Match Report

Annan Athletic lifted all the points in this match which was dictated throughout by a strong wind which made it a difficult spectacle for the healthy crowd who had turned out on a glorious sunny afternoon.

This was Annan’s third match in the space of seven days and it was interesting to see how they would respond to the penalty kick shoot out defeat to non league Kelty Hearts on Wednesday evening against an Albion Rovers side that is in the process of being rejuvenated under the guidance of Kevin Harper.

The early signs did not look promising for Annan with Albion taking the game to the home team and it came as no surprise when the visitors took the lead in the 12^th minute when Lewis Wilson connected with Osadolor’s low ball at the back post and somehow managed to thread the ball between the outstretched arms of Aaran Taylor and the goal post.

It was just the start the visitors sought  but Annan worked their way back into the match and they responded by levelling the match 8 minutes later when Steven Swinglehurst headed home from close range from a Matty Douglas throw in.

The goal lifted Annan and they continued to press forward and were rewarded again in the 26^th minute when Christain Nade scored a spectacular goal. Kyle Wilkie  threaded the ball through to the Annan striker and Nade finished clinically when his shot found the top corner of the net from the 18 yards. It was a goal fitting to win any match.

Annan playing with the strong wind in their favour looked in rampant form and Kyle Wylkie’s effort in the 35^th minute was confidently saved, a minute later Annan increased their lead when Scott McLean’s back post cross aimed for the head of Tommy Muir was slid into his own net by the unfortunate under pressure Aron Lynas to give Annan a 3-1 interval lead.

Albion playing with the strong wind in their favour in the second half pushed forward and in the 64^th minute they won a penalty kick when Matty Douglas handled the ball. Euan East stepped up to convert the spot kick to bring Albion back into the match with 25 minutes remaining.

Annan introduced recent signing Broque Watson for Christain Nade in the 76^th minute as Albion were finding it difficult to penetrate the well organised Annan defence. Euan East won a free kick 30 yards out but Wharton’s free kick went high and wide. Annan saw out the match comfortably albeit with an element of time wasting that helped tick down the clock

ANNAN ATHLETIC – Aaran Taylor, Matty Douglas, Jamie Ballantyne, Kyle Bradley, Darren Barr, Steven Swinglehurst, Scott McLean, Tommy Muir, Kyle Wilkie (Euan Griffiths), Lewis McLear, Christain Nade. Subs not used Lyle Avic, Ayrton Sonkur, Harry Emerson, Jordan Holt, Tom Emerson.

ALBION ROVERS – Ryan Goodfellow, Aron Lynas, Ross Clarke, Lewis Wilson (38 min  Bryan Wharton), Sean Fagan, Giuliano Morena (53 min Graham), Scott Roberts, Gregor Fotherinham, Smart Osadolor, Declan Byrne (East 64 min), Jordan Stewart. Subs not used Smith, Phillips, GK,.

Referee.   Graham Grainger

 Assistants – David McGeachie and Garry Doherty

Crowd 449

Cove Rangers scored an injury time  winner to defeat Cowdenbeath at home by 3- , Queens Park had an impressive 3-0 victory at Brechin City. Edinburgh City with home advantage narrowly defeated Stirling Albion 1 – 0. Elgin City who have made an impressive start to the season were defeated by 1-0 at home to Stenhousemuir.

Next week Annan travel to face Cowdenbeath at Central Park. Stirling Albion entertain Cove Rangers and Albion Rovers and Brechin City clash at The Reigart Stadium. Queens Park entertain Elgin City and Stenhousemuir face Edinburgh City.