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Football and Rugby
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ANOTHER DEFEAT FOR ANNAN
Annan Athletic 2 Queens Park 3
(HT -1-1)
Annan –Winter 2, O-Connor 90; Queens Park - McBride 19 (pen) 51 (pen), Smith 88
THE Spiders leapfrogged their play-off rivals into third spot in a five-goal thriller.
Martin McBride was their hero at gale-swept Galabank with a penalty double.
The home side got a dream start with a second minute goal but found themselves trailing 3-1 before staging a grandstand finish.
It was trialist David Winters who put Annan ahead when he was set up by Sean O’Connor and he fired in from 12 yards.
Both side had chances in the 10 minutes withl McBride heading past for the visitors and Annan’s O’Connor saw his shot go over the bar in the 12th minute.
A foul from Ben McKenna gave McBride a chance from penalty spot in the 19th minute and he duly obliged. Then six minutes after the turn Aaron Muirhead conceded a second spot kick as Annan reeled and McBride step jup to slot home his second.
McBride had a chance to make it a hat-trick in 74 minutes but his shot went past. Then it looked all over when Queens got a third in 88 minutes with a right foot drive from Craig Smith.
But Annan bounced back and Sean O’Connor brought them into the game with a 90th minute strike from 15 yarder and then sub Ian Harty almost levelled with a stoppage time header that went wide.
Teams:
Annan Athletic - A Mitchell; Muirhead (Steele 66), Gibson, McGowan, Watson, McKenna (Harty 76), D Mitchell, Jardine (Sloan 66), Cox, Winter, O'Connor. Subs not used - Subs not used – Summersgill (kpr), McKechnie..
Queens Park – Parry; Little, Gallagher, Meggat, McBride, McGinn, Anderson Watt, Burns, Smith Longworth. Subs not used - Strain (kpr); Bradley, Quinn, Daly, Ronald.
Att - 507
Referee – Mr Andrew Dallas.
MAY GOAL SEPARATES CHALLENGERS
Alloa Athletic 1 Annan Athletic 0
HT 1-0. Alloa - May 29 min
Alloa Athletic lifted 3 precious league points in this top of the table clash to put the Wasps in the driving seat going into the second half of the season. It was a closely contested match with Annan winning the battle territorially but it was Alloa who had the cutting edge up front to score the only goal of the game in the 29th minute when on loan St Johnstone striker Steven May scored with a 25 yard free kick.
Annan started the match with trialist David Winter recently released by Dumbarton leading the attack at the expense of flue victim Ian Harty and Carlisle United on loan starlet Ben McKenna taking his seat on the bench before making his debut in the second half. Annan started the game brightly and with only 2 minutes on the clock David Cox was presented with an opportunity from a dangerous cross to the back post. Annan continued to press forward with purpose and when David Winter connected with Michael McGowan’s 8th minute cross keeper Scott Bain was relieved to see the header nestle on the top of the net. It was a promising start and in the 14th minute Cox threaded the ball into the path of Winter who’s shot was blocked ending with a Chris Jardine shot which went past the upright.
Alloa forced their first corner of the match in the 19th minute which was cleared by the Annan defence but it signalled the start of a good period by the home team. Alex Mitchell intercepted a penetrating Ryan McCord through ball in the 23rd minute as the home team tried in vain to unlock the Annan defence. What proved to be the defining moment in the match arrived in the 29th minute when Peter Watson conceded a free kick 25 yards out. Ryan McCord rolled the ball 2 yards to the right and Steven May connected with a low shot which appeared to accelerate after the ball bounced in front of keeper Alex Mitchell to deceive the Annan keeper . It was a goal out of nothing but a goal which could prove decisive at the end of the season.
Annan picked themselves up from the setback and the remainder of the half was played with both teams conceding very little defensively with neither keeper being really tested. Annan pushed hard towards the interval forcing a couple of corners with Aaron Muirhead heading narrowly over in the 44th minute.
Annan once again made the running at the start if the second half and the pattern of play was established with Annan prodding for the opening to cancel out Steven Mays first half goal with Alloa content on attacking on the break a ploy which almost paid dividends in the 67th minute when Alex Mitchell pulled off a superb save to deny Steven May who connected with a Kevin Cawley cross. Mitchell was Annan’s saviour again 2 minutes later when he denied Mark Docherty who connected with Mays cross. They were 2 important saves which ensured Annan still remained in contention. Mitchell was then yellow carded in the 72nd minute for a lunging tackle on May who had made a great run to get on to the through ball.
