The Warriors opened up their league campaign against a team that they had the better of last season.
Albion Rovers were the visitors to Ochilview on Matchday 1 with Stephen Swift’s team looking to get off to a better start than last season where they fell to Stirling Albion at home on Matchday 1.
It was the visitors though that had the best of the opening 5 minutes after forcing a few corners in the opening spell but the home defence stood firm.
Stenhousemuir did manage to get the game under control with Euan O’Reilly and Craig Bryson linking well, but struggled to carve open the equally stubborn visiting defence.
Stenhousemuir forced their first corner in 15 minutes and Tam got his header on target, but was easily cleared Only a couple minutes later, Tam was through on goal but the keeper was quick off his line and cleared the ball.
Albion Rovers had the best chance of the match on 19 minutes. Matty Yates played a slack pass and Charlie Reilly found himself in acres of space. The big striker is usually lethal in that situation but, thanks fully for The Warriors, dragged his shot high and wide.
GOAL: Only minutes after, the Warriors open the scoring. Matty Yates played in Craig Bryson. The veteran midfielder cleverly dummied the ball though and it found its way into Tam Orr’s path. Last season’s top scorer made no mistake and opened his account for the season from just inside the box. STENHOUSEMUIR 1-0 ALBION ROVERS [Tam Orr, 21 minutes]
Tam had another good chance just moments later but completely miss-timed his header and the ball bounced wide.
Albion Rovers were lucky not to have Ayrton Sonkur sent off in the 27th minute as the big defender hauled down Tam Orr as he was throw on goal. The referee judged that Adam Fernie was in a position to cover, and only issued a yellow card.
Both teams struggled to really create many chances as the half progressed.
HALF TIME: STENHOUSEMUIR 1-0 ALBION ROVERS
The Warriors start the second half strongly but struggled to break open the visiting defence.
SUBSTITUTION: Adam Corbett’s afternoon has come to an end and he’s replaced at right back by Mikey Miller [58 minutes]
Albion Rovers almost equalised a few moments later when Charlie Reilly struck the crossbar from a 20 yard free kick.
The visitors have a bit more control of the match this half as they look to find the equaliser.
SUBSTITUTION: 2nd sub for The Warriors with Ross Forbes replacing Craig Bryson [69 minutes]
SUBSTITUTION: 3rd sub for The Warriors as Euan O’Reilly leaves the pitch to be replaced by Niyah Joseph [75 minutes]
The hosts had a good chance in 83 minutes as Ross Forbes tee’d up Mikey Miller for a first time cross. The ball was controlled by Tam Orr looking to to lay it off to Matty Yates, by the defence blocked the shot.
And just a few seconds later Tam had a chance of his own but for a good blocking challenge by the defence.
That seemed to spark The Warriors into life and only a world class save by Jack Leighfeild kept Tam off the scoresheet again. The Rovers keeper somehow managed to make a point blank save from Tam that surely would have sealed the win.
Ross Forbes struck a 25 yard free kick that caused Leighfield problems, but the keeper managed to gather at th second attempt.
FULL TIME: STENHOUSEMUIR 1-0 ALBION ROVERS
Goal: Tam Orr 21 minutes
Man of the Match: Matty Yates
Stenhousemuir: 1. Conor Brennan, 25. Nicky Jamieson, 3. Callum Yeats, 5. Sean Crighton, 15. Adam Corbett, 6. Nat Weddeburn, 13. Craig Bryson, 17. Michael Anderson, 16. Euan O’Reilly, 9. Tam Orr, 10. Matty Yates.
Albion Rovers: 1. Jack Leighfield, 2. Adam Fernie, 3. James McGowan, 4. Ayrton Sonkur, 5. Sean Fagan, 6. Kyle Fleming, 7. Callum Wilson, 8. Jamie Leslie, 9. Scott Roberts, 10. Michael Paton, 11. Charlie Reilly.
Att: 497
