Albion Rovers clinch SFL2 play-off glory

May 20 2012 By Advertiser Reporter

IRN-BRU SECOND DIVISION

PLAY-OFF FINAL

SECOND LEG:

ALBION ROVERS 3

STRANRAER 1

(Aggregate 3-3. Rovers won 5-3 on penalties)

PAUL MARTIN has resigned as Albion Rovers manager after their thrilling play-off final victory over Stranraer.

The Coatbridge men ensured another season of Irn-Bru Second Division football by defeating the Blues on penalties at Cliftonhill.

The sides were level at the end of extra-time at Cliftonhill but Rovers held their nerve in the spot-kick lottery.

Immediately after the game, it was confirmed that Martin would be standing down as boss with Todd Lumsden taking over the role.

Martin suffered from a virus earlier this year which saw him step back from the running of first-team affairs.

But he revealed he has not fully recovered from the illness and is resigning for health reasons.

He said: "I feel as though i have done my job. It is sad I have got to go but it is the right thing to do.

"I have spoke to my family and friends and come to the decision that I need time to get myself better."

Rovers chairman Frank Meade added: "Paul brought the club to a new level and I will be sorry to see him go.

"It is important he takes some time to get back to full health. He is still suffering a bit."

Rovers took a 2-0 lead through Scott Chaplain and Robert Love but Martin Grehan pulled one back for Stranraer.

In the 33rd minute, Chaplain converted a penalty and, with no further scoring, spot-kicks would decide both teams' fate.

Ciaran Donnelly buried the winning penalty in the shoot-out to spark scenes of delight among the Rovers faithful.

Lumsden can now look forward to taking charge of a Second Division side next term.

Albion Rovers: Gaston; Reid, Donnelly, O'Byrne, Boyle (Russell 45); Stevenson, Ferry (Werndly 15); Canning, Chaplain (McStay 60), Love; Acquah.

Subs not used: Pierce, Fahey(gk).

Booked: Reid, McStay.

Stranraer: Mitchell; Taggart, McGregor, McKeown, Noble; Winter (Borris 62), Aitken, Stirling, Gallagher (McColm 111); Malcolm (Moore 70), Grehan.

Subs not used: Belkouche, Marshall(gk).

Booked: Noble, Moore.

Referee: Brian Winter.

Attendance: 1,008.