Albion Rovers FC vs Annan Athletic - No Boyle for Rovers

Posted Wednesday, May 18, 2011 by PA

Albion midfielder Chris Boyle has been ruled out of the visit of Annan for the first leg of the Second Division play-off final with a hamstring problem.

However, on-loan Motherwell striker Steven Lawless could return after a thigh strain.

Rovers boss Paul Martin is looking forward to taking on the Galabank side, saying: "I think it is a great story for Scottish football that Albion Rovers are meeting Annan with promotion to Division Two at stake. It gives hope to underdogs everywhere.

"Annan will be tough opponents and whilst we have not beaten them so far this season we beat them twice last season and drew the other two games so we know we can do it."

Annan manager Harry Cairney is hoping that player/assistant manager Andy Aitken and striker Sean O'Connor are both passed fit for the trip.

The pair picked up injuries at Alloa at the weekend, and striker David Cox is definitely out of contention with a broken metatarsal.

Cairney said: "We rested both players from training on Monday night to give them the best chance of being available. To reach the play-offs was a great achievement for the club and to defeat Alloa over the two legs was fantastic. It shows the progress this club is making.

"It will be a really tight affair at Cliftonhill and I do not think that either Paul Martin's side or mine will have the game won after the first leg."