Last nights defeat was a dent in Albions title hopes, though they still have it all to play for! A nervy start caused a few problems for Albion with Strand on top through the middle. Albion lifted their game though didnt cause any trouble for the keeper in the first 20, Marty El-Sahen coming closest with a shot from outside the area. Strand took the lead after a debatable penalty decision when the ball bounced between 3 Albion players and hit off Ger O’Connells arm on the bounce back up. Completely unintentional, didn;t control the ball with his hand, though the ref issued a yellow and mentioned it should have been a straight red. Albion will issue the referees association with a Specsavers voucher for said referee in the near future.1-0 to Strand. 3 minutes later it was 2-0. One of Albions points of concern is switching off after conceeding a goal, this happened again as danger stemmed from the left wing, partly cleared and let the Strand striker completely unmarked to notch past Walshy. Jamie Daly clipped the outside right close to half time after a corner kick. 2-0 half time.

Albion upped the game in the second half and were well on top for most of the half. They were back in the game 10 minutes into the half after good work from James O’Driscoll on the left took the ball past the right full. O’Driscoll sent in a low delivery that Marty El-Sahen stopped and laid off for Ben Dillon who fired home for his 8th of the season. Albion played out the half causing problems for Strand but didnt make their keeper work for the rest of the half. Both sides had great chances to add to their tally. Ben Dillon with the best of Albions chances when he turned the defender with the keeper to beat and shot over, Strands striker with a “Dennis Bergkamp” flick past Colm O’Donovan and fired wide of the left.

A disappointing result though a much improved performance from Albion who will be looking to St. John Boscos in the County Cup this weekend.

Team. Walshy, Jody (Darren ’78), Jamie, Colm, Deccy, Japs, James, Conan, Ger, Ben, Martin El (Troy ’58). Subs. Martin R, Noel, Dan C.