Albion Rovers boss praises value of Monklands derby, but raises concerns over rout

Airdrie thumped Rovers 7-0 on a day that helped the Cliftonhill club's coffers

Albion Rovers boss Sandy Clark admits their Monklands derby friendly at Airdrie on Saturday was effectively a fundraiser, but was still concerned as they lost 7-0.

Rovers’ line-up was heavily populated by trialists, in amongst signed players Chris Neeson, Sonny Aluko, Tyler Denholm, Nathan Brown, Devan McColl and Barry Duncan.

They held out for 12 minutes before Lewis McGrattan sparked a rout, with goals from Sean McGinty and Craig Ross giving Airdrie a 3-0 half-time lead.

A second-half double from sub Cammy Cooper and strikes from Chris Mochrie and Dylan MacDonald completed the emphatic win for Rhys McCabe’s side.

Clark said: “I instigated the game, as we try to do most years and, being brutally honest, it’s the money factor that’s the reason.

“I knew what it was going to be like, Airdrie are a good team. I know Rhys, the way he plays, they’ve got really good players, while I’ve got eight players signed, of which two are on holiday, and the rest of my squad are trialists.

“We did OK in the previous couple of games, but today worried me, and rightly so.

“Airdrie played well. We did a lot of good things in the game and a lot of things that I’m happy with – we had a few shots in the first half.

“The biggest disappointment for me is the goals were so cheap – not them all, but free headers at corners, second balls not getting there, all the goals are fixable, it’s just that lack of experience within the group that makes it difficult.

“But I achieved what I wanted to, so I’m delighted with it, and thanks to everybody at Airdrie. I hope they have a great season.”

Some of Clark’s trialists will depart, for various reasons, including budget.

He said: “Some of the lads aren’t quite what I’m looking for, but they know that, and it’s trial and error.

“I’ve probably had about 20 trialists in the last two weeks, and a lot of them I know well, so I’ll have a go at trying to keep some of them, but I can’t take them all.

“I’m pleased with the eight signed players that I’ve got, they’re all good players.

“That’s not a full team yet, and you need a squad, so I’m well short yet, including the goalkeeping situation.

“I know the work we’ve got to do, but we’ve got three weeks yet before we have our first league game.

“I’ll take my time and try to sign the right players.”

Rovers host Queen of the South reserves at Cliftonhill on Saturday.