Albion dig in, but undone in final minute

Albion travelled to Premier Two side Ferniehill looking to upset the odds on this Logan Cup second round tie. Albion shuffled the pack for this tie with two changes made from Monday nights win. Both were tactical as Albion new they were in for tough day at Peffermill. The game, played out in a swirling wind, didn't allow for much silky football, but both teams faced each other with no illusions about what they required. Albion chased and closed down everything as Fernieside inevitably stroked the ball on the big playing surface. The 0-0 half time scoreline reflected the effort put in by Albion and although Wallace was the busier keeper, Albion's contribution to a decent first half, couldn't be faulted. Indeed a sweeping move down the right between Martin and Rutherford, almost saw Marr squeeze Rutherfords cut back in at the near post late in the half. Half Time 0-0. For the first 30 minutes of the second half it was Albion who had stood firm after a period of sustained possession and pressure from the home side. However, Albion came into their own from then on and at this point Albion took control. The ten minute spell gave Albion a fresh wave of confidence and Murray almost bundled the ball home in 71 minutes when a headed flick from C Martin left Murray unmarked in the area but his tame shot was saved by the home keeper. A swift four man move left Francis with space in the box, but his angled drive flashed past the keepers far post. In 85 minutes Murray's surging run and cross caused all sorts of problems in the home box, but as Albion lined up to take advantage, Smith shot wildly over the bar. With extra time looking likely, the home side found space down the right and the inch perfect cross was headed past the helpless Wallace to give Fernieside a late lead. It was too late for Albion to conjure up a reply and in injury time, the home side added a second, with Albion throwing everything into a late attack, they were inevitably left exposed at the back. Full Time 2-0 The loss of the late goals, 89 and 92 minutes, left Albion with too much to do. It was however, a very positive performance from Albion with every player playing his part. It was a dogged display, and with a bit more luck, and clinical finishing, it might have finished diffirently.