Match Report

Annan completed their SPFL2 league fixtures with another victory courtesy of a late double from half time substitute Tommy Muir. The victory ensured Annan finished the season with a record 66 points in fourth place and they will now play Stenhousemuir in the play off match at Galabank on Tuesday evening.

Annan boss Peter Murphy again made changes to his formation giving valuable game time to Ryan Sinnamon and Ross Ferguson both coming back from injury and once again it made no difference to the outcome with Annan recording another victory and scoring twice in the last five minutes to secure the three points.

The first half produced no goals with scoring opportunities at a premium, Newall had a good opportunity well saved by Mitchell in the 14th minute as Albion were enjoying a good spell in the match, Smart Osadolor went close with an overhead kick in the 40th minute, this was followed up by a Tony Wallace effort which keeper Morrison did well to push for a corner kick.

The game from Annan’s point of view sprung to life in the second half with the introduction of three substitutes David Wilson, Aidan Smith and Tommy Muir but not before Declan Byrne rattled the cross bar with a fine effort in the 54th minute. Jack Brannan was booked for a deliberate foul on Osadolor and from the resulting free kick Mitchell pulled off a routine save.

Annan however were the team who looked the most likely to score and a promising move involving Strapp, Muir and Moxon ended with the latter having his effort well saved by Morrison. The opening goal arrived in the 84th minute when Tommy Muir was upended by Bryan Wharton just as the Annan striker was about to pull the trigger as he homed in on goal, Muir converted the penalty kick with a right footed shot sending the keeper the wrong way.

The Annan striker then combined with Aidan Smith to finish with Tommy Muir firing a low shot from the centre of the box to conclude the scoring.

Albion Rovers – Peter Morrison, Sean Fagan, Brian Ross, Bryan Wharton, Lewis Wilson , Guiliano Morena ( Jack Gordon 85 min ), George Newell, Gregor Fortheringham ( Gerard Hernando Escuriola 70 min ), Smart Osadolor, Declan Byrne, Gary Phillips. Subs not used – Ben Reilly, Daniel Potts GK, Lawrence McMahon, Daniel Moran, Jason Krones.

Annan Athletic – Alex Mitchell, Jack Brannon , Lewis Strapp , Kyle Bradley (David Wilson 45 min),Peter Watson, Ayrton Sonkur, Tony Wallace ( Tommy Muir 45 min), Ryan Sinnamon , Ross Ferguson, Owen Moxon, Chris Johnston ( Aidan Smith 45 min) . Subs not used Aidan McAdams, Scott Hooper, Steven Swinglehurst , Christain Nade.

Referee – Stephen Brown Assistants – Graham McNellie and Jim Burns Crowd 274

Annan now move on the play off position for the fourth time in their short eleven year period in the SPFL , their opponents will be Stenhousemuir who are managed by ex Annan player Colin McMennamin who secured their place in the play offs at the expense of Brechin City with a 1-1 draw this despite going down to 10 men when Connor McBrearty was sent after 53 minutes. The first leg will be played at Galabank this Tuesday evening 7th May with a 7-45pm kick off. The other play off match will be contested between Clyde and Edinburgh City on the same evening. Fans are reminded that season tickets do not apply for this game and admission for all supporters will be £12 and £6.00 for concessions, kids under 12 accompanied by an adult will get in free of charge.