Rovers' Walker has perfect tonic for his world adventures

Aug 27 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

PAT WALKER was feeling on top of the world on Saturday night.

In a few weeks time he will be going around it!

The 23-year-old netted a goal in each half to guide Rovers to a much-needed first league win of the season, a result which was enough to lift the Coatbridge side off the foot of the table.

It was the best possible leaving present for the Cliftonhill faithful before he packs his bags and travels the world with his girlfriend next month.

“We will miss Pat,” said gaffer Paul Martin after the match.

“He has been a terrific servant for Albion Rovers and a brilliant ambassador for the club.

“I will be sad to see him go as I really like him as a person.

“He did very well against Berwick and he would have deserved to take the match ball home with him.”

Boss Martin was delighted his players finally got a reward for their efforts and will now be hoping they can push on and clamber up the league table.

“Sometimes you can get hung up on winning but our performances have been competitive and consistent and I think we have been unlucky in our previous league games so far,” he said.

“It was a good result. I think a few people predicted us to lose again at the weekend but they were a mile off.”

Rovers dominated the early exchanges and in the 12th minute Walker fired in a low shot but keeper Ryan McGurk managed to claw the ball to safety.

The goal hero turned provider moments later, his cross finding Tommy Coyne who was well positioned in front of goal but his effort was deflected wide for a corner.

Martin’s men didn’t have to wait long before they took the lead midway through the first half. Good work from Bobby Barr was finished in style by Walker who drove a shot through a packed goalmouth into the net.

It was a strike that filled Rovers with confidence and as the interval approached, Walker and Coyne went close to extending their lead.

The second half had barely started before the Cliftonhill outfit made it 2-0.

Debut boy Ross Harris’ cross was inch-perfect for Walker who nodded home from close range.

Berwick seemed to find a spark with David Greenhill’s vicious inswinging free-kick cleared for a corner that was punched away by keeper David Scott.

In the 66th minute Rovers had claims for a penalty turned down by referee George Salmond after Walker went down in the box under a Jamie Ewart challenge.

Harris was catching the eye of the home fans with some fine play and only a good save from McGurk denied him a debut strike.

Rovers were hunting a third goal to cap a wonderful afternoon in style but Chris Anderson was in the right place to hook a Ciaran Donnelly header off the line.

The final whistle brought relief for the home side - their campaign is now well and truly running.

Advertiser man of the match: Ross Harris. The club’s new signing impressed on his Rovers debut.

Moment of the match: Pat Walker’s headed second goal killed off the Borderers’ challenge.

Albion Rovers: Scott, Reid, McGowan, McGoldrick, Hughes, Donnelly, Barr, Casey (Wright 35), Coyne (Pollock 78), Walker (Martin 84). Subs not used: Ferry, Mitchell(gk).

Booked: Coyne, Donnelly.

Berwick: McGurk, Guy (McLean 27), Horn, Ewart (Anderson 74), Kiczynski, Bonar, McLaren, Callaghan, Howatt (Grant 46), Gribben, Greenhill. Subs not used: McMahon, Lunn(gk).

Referee: George Salmond.

Attendance: 269