First league win leaves Rovers boss a happy man

Aug 27 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

JUBILANT Albion Rovers boss Paul Martin this week heaped praise on his players after they notched up their first league win of the season.

The Cliftonhill outfit defeated Berwick Rangers 2-0 on Saturday thanks to a Pat Walker double.

And Martin - who takes his team to SFL shock troops Annan Athletic this weekend - was quick to pay tribute to his players’ fighting spirit.

He said: “It is brilliant for the players. It must have been hard for them to keep pitching up at three o’clock every Saturday, producing what they were, and not getting any rewards.

“We just need to gain more momentum and have a little bit more belief in our abilities. We are as good as everybody we have played against so far.

“I am confident of where we are at and if we can add a couple of players I think we will be okay.

“Both of our goals against Berwick came as a result of some excellent football and I felt we played really well.”

Annan currently sit in second place in the Third Division table and have surprised many observers with their performances to date.

Martin added: “It is going to be a real test for us and it will be interesting to see if we can handle them physically as they are a big, strong side.

“They have started well, are unbeaten and Harry Cairney, their manager, will have them well-organised and difficult to beat.

“They haven’t been a surprise. Anyone who spends money - and they have spent a bit of money - will always have a chance.

“Annan will be very dangerous opponents. They are on a high and, having just been elected into the league, are probably still running on a bit of adrenaline just now.

“There is very little between the teams at the moment and I don’t think the front-runners have evolved yet.”

Martin was impressed with the displays of new signings Mark Casey - who went off with a thigh injury in the first half - and man-of-the-match Ross Harris and believes they will prove key figures as the season progresses.

He said: “Mark showed what a good player he is and Ross’s quality was there for everybody to see.

“I am delighted both of them are with us and once they are both fully-fit, they will be great additions for us.”

Team news: Casey is likely to be out for at least a fortnight with a thigh strain. Robert Walker (hamstring) and Alan Benton (knee) are also missing. Midfielder Callan Adam has resumed training but won’t be considered for selection for another couple of weeks.