Late penalty controversy sees Rovers through in Challenge Cup

Jul 30 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Stenhousemuir 0 Albion Rovers 1

TIGHT games hinge on big decisions.

And at Ochilview on Saturday, they didn’t come much bigger than referee Bobby Madden awarding Rovers a penalty with just three minutes left on the clock.

This hard-fought Challenge Cup first round encounter looked like going the distance until the man with the whistle stepped in – and sparked controversy.

Pat Walker charged into the box, looking for the shooting chance that would blast the Coatbridge outfit into the next round.

But he ended up on the deck when he collided with Stenny defender Gary Thom. Mr Madden pointed to the spot and the home side hit the roof.

And with the Larbert men simmering quietly, midfielder Ciaran Donnelly confidently stepped up to clinch victory for boss Paul Martin in his first game in charge of Rovers.

“The players were terrific and worked really hard,” said the gaffer. “Although they had a lot of possession I thought we thoroughly deserved the win and had the better chances.

“I was delighted with our workrate and organisation and I am sure the boys enjoyed their Saturday night.

“But we don’t want to get carried away. It is only one win and it is up to us to keep working hard for each other.

“This is a good first step. We did a lot of things well against Stenny and our counter-attacking play was terrific.”

But did he think it was a spot-kick from his vantage point in the stand where he was serving the first of a two-match ban?

“It certainly looked suspect,” Martin admitted. “I know their manager John Coughlin said he didn’t think it was a penalty and from my angle, I would say the same.

“But Pat is adamant that he was clipped and I believe him.

“It looked soft and I would have been disappointed if it had been given against us.”

What isn’t in doubt is how important a win this was for Rovers. There is a feelgood factor and renewed optimism in abundance ahead of this weekend’s league opener against Forfar Athletic.

Martin handed a debut to new signing Marc Pollock but fellow fresh face Tommy Coyne had to be content with a seat on the bench.

He worked hard up front and created a chance for man-of-the-match Bobby Barr whose effort was wide of the target.

Former St Johnstone youngster Barr caused problems for the Warriors defence all afternoon and showed he will be a real asset as the season unfolds.

Just after the half-hour mark, Rovers were a lick of paint away from breaking the deadlock.

Barr was fouled in the ‘D’, and from the resulting free-kick Donnelly’s drive smashed off the bar.

Rovers keeper David Scott did well to block smartly from Scott Dalziel in the 35th minute after he got on the end of an Iain Thomson cross.

Both sides cancelled each other out immediately after the restart before Barr had the ball in the net in the 54th minute.

But his joy was short-lived as the flag had gone up for offside seconds earlier.

Stenny stopper Scott Bennett shoved away a Walker header from a Barr corner as Martin’s men started to turn the screw.

The same pair combined again soon after, with Bennett on his toes, the Ochilview No 1 then blocking Danny Ferry’s diving header.

Coughlin’s troops enjoyed a short spell of pressure but didn’t really test Scott and the Rovers defence who held firm.

The fans were resigned to extra-time until Walker’s run and Mr Madden’s decision led to Donnelly’s delight.

Advertiser man of the match: Bobby Barr. Put in a power of work and looked dangerous.

Stenhousemuir: Bennett, Lyle, McGroarty, Thom, Smith, Tyrrell, Shirra, Hampshire (Ferguson 80), Dalziel, Gibson (Love 65), Thomson. Subs not used: McEwan, Motion, Renton(gk).

Albion Rovers: Scott, Reid, McGowan, R Walker, Benton, Hughes, Ferry (Martin 71), Donnelly, Pollock, Barr, P Walker. Subs not used: Wright, Coyne, McGoldrick, Mitchell(gk).

Booked: Donnelly, Barr.

Referee: Bobby Madden.

Attendance: 323

Moment of the match: Ciaran Donnelly keeping a cool head to fire home the decisive spot-kick.