Stenhousemuir vs Albion Rovers

Match Report

MATCH REPORT

Stenhousemuir v Albion Rovers at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir  on 15.02.20

SPFL Ladbrokes League Two             Att 576

Stenhousemuir 1 [Biabi 20] Albion Rovers 0

Stenhousemuir – Smith, Tiffoney, Wilson, Armstrong, Burns, Hopkirk, McLaughlin, Moore, Blair, [Harkins 74] Biabi [McBrearty 79] and Spence [McGuigan 89]. Subs not used – Marley, Massouaghou, McBride and A.Munro, 

Albion Rovers – Goodfellow, Krones, Clarke, Wharton, McAllister, Morena [East 73]. Roberts [Paterson 85], Graham, See, Byrne and Scally. Subs not used – Potts, Wilson, Lynas, Doherty and Phillips

Referee – Chris Graham                     Assistants – Craig Ferguson and        Kevin McElhinney

The Warriors prior to this game had a dreadful home record having failed to win a league game since October and in this game they were up against a team that seems to have a hex over them. There was one change to the side that drew with Cowdenbeath as Ryan Blair returned after injury with Gary Harkins going to the bench where among his colleagues was Andy Munro who had served his suspension after his dismissal against Edinburgh City.

The weather was atrocious with driving wind and rain but as in the Cowdenbeath game both teams tried where possible to play football rather that just hoof the ball anywhere and hope for the best.

Stenhousemuir thought that they had taken the lead in the first minute of the game when a Greig Spence header came off the underside of the bar but whether if crossed the line is open to debate.

Albion Rovers then came close to opening their account two minutes later when Graeme Smith denied Scott Roberts with a top class save from a well driven shot.

In the 20^th minute though the home side took the lead. Scott McLaughlin picked out David Hopkirk with a perfectly weighted pass and Hopkirk’s cross cum shot was chested home by Botti Biabi at the back post. Albion Rovers were unhappy that the goal was given as they felt that Hopkirk was offside when he delivered the cross.

Greig Spence fired just wide under pressure from Bryan Wharton in the 32^nd minute before the Coatbridge side were denied once again a minute later when an instinctive save by Smith kept a Will Graham effort out.

Stenhousemuir though ended the half stronger and had strong claims for a penalty turned down in the 39^th minute when Jonathan Tiffoney went down under a challenge but the referee felt that not enough contact had been made.

Biabi who worked relentlessly during the first period almost scored his second with a shot that Ryan Goodfellow did well to push out. The keeper then kept his wits about him in the 43^rd minute forcing Hopkirk wide after a counter attack saw the Warrior clear on goal after Spence slid the ball into his path. Hopkirk eventually ran the ball out of play.

The second half saw few chances for either side with the nearest to a goal coming from a Roberts shot that was saved once again by Smith. The visitors brought on Euan East who in previous games had caused all sorts of problems but this time the danger was snuffed out as Stenhousemuir achieved their first clean sheet at Ochilview since September and picked up a vital three points in the process.

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