With time running out O’Connor volleyed wide as Annan pressed forward in hope of grabbing an eqauliser but Alloa defended resolutely to secure an important victory.
Annan boss Harry Cairney was disappointed to lose the match but not disappointed in how his team performed, we came here not to defend and we pressed Alloa for large parts of the game but could not find that little bit of quality or space in the final third that would get us a goal. Alloa counter attacked in the second half and could have put the game beyond our reach but our keeper had a couple of good saves to keep us in the game . The lads battled hard till the end, we have been having a difficult time of late but in the last couple of weeks our performances have definitely picked up and we are starting to press teams which gives me optimism that we can kick on. In this league if you can hit a run of results you can be back up there at the top of the league.
Paul Hartley commented it was a tough game for us, we always knew with Annan it would difficult ,delighted with the result and it gets the monkey off our back as it is the first time we have defeated Annan . The victory creates a gap between us and the chasing pack. On chances we created the better chances particularly in the second half. Steven May was outstanding today his movement and work rate for the team was excellent we have him on loan until next week , I don’t want to see him leave but it is out of my hands and all hinges on player movements at St Johnstone, hopefully we can keep him till the end of the season. He is enjoying it here scoring goals and playing with a smile on his face.
Teams:
Alloa Athletic – S Bain, M McCullagh, K McHattie, J Doyle, R Harding, D Young, M Docherty, R McCord, S May, G Holmes, K Cawley. Substitutes Not Used – A One, S Masterton, R Winters, C Campbell, Craig McDowall
Annan – A Mitchell, A Muirhead, M McGowan, S Gibson, P Watson, D Mitchell, S Sloan( J Steele 87 min) , C Jardine ( B McKenna 66 min), D Winter ( B Gilfillan 90 min), S O’Connor, D Cox. Substitutes not used J McKechnie, C Summersgill
Referee, Greg Aitken
Crowd 635.
ANNAN THROW AWAY TWO-GOAL LEAD
ANNAN ATHLETIC 2 BERWICK RANGERS 2
HT 2-0 . Annan - P Watson 18min, I Harty 41min. Berwick Rangers - M McGowan 73 min og, D Gribbon 81 min
ANNAN had to be content with a shat are of the points in an action packed match that was very much a tale of two halves.
Conditions were difficult for both sets of players and Annan playing with the elements in their favour in the first half were the team very much in command and deservedly went in ahead with a two goal advantage.
After an encouraging start Annan were rewarded in 18 minutes when Peter Watson rose above everyone at the back post to guide the ball into the top corner of the net from an inviting David Cox cross.
As the game edged towards half time Annan's pressure eventually paid off in the 41st minute. It was a simple goal in the making when Alex Mitchell's long kick was controlled by Sean O'Connor who guided the ball into the path of Ian Harty who finished clinically with a shot from six yards which gave goalkeeper Jamie Barclay no chance.
Annan lost the services of striker Sean O'Connor at half time due to a twisted knee and he was replaced by Jordyn McKechnie leaving Harry Cairney with no option but to change his formation.
Minutes after the restart Annan lost the services of the influential Jack Steele who was replaced by Bryan Gilfillan.
Berwick became increasingly dominant as they pinned Annan back and it came as no surprise when Berwick struck gold in the 73rd minute. The goal carried a little bit of misfortune for the Annan defence when Lee Currie's free kick glanced off the head of Michael McGowan and into the corner of the net.
Ian Little sent on strikers Darren Gribbon and Steven Noble in an effort overturn Annan's slender one goal advantage and in the 81st minute the move paid dividends when Darren Gribbon picked the ball up wide on the left and the curling wind assisted shot found the net via the upright.
Annan were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute when Michael McGowan pulled Damon Gray back.
Berwick pushed hard for the winner and in the dying moments of the match Damon Gray hit a glorious net-bound shot which was heading for the top corner of the net but Mitchell came to Annans rescue with a magnificent fingertip save which secured a share of the points for Annan.
Annan boss Harry Cairney was flaming at his team's second half performance and said: "We played right into Berwick's hands and we failed to get the ball down and into the flanks to put pressure on their defence.
