Rovers 1-2 Stranraer

Even though it was only a friendly it was good to get back into the old saturday fitba routine again. Despite the forecast the sun didn't materialise and neither did my shorts, which is probably a good thing from the other spectators' point of view. The Rovers don't have the superstars nor the allure of Gretna FC reserves but they were still tough opponents. Their trialists looked up for it and battled well.
Before a paltry crowd of approx 150 (not sure, I'll leave the counting to others) the Rovers looked the better side for much of the game and didn't deserve to lose. There were few incidents of note until keeper Corr's howler gifted Rovers the lead- he had plenty time but then his attempted clearance was blocked by a Rovers man and he rolled the ball into an empty net after about 20 minutes. The lively Walker had a snapshot saved but Stranraer were not creating many clear cut chances with Moore and Hinds well policed.
Just before the break Hamilton burst into the area but his close range shot was saved by the keeper.
The flow of the game wasn't helped either by ref Hardie's fussy officiating.
The second half saw several substitutions and more of the same, with new keeper Morrison showing a safe pair of hands on a couple of occasions.
It wasn't until three substitutions were made with about 20 minutes left that we started to trouble the Rovers defence. A shot from Sharp flashed narrowly past but time was running out and defeat was staring us in the face. Then a cross to the back post was met by Mc Lean's head but the striker was stretching and could only divert it narrowly past the post.
However, with about 5 minutes left a good move saw Ross beat the offside trap on the left of the penalty area, and he fired in a good shot across the keeper who could only parry it into the path of Hamilton who tapped in from 6 yards.
A few minutes later, an outswinging corner was overhit, Higgins retrieved then played the ball to Walker on the right. Higgins made a decoy run outside, whilst Walker cut inside before unleashing a fantastic left foot shot across the keeper into the far corner to the delight of the travelling support.
As for the new signings, I was most impressed by Higgins, Ross, Hamilton and Walker. I was one of the doubters when PW re-signed for us as he didn't shine for Morton last season when I saw him, but it's clear he's still still got the hunger and skill he used to display.
Summing up, on that performance it's clear the new players have not fully gelled with the regulars and they could do with a few more run-outs which is a concern given our first competitive game is only a week away.

Team: Corr; Hamilton, Keddie, Higgins, Henderson; Jenkins, Walker, McPhee, Ross; Moore, Hinds.

subs used- Morrison, Mc Lean, Gaughan, Wingate, Aitken, Sharp.

Goals: Hamilton 85 (app)
Walker 90 (app)

* you can see several match pics by clicking on the link on the front page