IRN BRU Scottish Football League
Division Three
Saturday 12th September 2009
Montrose 0 Albion Rovers 0

MMontrose FC remain bottom of Division Three after being held to a goalless draw by Albion Rovers on Saturday. Montrose had the bulk of the play and the scoring chances, including a gilt-edged opportunity in each half, but when the referee sounded the final whistle, they had to be content with a point.
Montrose had two exciting new signings making their debuts. Former Scotland U20 goalkeeper Andy McNeil was between the sticks after signing a one year deal following his release from Hibs and Slovakian Marek Tomana was in to bolster the attack.
McNeil was behind a back four of Hegarty, Crighton, Tweed and Sinclair. The versatile Alan Campbell was asked to anchor the midfield alongside Davidson, with Maitland and Fleming in the wide positions.
Up front, Marek Tomana was playing off his former Cowdenbeath team mate John Gemmell.
The bench had a stronger look to it with trialist David McGowan alongside Anderson, Nicol, Milligan and keeper Hall.
Montrose started with a bang and in the opening minute, John Gemmell headed wide from a Sinclair throw-in.
In nine minutes, a pass from Chris Hegarty gave Hugh Davidson a chance and his first-time effort flew over.
Montrose should have taken the lead in 11 minutes. A pass from Davidson put Sean Fleming in with only Gaston to beat, but the keeper dived to his left to save to pull off a great save.
Albion Rovers threatened for the first time in 19 minutes when a first-time shot from Boyle was comfortably saved by Andrew McNeil.
In 24 minutes, Mark Canning became the first booking for a trip on Tomana. Four minutes later, a McFarlane curler was held by McNeil.
Montrose continued to press and in 31 minutes, John Gemmell fired a hook shot over from the edge of the box.
Four minutes later, Tomana and Gemmell set up Maitland and his drive went over.
Play switched to the other end and a Boyle lob had McNeil scrambling. The keeper didn't appear to get a touch, but a corner was awarded.
Two minutes from half-time, John Gemmell smashed a shot wide from 25 yards.
Albion Rovers made a couple of changes, including sending on ex-Montrose player Paul "Tiny" Stewart, who left Links Park at the end of last season.
Montrose made a change of their own in 55 minutes, sending on Fraser Milligan for the injured Fleming for his first appearance of the season.
Stewart sliced a shot off target, then Gemmell headed over from a Maitland corner.
In 62 minutes, a timely challenge from Sinclair prevented Stewart from scoring.
A minute later, Benton was booked for chopping down Gemmell on the edge of the box. The free-kick was tapped to Gemmell, but his shot lacked power and was saved.
In 65 minutes Montrose had another great chance John Gemmell met a Maitland cross 12 yards out, but his shot was blocked by the keeper when a goal seemed certain.
With 70 minutes played, a cross from Paul Stewart took a deflection, hit the crossbar and rebounded to safety.
John Gemmell became the first Montrose booking in 72 minutes for dissent after he was given offside.
There was always the chance that Albion could snatch a goal and in 76 minutes a Walker effort dipped into the roof of the net.
Trialist McGowan went on for Maitland, then in 79 minutes, Davidson was booked for a foul 25 yards out and Albion wasted the free-kick.
Montrose had one last chance in 83 minutes when Gaston came off his line to clear with his feet before McGowan could score.
Nicol replaced the tiring Tomana with five minutes left, but Montrose had to settle for a share of the spoils.