Albions miserable start to their league campaign continued with a 2-1 loss to Blackpool Celtic at home in Ballinadee. Albion started well and seemed to dominate play in the opening 20 minutes, but Blackpool slowly crept back into the game as their 5 man midfield started to over run Albions 4. Neither teams had any clear cut chance in the first half though Albion will feel they deserved at least a one goal lead going in at the break.

Blackpool came out the hungrier of the two in the second half and opened the scoring when a mix up between defence and keeper left Blackpools striker with a simple tap in. They were 2-0 up when their winger beat Walsh to the ball and fired past Colm O’Donovan on the line. Albion switched to 3-5-2 and with the introduction of Jamie Daly & Mike O’Connell they started playing more direct ball. They were back in the game when Japs’ corner was met by Blackpools keeper who punched the ball out, Mart Ryan met it outside the box with a half volley that ended up in the top corner. 2-1. Blackpool saw out the remaining 10 minutes to leave with all 3 points.

Worrying signs for Albion whos failure to dominate midfield has left them looming all too close to the relegation zone.

Team. Walsh, D Daly, J McNamara (O’Connell ’60), Murray, O’Donovan, Hayes, O’Donnell, Ryan (O’Hare ’81), Twomey, El-Sahen (J Daly ’60), B Dillon. Subs. D Coleman.