By Chris Toner
Charlie Reilly’s strike just after the restart propelled Albion Rovers to a 1-0 win over bottom-placed Cowdenbeath at Central Park on the final day of the 2021-22 cinch League Two season.
The result, coupled with Elgin City’s 2-0 defeat away to Stranraer, ensured an eighth-placed finish for Brian Reid’s side.
But it was the Blue Brazil who put the pressure on Rovers in the opening minutes; Jamie Todd put a header from a corner just wide and Liam Buchanan struck the woodwork from the centre of the box.
Rovers soon got back into the game as Kyle Doherty had an effort go narrowly wide left of the post. Shortly before the half, David Wilson’s header from a corner was saved by Cammy Gill, before the midfielder had one shot blocked and another wide in quick succession shortly thereafter.
On the stroke of half time, Rovers had an injury concern as Doherty was forced off, making way for Max Wright.
Rovers started the second half as they meant to go on as Lewis Wilson ran into the Cowdenbeath box and picked out Reilly who dispatched the ball into the top right corner.
Scott Roberts would go down in the 57th minute and made way for Josh Jack. Despite the home side making a trio of substitutions just after the hour mark, Wright nearly doubled the lead for Rovers as his effort was brilliantly saved by Gill’s dragging left foot. Rovers would then remain comfortable until a nervy moment in the closing minutes as Harry Stone spilled the ball into the path of Cowdenbeath substitute Quinn Coulson, but he could not get his effort on target and Rovers held on for the win.
Teams
Cowdenbeath: Gill, Mullen (booked 59, 63′ for Thomson), Swann, Todd (booked 53′, 63′ for Dunn), C Barr (C), Denham, Ferguson (booked 81′), Miller, Buchanan (63′ for B Barr), Ompreon (76′ for Moore), Barrowman (58′ for Coulson) Substitutes: McDowall, B Barr (63′ for Buchanan), Dunn (63′ for Todd), Coulson (58′ for Barrowman), Thomson (63′ for Mullen), Moore (76′ for Ompreon)
Albion Rovers: Stone, Lynas, L Wilson, McGowan (C), Fagan (booked 70′), Leslie, Roberts (52′ for Jack), D Wilson, Doherty (43′ for Wright), C Wilson, Reilly Substitutes: Binnie, Wright (43′ for Doherty), McGeachin, Dolan, Taylor, Jack (52′ for Roberts), Robinson, Fernie
Referee: Alan Newlands
Attendance: 411