"We were fortunate to come away from a draw and we must do better if we are to be considered serious contenders for promotion."
Annan Athletic - Mitchell, Macbeth, McGowan, Gibson, Watson, Steele (Gilfillan 47), Sloan, Mitchell, Harty, O'Connor (McKechnie 45), Cox. Subst Not Used Summersgill, Jardine, Atkinson.
Berwick Rangers - Barclay, Notman, Thomson, Townsley, McLean, Currie, Deland (Noble 73), Greenhill (Walker 61), Gray, Lavery (Gribbon 73), McDonald. Subs not used - McLaren, Trialist Goalkeeper
Referee - B Cook. Crowd 598.
'SHIRE SHOCK LEAGUE LEADERS
EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 1 ANNAN ATHLETIC 0
HT 1-0.
East Stirling – Coyne 38min.
Basement strugglers East Stirling upset the form book to secure a surprise victory over table toppers Annan.
Annan boss Harry Cairney was forced into changes with new signing Danny Mitchell starting the match in midfield at the expense of the injured Chris Jardine, Craig Summersgill took over in goals at the expense of Alex Mitchell and Gary Wylde took over at the centre of defence at the expense of the suspended Peter Watson.
The home team started brightly taking the game to Annan but without really testing Summersgill.
Annan carved open a promising move in the 26th minute when Aaron Muirhead's near post cross was headed goalward by Bryan Gilfillan but Calum Antell dealt confidently with the effort.
'Shire had a great chance to take the lead in the 32nd minute when Bradley Coyne was fouled inside the box by Aaron Muirhead but from the resulting penalty Summersgill pulled off a fine save to turn Coyne’s spot kick round the post for a corner.
The defining goal arrived in the 38th minute, when Annan’s Michael McGowan made a surging run down the left but lost possession midway in the East Stirling half. Craig Winter’s long ball caught Summersgill and Gibson in two minds and the indecision was enough for Bradley Coyne to pounce and lob the ball into the empty net from the edge of the box.
It was a disapointing goal for Annan to lose but the on loan St Mirren striker finished clinically.
Fraser Team whipped in a great near post shot which flashed past the upright in the 39th minute as the home team looked to press home their advantage.
Annan’s second half performance improved but chances were few and far between. East Stirling lost their influential centre half Craig Winter in the 68th minute with suspected torn ankle ligaments. Minutes later Bryan Gilfillan missed a glorious opportunity to square the match after good build up play had created an opening. But Gilfillan’s shot went agonisingly wide.
East Stirling keeper Callum Antell was then booked for taking too many steps without releasing the ball but from the free kick 16 yards out Aaron Muirhead's effort was wide of the target.
Summersgill then tipped over Kevin Turners netbound shot as the game edged towards full time.
John Coughlin, the East Stirling boss praised his team for another solid performance. "It was a great finish by Bradley Coyne which secured the points. He made amends for the penalty miss.
"The victory was down to the way. The players worked hard and deserved the victory, hopefully we can keep our momentum going."
Annan boss Harry Cairney pulled no punches and hit out: "We were not good enough the players know that they under performed. We we must improve if we are to be considered serious title contenders.
"East Stirling are very much a team on the up and today they deserved to win the match, we could have no complaints."
TEAMS:
East Stirling – C Antell, S Jackson, S Maxwell, C Winter( C Scott 68 min), D Cane, M Hunter, F Team (K Turner 78 min), A Stirling, B Coyne, L Horner, A lurinsky ( A Love 78 min), Substitutes not used J Dingwall and C Gordon
Annan – C Summersgill, A Muirhead, M McGowan, S Gibson , G Wylde, J Steele, J Macbeth ( J McKechnie 69 min), D Mitchell (Sloan 60 min), B Gilfillan, G Bell ( I Harty 32 min), D Cox. Substitutes not used A Mitchell , K Neilson.
Referee – Paul Robertson.
Crowd 215
RODGERS HAT TRICK DUMPS ANNAN
Stenhousemuir 4 Annan Athletic 0
Half Time 4-0. Stenhousemuir - Kean 9, Rodgers 16, 21, 38
ANNAN crashed out of the William Hill Scottish Cup and the game was over as a contest at half time after an Andy Rodgers hat trick and a Stuart Kean solo goal.
