This was supposed to be the game which clinched the league championship for Tannahill, consigning their opponents to also-rans in the title race. It was Tans, however, who were off the pace tonight as their opponents were hungrier, sharper and stronger throughout.

One Tannahill player who can be pleased with his night’s work was Craig Glen in the Tans goal. He was the man of the match by a country mile, making a number of quality stops. Tannahill didn’t manage a single meaningful attempt on goal in the first half while Alba had many. Midway through the half, Glen made a tremendous save, diving to his right to push away a snapshot from the edge of the box. From the resultant corner he made an identical save from a bullet header.

Alba sensed they were on top and pushed for the opener. John Gordon cleared an effort off the line before Alba were denied what looked like a decent penalty claim as Calum Muirhead challenged in the box. The Alba players thought they had a case and surrounded the referee to complain.

The goal finally came near the end of the half, when a clearance from the Tannahill box was returned and flicked on to the Alba forward. There was more than a hint of offside as the big forward ran on to the ball and rounded Glen before slotting home.

HALF TIME 0-1

Tannahill improved in the second half and did have most of the possession especially in wider areas through Davy Clark, Frazer Martin and John Gordon. For all that there were no real clear cut chances to speak of. The best Tans offered were two curling shots from Clark which narrowly missed the target.

The introduction of Ross Martin made a difference to Tans going forward, but still the Alba defence held firm. Alba always looked lively on the break and twice they could have wrapped up the points. Once with a shot over the bar from eight yards then a chipped shot off the bar after good work cutting from the left.

Tans pushed to the end, but Alba ended the game deserved winners to leave the destiny of the title in their hands. Tans must win their remaining game and hope Alba slip up to either Fordbank Star or West End Villa in their last two games.


Tannahill (4-4-2)
Glen, Campbell, Muirhead, McNab, Burns, Forbes, F Martin,
Watt (R Martin), Gordon, Robertson (Carlton), Clark.


For photos from the match click here