and bad luck and also great goalkeeping.

Fifteen minutes into the half the Blues fans thought there team had won it when Moore was put clean through and is lob over the goalie looked to be going in on the full until it unbelievably bounced up and hit the bar. The rebound fell to Paul Kerr and he somehow forced hit wide from six yards. Ahh! Rovers responded with big Jim Mercer hitting a cracking 30 yard half volley against the joint of crossbar and post with Andy McCondichie posted missing.

Michael Moore went close again with a flick on from a Lee Sharp free kick. It was then Sharp's turn in the 85th minute to have a go when his thunderous first time 25 yarder was well saved by Fahey. Fraser Wright then went close. Then the moment the large travelling support were waiting on. A deep corner appeared to be cleared but Murray Henderson ran out towards the edge of the box and was rather clumsily challenged from the back. A clear penalty even if the Rovers fans didn't think so. Moore stepped up and thundered it to the goalies left but he got down and made a fine save. The penalty was well struck but it was at the goalies perfect height. Just near the end Moore could have won it when a deep long cross from Swift found him unmarked but once again Fahey made a fine save.

Man of the Match - Kevin Finlayson The winger once again had a great game with great link up play between himself and Stephen Swift. Also Dexi and Jenky had good games.

Attendance: 323???