Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Rovers win was the perfect Xmas gift
MARK PIRIE
Boss Kevin Harper believes an Albion Rovers win over Annan was the perfect Cliftonhill Christmas present.
Goals from Daniel Scally, Ousman See and Declan Byrne’s double earned the three points. Jamie Ballantyne and Christian Nade scored for the visitors.
Harper said: “For 70 minutes we were excellent and then we took our foot off the gas.
“We take a bit of liberty with the lead and it allows them to get back into the game. We put ourselves under a bit of pressure but over the course of the game I think we were dominant.
“At 4-0 we could have scored more, but it’s three points we’re on a bit of a run and it’s a good Christmas present.
“We’re always looking up at the top of the table. We have a quality side who can play good football and in this league that can be difficult against teams who just bang the ball in behind you.
“I thought today the whole team was excellent and we thoroughly deserved the win.
“My only disappointment was that it was only the four.”
Goalkeeper Chris Smith bundled Rovers’ See over in the box and Byrne buried the penalty low into the left corner.
The hosts doubled their advantage as Scally’s wonderful free-kick from the edge of the box found the top corner.
It was then three as captain Byrne robbed goalkeeper Smith in possession before squaring the ball a See tap-in from a couple of yards out.
Euan East, who was being deployed on the wing, then chipped the ball in from the left flank to find Byrne to head in the fourth.
Despite the four-goal lead, Annan were still battling in the hope of a Christmas miracle. Ballantyne’s long range effort deflected in for Annan two minutes after Rovers’ fourth to a stunned silence in Coatbridge.
Nade then was first to react as the ball cannoned off the post to score the second for the visitors and but the home side under pressure.
They had the chance to cut the deficit to one after Sean Fagan handled in the box, but Ryan Goodfellow saved Tommy Muir’s penalty comfortably.