| Date | Saturday, 10 October 1998 |
|---|---|
| Competition | Scottish League Division 3 |
| Fixture/Score | Ross County 1:2 Albion Rovers |
| Venue | Victoria Park |
| Attendance | 1,375 |
| Referee | David Somers |
| Comments | Match Report Report by Alasdair Fraser for the Daily Record. Ross County 1 Albion Rovers 2 Dutch giants Ajax may not known it, but their football philosophy is alive and well and blossoming in Coatbridge. Albion Rovers sent their kids to do a man's job at Dingwall, and the result was sweet as they gained revenge for the 8-0 mugging they suffered earlier this season. Director Eddie Hagerty insisted we had witnessed the graduation with honours of six members of the Cliftonhill college of excellence, a youth training programme inspired the Ajax approach. Three products of the scheme--including 16-year-old stand0out Ian Diak--started the game, and three more were on the bench. Hagerty heaped praise on youth development officer Jimmy Lindsay and his coaching team, and said: "Two years ago, the board decided to launch a major youth programme. "It has not been easy and we're not there yet, but we are starting to see the benefits. "We are basing the scheme on the Ajax model. We are scouring schools and setting up a database of every youngster, of any age, who has a modicum of talent. "If a youngster is worth his salt on the football field, he will be on our database--and that applies far beyond Coatbridge. "We have local boys clubs for under-14s and under-16s, and we even have primary school coaching mornings right down to the under-eights. "If there is a toddler with talent, we will be watching him." Rovers are taking a tough line on any youngster who strays from the Ajax model lifestyle. Hagerty said: "Even if a lad is gifted, he will be turfed out if he goes astray." After Saturday, young Diak must be in line for the college dux prize. He stunned Third Division Favourites County by levelling their one-goal lead, then left them for dead when he set up the winner for David Lorimar. In 23 minute Ian Maxwell netted for County after a cutback by Steve Ferguson, only to see it ruled offside. The game exploded close to half-time. In 42 minutes, Gary Wood nodded the home side in front after Steve Ferguson headed back across goal. Then, right on the break, Kenny Gilbert was hauled down by Graham Duncan, but a weak spot-kick by former Dundee United midfielder Alex Taylor was saved by Mark McLean. Rovers Coach Billy MacLaren said: "Wood was climbing all over our defenders when he scored, so justice was done with the penalty." In 52 minutes, Euan Donaldson beat three men on the left and cool kid Diak struck the ball past Nicky Walker from 12 yards. Rovers went ahead after 68 minutes. Diak slipped a superb through-ball to Robert Greenock on the right and the teenager's first-time cross was converted by David Lorimer. County Manager Neale Cooper said: "There was no ranting at the players, but I told them quietly what I thought. "If I have to find 10 Kenny Gilberts, I will. I would rather have players with half the talent, than 10 who do not have the fire in their bellies." |
| Ross County | |
| Manager | Neale Cooper |
| Starting 11 | 1: Joseph (Nicky) Walker, 2: Ian Maxwell, 3: Mark Haro, 4: William Furphy, 5: Steven Ferguson, 6: Alexander Taylor, 7: Kenneth Gilbert 1, 8: Roy McBain, 9: Garry Wood 1, 10: Keith (Billy) Ferries, 0: Connor Campbell 1 |
| Bench | 0: William (Billy) Herd, 0: Franck Escalon, 0: Neil Tarrant |
| Albion Rovers | |
| Manager | Billy McLaren |
| Starting 11 | Mark McLean, Robert Greenock 1, Neil McGowan, Jock McStay 1, Graham Duncan 1, David Lorimer, James McLees, Martin Melvin 1, Sandy Ross, Ian Diack 1, Euan Donaldson |
| Bench | Martin Harty, Chris McGowan, Martin Shaw |