Alistair Brown was the first keeper called into action when he diverted a 5TH minute Steven Sloan shot for a corner after a promising build up involving Bell and O’Connor. It was however one of the few moments in the entire match when the Stenhousemuir defence were tested.
Stenny went ahead as early as the 9th minute when Stephen Murray threaded the ball into the path of Stewart Kean who finished clinically with a low shot from 12 yards past the diving Mitchell.
It was not long before Stenhousemuir increased their lead when Andy Rodgers latched on to a through ball and brushed aside the challenge of Aaron Muirhead to finish with a clinical strike into the corner of the net.
The signs looked ominous for Annan as the confident, rampant home team continued to press home their advantage and with only 21 minutes on the clock the Annan defence was once again breached with ease as Andy Rodgers collected the ball on the edge of the box and shot into the corner of the net.
Annan’s task looked enormous but the task became almost impossible when Andy Rodgers made it 4-0 with a screamer. This time the striker collected the ball 25 yards out and finished with a first time effort which flew into the top corner of the net.
Annan started the second half with central defenders Scott Gibson and Peter Watson being replaced by Kevin Neilson and Gary Wild. Michael McGowan gave Annan a glimmer of hope when his 48th minute effort was turned round the post for a corner. Annan were dealt a further blow when Sean O’Connor had to leave the field injured in the 54th minute to be replaced by Bryan Gilfillan.
Annan tried hard to penetrate the resolute Stenhousemuir defence but the partnership of Martyn Corrigan and Ross McMillan at the heart of the home defence were a formidable barrier . Alex Mitchell pulled off a good save to deny Eric Paton in the 82nd minute after the home team won a free kick on the edge of the box .
Stenhousemuir – A Brown, W Lyle, K McKinlay, M Corrigan, R McMillan, I Thomson, B Ferguson ( S Dickson h/t), A Rodgers (P Quinn 83 min), S Kean, S Murray (G Plenderleith 65 min). Subs not used J McCafferty and C McCluskey.
Annan – A Mitchell, A Muirhead, M McGowan, S Gibson ( G Wild h/t), P Watson ( K Neilson h/t), J McKechnie, S Sloan , C Jardine, S O’Connor ( B Gilfillan 59 min), G Bell, D Cox .Substitutes not used J Macbeth and C Summersgill.
Referee – John McKendrick.
ANNAN READY FOR CLYDE TUSSLE
ANNAN Athletic manager Harry Cairney says the league is top priority at the moment.
He has put the Scottish Cup tie against Stenhousemuir on the back burner until after tomorrow’s vital league match against Clyde at Shawfield.
Cairney said: “We are concentrating on the league at the moment. We will take the Stenhousemuir game as it comes for we’re for the league is our priority at this moment.”
Although ‘The Bully Wee’ crashed 1-0 to promotion candidates on Tuesday night Cairney reckons they are one of the best teams in the league.
He said; “We will have to be at our best for I was talking to Jim McInally after the Peterhead game and he said they were better than his side.”
The Galabank manager was delighted with another three points against Peterhead on Tuesday night, especially with four changes.
He said: “It shows the depth of squad we have with four changes in the lineup and we still win. But it’s very tight with Alloa and Elgin both winning on Tuesday.
“We had a really good first half and deserved our lead. We held firm in the second half and I think we deserved the points.”
Cairney added: “The good thing is that we had four changes and still won. We had Bryan Gilfillan missing with a hamstring problem and Ian Harty is still missing through illness.”
Chairman Henry McClelland is also delighted with the club’s performance and said: “We beat Clyde in the first game at Galabank but it was one of the closest games we have had.
“But our defence is holding out and we’re scoring goals. But we’ve got to forget about the cup just now and just concentrate on getting league points. With three games in a week in the league, we just haven’t been thinking about the cup tie next week.”
He added: “We’ve got depth in the squad that we didn’t have before. Bryan Gilfillan and Ian Harty weren’t even in the squad which would have been almost unthinkable at the start of the season.
“It was a great result on Tuesday for Peterhead will take points of many clubs this season. Alex Mitchell also had a great game and one of his saves was absolutely brilliant and kept Peterhead out.”
The chairman said that the players that had come in on Tuesday had all played well. “Everyone is having to fight for their place and I would say this is the strongest squad we have had since coming into the SFL.
“But we’ve still a lot to do for the season is still in the early stages.”