Albion Rovers 3 - 1 Stranraer: Paul Martin resigns as Rovers go up

ALBION Rovers secured their place in the Second Division by literally an inch after a dramatic day at Cliftonhill which ended with manager Paul Martin resigning due to health issues.

Martin, who was absent for four weeks earlier this season after a suspected case of meningitis, said: “I need to take some time out from the game and this was going to be my last game regardless of the outcome.”

Coming into the second leg against Stranraer 2-0 down, the Coatbridge side levelled the contest with captain Ciaran Donnelly hitting the decisive penalty in off goalkeeper David Mitchell and the underside of the bar.

Tony Stevenson, Ryan McStay, Jack Werndly, Mick O’Byrne and Donnelly were all successful with their spot-kicks while Frank McKeown missed for Stranraer before Michael Moore, Scott Taggart and Stephen Stirling netted. Martin included Ghanaian striker Joseph “Larry” Acquah in his starting XI for the first time this season and, after just six minutes, he set up Robert Love who released Scott Chaplain to score.

Rovers then levelled the tie on 25 minutes through Love but two minutes later Stranraer’s Martin Grehan put his team back in front. On 33 minutes Albion’s Chaplain netted from the penalty spot to tie the contest at 3-3.

There were no further goals in the second-half while Stranraer had the better of extra time before the match was decided with penalty kicks.

Departing boss Martin finished by saying: “Our players were magnificent and they and I can be proud of what we have achieved.”

Albion Rovers: Gaston, Reid, Boyle (Russell 46), Stevenson, Donnelly, O’Byrne, Love, Canning, Acquah, Chaplain (McStay 60), Ferry (Werndly 15). Subs not used: Pierce, Fahey (G/k).

Stranraer: Mitchell, Taggart, Noble, MacGregor, McKeown, Aitken, Winter (Borris 62), Stirling, Malcolm (Moore 70), Grehan, Gallagher (McColm 111). Subs not used: Belkouche, Marshall (G/k)

Referee: Brian Winter

Attendance: 1,008