By Graham Barnstaple
November 5 2011

Albion Rovers pulled off a sensational win against their neighbours Airdrie this afternoon with a stunning 7-2 win.

The Rovers got off to a great start and were on the front foot from the first whistle and could’ve scored in the opening minutes through Love but his shot was saved and O’Byrne had a header cleared off the line.

It was no surprise when they took the lead in 13 minutes, Stevenson’s corner was met by the unmarked Chaplain who headed past the helpless Fairley. The home side only held the lead for 10 minutes before Airdrie equalised. The Rovers defence failed to deal with a Morton cross allowing Stevenson to fire in from eight yards out.

Rovers took a two goal advantage into the break, Chaplain scored his second with a great lob over the keeper from the edge of the box, and then O’Byrne headed in a Stevenson free kick at the back post.

The Rovers fans were in heaven when they went four one up just before the hour mark, Gemmell looked to have fouled the keeper after he had blocked his attempted clearance before rolling into the empty net.

The Diamonds were given a chance to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Donnelly, Owens struck the kick well but Gaston reacted quickly to save diving to his left.

To rub salt into the wound the Rovers went up the park and scored a fifth, and it was nightmare for keeper Fairley who allowed a Gemmell 25 yarder to squirm over his shoulder.

Airdrie did pull one more back, and this time Owens did manage to convert from the spot after sub Holmes had been fouled. Things got worse for them once again after this when Lilley was shown a second yellow and they were reduced to ten men.

This allowed Rovers to hit on the counter and add two further goals, Chaplain completing his hat trick before O’Byrne scored the pick of the seven with a  stunning 25 yard shot.

Airdrie boss Jimmy Boyle was embarrassed after the game, “Our defending was horrendous, and we were poor on the ball with individuals making bad decisions and too many mistakes.”

Jubilant Rovers boss Paul Martin couldn’t hide his joy at the win, “It was an amazing game, but we fully deserved the win and the margin of victory.”