Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Albion boss: You better bring your ‘A game’
Rovers gaffer Kevin Harper warns title challengers Peterhead to expect a battle at Cliftonhill
Albion Rovers boss Kevin Harper has warned title - challengers Peterhead to expect at battle at Cliftonhill.
There was more heartbreak for the Coatbridge side last weekend as they dropped two points against Queen’s Park and remained rooted to the foot of League Two.
However, with just three wins in 2018 and sitting seven points adrift of the relegation play- off position, Harper remains defiant as they welcome title challengers Peterhead this weekend.
Harper has vowed that his players will scrap to take points away from Jim McInally’s side.
“It’s a tough game for us. Peterhead are a right good side,” he told the Advertiser.
“They are up there challenging and have a good budget as well.
“The players and manager are probably better than this level, and could go on and win this league.
“I feel like we go into the game with renewed confidence.
“It’s going to be a battle at Cliftonhill – that’s natural when you are fighting to stay in the league.
“We have to be up for it and make sure we continue the progress we have made in the last two weeks.”
It has been a packed transfer window for the strugglers as they bid to breathe new life into their season.
Shaun Rodgers ( Morton loanee), Gregor Fotheringham (ex-Queen’s Park), Ben Reilly ( Troon), Declan Byrne ( Elgin) and Ben Daily were all added to the new-look squad for the Queen’s Park clash.
Boss Harper reckons that the new crop of talents improved the side as they bid to get their first win under the former Hibs midfielder.
“I knew what we lacked – and we’re still looking to add some more players – but the players that came in with just one training session did really well,” said the manager.” They
brought something different and that’s the most important thing.
“Some of the players took a bit of time to settle against Queen’s Park.
“Shaun Rodgers maybe looked a bit nervous, but when he got into the game he did well. Ben and Declan also had a bit more pace, but Shaun is a bit trickier. Also Gregor has done really well.
“We can see with Shaun and the others that when we get them up to speed they will give us something extra.”
“I was really pleased with the players but so disappointed with the result.”