Gordon's equaliser helps Wasps close the gap on leaders
Published 8 Dec 2011 07:59
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Montrose 1-1 Alloa Athletic
FOR the third consecutive week Alloa had to settle for a share of the points - this time in a fairly tight match at bitterly cold Links Park, writes John Simpson.
In their first visit to Montrose since 1998 the Wasps were aiming for a victory, but after Ray Farningham's side took a 13th minute lead, it proved difficult to cancel out, with defender Ben Gordon finally snatching the equaliser in 78 minutes.
So, the verdict, again, was that Alloa had worked hard but missed some good chances which might have turned this draw into a victory.
Alloa boss Paul Hartley told Advertiser Sport, "We were the better side in the first half, but I would say Montrose just shaded it in the second.
"Our boys showed character, spirit and determination after we lost the goal, but we have got to take our own chances.
"However, the result keeps our unbeaten run going, so I am happy to take the point."
Montrose boss Farningham commented, "For a while it looked like we were going to win after Scott Johnston put us in front, but I cannot fault our lads for their effort and attitude."
Ryan McCord returned to the Alloa side after suspension but was again shown the yellow card. His brother Ross was replaced on the bench by under-19 lad Kenny O'Brien, who was signed from Edinburgh City.
In the opening minutes Alloa looked sharp up front as Mark McCullagh sent a long ball through the home defence into the box but top scorer Kevin Cawley just failed to connect.
After four minutes Cawley missed an even better chance. Graeme Holmes knocked an excellent ball inside but Cawley - who has just extended his contract until 2013 - had his close-range shot turned round the right post by goalkeeper Sandy Wood.
Another penetrating run into the home box by Cawley was stopped by Douglas Cameron, who then headed clear a Darren Young effort as Alloa looked really bright in the opening stages.
However, the Gable Endies replied firstly with a Jamie Winter drive past the left post and another which spun off Ryan Harding inside the area.
And in 13 minutes, Montrose took the lead. Terry Masson's cross from the right dropped in front of Scott Johnston and his diving header beat Scott Bain low at the corner.
A minute later Cawley sent a 20-yard shot low past the right post and he should have brought his side level in 15 minutes when Holmes crossed low to the box but the Alloa striker drove past the left post with only Wood to beat.
Wood then did well to turn away a Mark Docherty shot before denying Robbie Winters with a save at the right post.
Back came Montrose but Jamie Winter shot past the left post.
Alloa responded with a drive from Winters which was headed out by former Forfar midfielder Paul Lunan.
Cawley and Harding both tried to snatch the equaliser before the break, with Sean Crighton heading over at the other end.
The second half was delayed after lighting from two pylons failed, but thankfully play resumed 10 minutes later.
Lloyd Young shot over the Wasps' bar, while young Alloa substitute O'Brien - who showed lots of endeavour and style - drove a free kick just over.
McCord threatened the home goal with a run along the left byline but his first shot was blocked and his second was deflected for a corner.
Alloa mounted a good attack involving Winters, McCord and James Doyle on the left but Winters headed past the left post.
Montrose hit back and young striker Martin Boyle and Masson brought out good saves from Bain.
The Alloa goalkeeper did well again in 77 minutes, rushing from his line to prevent Boyle adding a second goal for the home side.
And it proved to be an important stop as a minute later the Wasps were level. Gordon came up for a McCord corner and, with the home defence unable to clear, the defender headed past Wood from close range.
Montrose tried to restore their lead but a Winter cross was punched out by Bain.
Young also tried to snatch a winner for Alloa, but his 20-yard shot blocked. Substitute Armand One then had a close-range drive blocked by Lunan.
MONTROSE: Wood, Crighton, Cameron, Smart, Lunan, McNally, Masson, Winter, Boyle, Johnston, Young (Pierce 70). Subs not used - Crawford, McGowan, McPhee, Andrews.
ALLOA: Bain, McCullagh (O'Brien 46), Doyle, Gordon, Harding, Young, Docherty, McCord, Winters (One 60), Holmes (Campbell 84), Cawley. Subs not used - Forrest, McDowall.
REFEREE: Andrew Dallas.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 07 Dec 11
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