Match Report

Annan Athletic virtually conceded any hopes of making the play offs after Montrose lifted the points to take them back up to the top of the table with a narrow 2-1 victory at Links Park, both goals were a carbon copy of each other after Chris Templeton scored twice from back post headers.

The first half was competitive with Montrose possibly just edging possession but the game flowing from end to end. The opening 10 minutes were unproductive with neither side being unable to get a shot on target. Fraser was first to try his luck with a shot from the edge of the box but the shot went wide of the target and posed no threat to Mitchell. Annan won the first corner in the 18th minute, this was followed by Annan’s best move of the match in the 27th minute ending with Aidan Smith sending over an excellent shot which Scott Roberts outstretched leg failed to connect with.

Annan ‘s Aidan Smith was denied by an important Paul Watson tackle after a good move involving several Annan players . Montrose forced their first corner on the 34th minute followed by a chip shot from Gary Fraser in the 35th minute. This was followed by a wild Rabin Omar shot which skied over the bar. Andrew Steeves finished a penetrating move down the left with a dangerous cross across the face of the goal.

The only goal of the half came in the 40th minute following a free kick conceded by Sinnamon on the edge of the box, Paul Watsons free kick to the back post was headed into the net by Templeton who rose unchallenged. It was a disappointing goal for Annan to conceded and as the half approached half time Annan had strong claims for a penalty kick dismissed after what appeared to be a harsh Paul Watson tackle on Aidan Smith.

Annan started the second half positively and within 2 minutes they were level when a well worked move ended with Scott Roberts side footing Blair Henderson’s low cross into the net from 6 yards. It was just the tonic Annan needed and the goal was followed by a Blair Henderson shot from the edge of the box. Annan had a scare in the 56th minute when Creaney cleared Milne’s effort of the goal line. The game opened up with both teams going for the victory, Annan were unlucky again in the 61st minute after Ryan Sinnamon’s shot was deflected narrowly past the post for a corner kick.

Montrose went ahead in the 63rd minute with another simple goal created out on the right by Gary Fraser who picked out Templeton at the back post and his header once again found the net. Annan responded almost when Owen Moxon’s cross was headed past the post by Scott Roberts.

As the game entered the final 5 minutes Annan were pushing forward and Blair Henderson had an opportunity to square the game but the ball got caught between his feet and the opportunity was lost.

Montrose : Alan Fleming, Terry Masson, Andrew Steeves, Paul Watson, Sean Dillon, Michael Bolochewecky, Lewis Milne (Trialist 85 min), Martin Fotheringham (Liam Callaghan 60 min), Gary Fraser , Chris Templeton (Craig Johnstone 73 min), Jamie Redman . Substitutes not used Martin Rennie, Kerr Hay, Ryan Ferguson, Jordan Miller GK.

Annan Athletic – Alex Mitchell, Even Horne, James Creaney ( Peter Watson 76 min), Owen Moxon, Scott Hooper, Steven Swinglehurst, Rabin Omar, Ryan Sinnamon (Connor O’Keaffe 70 min), Aidan Smith (Ben Armour 59 min), Blair Henderson, Scott Roberts. Subs not used Ayrton Sonkur, Jamie Henry, Cameron Salkeld.

Referee – Mat Northcroft. Assistants – Gordon Crawford and Ross Hardie.

Crowd 355

It was a good night for Montrose after Peterhead’s home form once again deserted them after they went down 2-1 to play off candidates Stenhousemuir. Stirling Albion’s play off hopes were boosted after they defeated Berwick 1-0 at Shielfield. Cowdenbeath failed to secure the necessary victory over Edinburgh City with both teams having to be content with a point each in a 1-1 draw. Clyde dented Elgins play off chances with a single goal victory