Football Saturday: Albion Rovers v East Stirling

Feb 11 2011 By Colin Paterson

IRN-BRU THIRD DIVISION:

ALBION ROVERS v

EAST STIRLING

Cliftonhill, 3pm

TITLE hopefuls Albion Rovers have solved their goalkeeping crisis by signing Hibernian youngster Thomas Flynn on a month's loan.

Regular shot-stopper Derek Gaston is suspended after the club decided not to appeal the red card he was shown at Arbroath last Saturday.

Cliftonhill gaffer Paul Martin had been working overtime in a bid to sign another goalie in time for tomorrow's Third Division visit of East Stirling.

And he will finally complete a deal today which will see Flynn, who spent time at Alloa Athletic earlier in the season, parachuted straight into the starting line-up.

Martin admitted his search had proven difficult and described this week as his "worst" in football as he battled to bring in another keeper.

He told Advertiser Sport: "It has been very challenging trying to get another keeper in but we are pleased to get Thomas.

"I think if we'd had more time, we would have appealed the red card Derek was given after reviewing the incident again on DVD.

"The penalty was maybe debatable but, in my view, it wasn't a sending-off as I didn't feel they had a clear goalscoring opportunity.

"This has probably been the worst week of my football life. I've had sleepless nights about this as I didn't want to let the boys down."

Martin says Rovers must be more clinical in front of goal if they are to maintain their position in the top half of the table.

"I think we are playing really well and this is the best team I have had during my time with this club," he added.

"The prize we are looking for us to win the league and if we can't get there, our next target is to get into the play-offs.

"We took 17 points in the first quarter and 14 points in the second quarter and if we pick up the same again, we will be in the play-offs. If we get a bit more, we can win the league.

"But we have to be careful, though, as we've dominated our last few games and not taken the points we've deserved."

Martin has been impressed with East Stirling's recent form and said: "Anyone who goes on a run of four or five wins will find themselves back in contention."

INFORMATION UPDATE:

Tomorrow's referee: Steven McLean.

Albion Rovers top goalscorer: Chris Hamilton and Robert Love (5).

East Stirling top goalscorer: Kevin Cawley (7).

Previous meeting: Albion Rovers 1 East Stirling 0 (Saturday, October 2).

Albion Rovers form guide (most recent result first): LWDLLD.

East Stirling form guide (most recent result first): LWWWWL.