Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Rovers lose out in Alloa goal blitz
Albion Rovers...0 Alloa Athletic...4 Colin Paterson Four goals in the space of 17 second-half minutes settled matters in Alloa Athletic’s favour.
The Wasps arrived at the Exsel Group Stadium on Saturday with a 100 per cent record – and left with it maintained.
Jordan Kirkpatrick, Calum Waters and Luke Donnelly were all on the scoresheet before Mick Dunlop turned the ball into his own net.
For Rovers, it was yet another hard luck story.
Turning point
Rovers could have gone 1-0 up had Ross Stewart not seen his shot from close range saved by ex-Cliftonhill keeper Neil Parry after being teed up by Steven Boyd.
This is a league of fine margins and great chances like this one must be converted – especially against a side with the quality Alloa boast.
Where have all the clean sheets gone?
Since being branded the best defensive unit in League One, Rovers have not stopped conceding goals. What has gone wrong at the back?
Rovers fans will be hoping the old adage that form is temporary, class is permanent holds true.
The game is about scoring goals but you also have to be difficult to beat and that may have to be the team’s primary focus
Fitness fight
Player/manager Darren Young will be frustrated with the spate of injuries so early in the campaign.
Ryan Wallace missed out again with midfielder Ross Davidson and new signing Kevin McCann also unavailable.
Young Calum Ferguson has been playing through a knee problem.
Since July 16, Rovers have played nine games in both league and cup. Too much, too soon?
Managers’ views
Rovers boss Young said: “Alloa have been my favourites for the title from the start of the season. They are clinical when they get any chances – something we will need to become as the season progresses.”
Alloa chief Jack Ross said:“We knew that we would have to adapt and we’re very pleased.”
Stats a fact
ALBION ROVERS: R M Stewart; Reid, R Dunlop, M Dunlop, Turnbull; Ferry, Fisher* (Gilmour 73); Willis (Ferguson 73), Boyd, McBride; R C Stewart (Lightbody 86). SUBS NOT USED: Potts(gk), Young, O’Kane, Robertson. ALLOA: Parry; Taggart, Graham, Marr* (Robertson 54), Waters; Flannigan, Goodwin, Holmes, Kirkpatrick* (Donnelly 61); Spence, Cawley (Hetherington 73). SUBS NOT USED: McDowall(gk), Wilson, Hoggan, Hynd. REFEREE: Steven Kirkland. ATTENDANCE: 411. *booked