Gulf in class dumps Albion from cup

The visit to Whitburn Bluebell for yesterday's Centenary cup clash was a skill step too far for Albions seniors. A culmination of factors e.g a depleted squad due to work and the early kick off, injuries and holidays all played their part, but take nothing away from the home sides 5-0 victory, as it was fully deserved. Albion had no answer to the swift passing and movement of a side that looked like winners from the first whistle. Playing on a fabulous 3G surface the home side were clinical in all areas of the park and Albion would freely admit that it was difficult to come up with any answers to the home sides one-touch passing game. Down 3-0 in the first half, it was a fired up Albion who took the game to the home side and the visitors enjoyed a good 15 minute spell when they could have played their way back into the game with efforts from Murray and Marr that should have given them a lifeline. However, honest effort sometimes isn't enough against class opposition, and Whitburn ran out worthy 5-0 winners. Summary - Even with a 5-0 defeat Albion had their moments in this game. With a bit more accuracy and taking the right options under pressure, it might have allowed Albion to have taken a bit more credit from this game. The highlights from an Albion perspective was the outstanding performance of captain and keeper Wallace. The number of improbable saves made by Wallace, especially a double save midway through the first half were top quality. Given the dominance of the home side Albion relied on the keeper heavily throughout the tie and he didn't dissapoint. The home side will be a match for any side in the association this season and their skilful possession game will be hard to match. Whitburn are certainly a big notch up from what Albion have come up against so far this season and if they produce these diplays consistently they will take some stopping.