Another blank for Albion Rovers in Forfar defeat

Jan 27 2010 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

Albion Rovers 0 Forfar 1

THEY are getting twitchy on the terraces. A run of eight league games without a victory tends to have that sort of an effect on supporters with aspirations of bigger and better things.

Albion Rovers have been genuine Third Division play-off contenders thus far, but they will need to rediscover their excellent early-season form if they are to stay in the hunt.

Paul Watson’s 48th-minute goal earned Forfar a narrow win at Cliftonhill on Saturday. The three points collected by Dick Campbell’s troops moved them six clear of the Coatbridge part-timers.

Both clubs have played the same number of matches and, with the Loons occupying fourth place and a play-off position, that is a concern.

Another issue provoking debate is the chronic lack of goals within the team. This was Rovers’ 11th blank scorecard of the campaign.

Only Montrose have netted fewer in the league this season and, with 14 goals struck in 17 games, it’s a good job Rovers boast the division’s best defensive record (12 conceded in 17), with nine clean sheets the icing on that cake.

Between them, Rovers current striking department have bagged a dozen between them, with Pat Walker and David McFarlane leading the way with four apiece.

McFarlane’s abdominal injury, which has kept him out for some time, has been a blow. Marc McCusker has missed a lot of action and Marc Pollock’s knee ligament complaint is a problem Rovers could have done without.

Chances are being created, as anyone present at the 3-1 Scottish Cup defeat to Stirling Albion last Wednesday night will testify.

But the conversion rate isn’t good enough. Rovers’ forwards are finding life hard just now.

“It’s difficult as I just can’t criticise the players at all,” said boss Paul Martin. “The only thing is the lack of a killer instinct.

“Our goalscoring problem isn’t through a lack of effort. I believe in my strikers and our inability to score goes right throughout the team.”

Controversy reigned at Cliftonhill at the weekend with referee David Somers proving unpopular.

Somers kept himself busy by red-carding Rovers’ Mick O’Byrne, sending Forfar boss Dick Campbell to the stand and booking five other players.

Mr Somers was in Martin’s firing line following the final whistle, the manager disappointed at the officiating of a contest which was far from dirty.

He added: “It was a tough game physically but I felt there was an inconsistency in terms of decision-making. I like David as a person but I felt he allowed us to be pushed about.”

Rovers had started well against Forfar, with midfielder Paul Tyrrell firing a Chris Boyle cross just over the bar but he made amends soon after when he cleared an Iain Campbell effort off the line.

There were further half-chances for the home side but they fell behind at the start of the second half when Watson beat keeper Derek Gaston.

Things got worse for Rovers with O’Byrne given his marching orders for a second yellow.

Forfar custodian Ally Brown earned his share of the win bonus with set-piece saves from Walker and Ciaran Donnelly as Martin’s men chased an equaliser.

The visitors might have added to their lead in the 70th minute, but Gaston somehow managed to keep out a Chris Templeman effort from Watson’s cross.

Rovers spent the closing stages wasting opportunities that must be taken if they are to be any part of the play-off mix.

Advertiser man of the match (3pts) - Marc McCusker. Worked his socks off. Paul Tyrrell (2pts), Derek Gaston (1pt).

Moment of the match: The red-carding of O’Byrne left Rovers up against it.

Albion Rovers: Gaston; Reid, Benton, O’Byrne, McGowan; Donnelly, Tyrrell, Canning, Boyle (McKeown 79); McCusker (McFarlane 58), Walker (McLeod 66). Subs (not used): Ferry, Ewings (gk).

Booked: Benton, Donnelly, McCusker. Sent-off: O’Byrne.

Forfar: Brown, Mowat, Tulloch, Tod, Bishop, I Campbell, McCulloch, R Campbell, Templeman (Gibson 74), Watson (Deasley 81), K Fotheringham (M Fotheringham 81). Subs (not used): Gordon, Curtis (gk).

Booked: Bishop, Templeman.

Referee: David Somers.

Attendance: 227.