Fast-starting Albert move up to second
Win over Ants puts them in a strong position
Royal Albert were sharp off the mark to net two goals and set themselves up for a 3-0 Central Second Division win over St Anthony’s.
That triumph at the John Cumming Stadium in Carluke saw Albert leapfrog their opponents on goal-difference and into second place.
There were barely 60 seconds on the clock when Tom Forrest’s corner from the right was headed in by Fraser Stobie at the back post.
Six minutes later Davie Hamilton fired in a powerful drive into the bottom corner from just outside the box.
That gave Albert confidence which they used to gain the upper hand in midfield, with slick passing, good marking and timely tackles.
Jack Baptie hit a 25-yarder which the keeper saved, and Fraser Scott twice fired narrowly past as he nipped in from the left wing.
Two minutes into the second half, Albert got off to another good start when a good midfield move provided a pass at the edge of the box for Forrest to fire home.
Manager Jamie Nesbitt said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I think the boys controlled the game from start to finish.
“They didn’t need any instructions from us, they really showed their character well, and managed the game really well.
“They’re good in training and have a real will to win at the moment.
“We’re on a great run that takes us into second place, above St Anthony’s on goal difference.
“We’re on the same points have two games in hand.” Albert now head for Vale of Clyde. Bellshill beat Dunipace 2-0 to move into fourth place in the Central Second Division, three points behind St Anthony’s with as many but games in hand.
Manager Robert Sneddon said: “We’re not playing as well as we can but it’s three points, which keeps us on the coat-tails of the leading clubs.”
Johnny Reynolds netted the opener in a one-on-one with the keeper, and Jamie Stewart netted the second from a penalty.
Carluke Rovers won 1-0 at Vale of Clyde, with Sean Mckenna netting with a 30-yard strike.
Rovers, who gave some new young players some valuable gametime, deserved to take the points, which will boost their confidence going into Saturday’s game at Johnstone Burgh.
Lanark United drew 0-0 away to Ashfield.
Newmains had co-manager Craig Gupwell and goalkeeper Mark Bisset red-carded as they went down 9-0 at league-leaders Gartcairn.
Co-boss Paul Davies said: Davies said: “That was a baptism of fire.”