Albion Rovers 2
Arbroath 1
Scottish League (League Two)

Match Report

Arbroath travelled down to Coatbridge to take on Darren Young’s Albion Rovers hoping to get back to winning ways after the defeat by Queen’s Park last Saturday. It was a nice afternoon in Coatbridge with the sun shining and a huge support from both sets filling the vintage main stand. Dundee United goalkeeping coach and Arbroath legend Craig Hinchcliffe was in the crowd as he watched Marc McCallum. It was good to see David Crawford in attendance as well and I am sure he enjoyed his personal serenade throughout the game!

Marc McCallum came straight into the team as goalkeeper Scott Morrison missed out on the squad due to injury. Arbroath lined up with McCallum making his debut in goal with Little, Nicoll, El-Zubaidi and McBride in defence with Linn, Whatley, Hunter and Stewart in midfield with Kevin Buchan starting up front with McManus.

Albion Rovers kicked off the game and it was Arbroath who won the first corner of the game in the 2nd minute. The next few minutes went by with both midfields trying to get a grip on the game and the ball as both teams squandered possession. An early goal did come as Mark McGuigan was allowed to break down the wing and his cross was neatly finished by Marc McKenzie who shot across goal beating McCallum. Albion Rovers looked to keep their momentum with Ricky Little being flashed a yellow card after bringing down McKenzie as he broke free. Ross Davidson came close from the free kick but it zipped past McCallum’s post.

Arbroath started to get into the game and started to show signs of the menacing ruthlessness that we have come to expect. Keiran Stewart was getting into good space and finding his fellow midfielders with his good passing. Adam Hunter was soon finding his range as he shot just wide from 25 yards out. Arbroath did have the ball in the net as Paul McManus shot from close range but as first Parry saved, the ball bounced back out to a scramble as Kevin Buchan came in and blasted towards goal but his shot was saved only for Hunter to prod home the rebound but as soon as he ran to celebrate the goal was deemed offside with the linesman shouting that Number 8 (Hunter) was offside. Where is the Match of the Day instant replays when you need them?

Adam Hunter had another long range effort before he was fouled by Reid just outside the box. Both Hunter and McBride stood over the ball but it was McBride who stepped up and curled a beautiful left footed curling shot into the top corner! Arbroath were now dominating the game and as the celebrations ended McBride could be seen gesturing to his team mates to keep it up. Kevin Buchan and Paul McManus both had efforts on goal but the first 45 minutes came to an end without any more goals.

Half time - Albion Rovers 1 vs 1 Arbroath

As a police helicopter buzzed the local residential area before slowly flying over the ground the second half kicked off with Buchan and McManus over the ball. Ricky Little won an early corner kick for Arbroath but that was as close as Arbroath came before Bobby Linn broke into the box in the 50th minute but Neil Parry was quick to rush off his line and dived down before Linn could pull the trigger. Albion Rover’s Chaplain found good space but shot wide before Alan Reid was booked for bring down Bobby Linn right in front of the Arbroath bench as Linn’s Pace had Reid beat.

Arbroath again had another long range effort from Hunter as they were forced to play through the middle with no real width and no penetrating crosses to bring out the best of Buchan. Albion made the first change of the game with Mullin replacing Chaplain and it was the wee Rovers who were looking the most dangerous and started to press the Arbroath defence. McCallum made a great save from Gemmell before Arbroath made their first change with Jack Smith replacing Bobby Linn, with their second change just a few moments later with Simon Murray came on for Paul McManus.

Arbroath almost took the lead with an Aldin El-Zubaidi header which forced Parry to tip over from the Arbroath corner. However it was longtime Arbroath nemesis John Gemmell who put Albion Rovers into the lead as another flashing ball across the Arbroath box this time was headed in by John Gemmell before he ran towards the Arbroath supporters who also had been ‘serenading’ him throughout the match.

With only ten minutes left Arbroath tried to push forward but Albion Rovers proved why they have the best defence in the league as they managed to break up Arbroath’s attack and then looked to break on the counter attack. Goal scorer Marc McKenzie ended also being shown the yellow card but it mattered little as referee Gavin Ross blew for full time.

Match report written by Arbroath FC Official Website