It was a late heartbreak for the Braves, who conceded with virtually them last kick of the game to draw 1-1 with Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill. Lennon Walker had put us in front with a great low strike midway through the half, however the equalizer would eventually arrive courtesy of a Callum Home header in the 94th minute. Braves manager, Ricky Waddell, was left frustrated as his side conceded a late goal at Cliftonhill for the second occasion, after losing in the
90th minute to a contentious penalty last season.
Coming into the game, the gaffer made one enforced change to his side who defeated Gala Fairydean Rovers last week 6-0, as Zac Butterworth
dropped out for Connor McLaren. And the left-winger would score almost immediately, when he received the ball from Lennon Walker after just
five minutes. However, Con’s low strike would be pushed away by Ross Connolly in the Albion goal.
Our hosts tested Bernie White with a few tame efforts, but came close to taking the lead on the cusp of half time. A corner kick was swung into
the Braves box and headed goalwards, with Bernie beaten, it was John Guthrie who was in the perfect position to scoop the ball to safety off
the line. We wouldn’t have to wait long for a goal in the second half however, when Jack Brown broke down the right wing with the ball. The full-back found McLaren on the far side, who cut back to Lennon Walker, who slotted the ball into the bottom right corner with a great strike. A third goal in two Braves games for Lenny!
The Braves would push for a second, with Ross McNeil and Reg McLaren coming close as the game pressed on. With victory looming and 94 minutes on the clock, Albion attacked down the right wing. Greig Stewart stepped across to win the ball back with a firm challenge, and was shocked to see the linesman’s flagged raised. One final chance for Albion, and the free-kick was swung in with pace and power, onto the head of Callum Home who nodded into the Braves goal.
This would prove to be the final action of the game, as the two sides split the points. From a Braves perspective, the lads will certainly feel like they can perform better, but perhaps deserved the three points on the day due to their grit and determination to win.
Man of the Match – Greig Stewart
The Braves will be back to face East Stirlingshire on Wednesday evening at the Falkirk Stadium. Their group of American owners can listen to live coverage on X Spaces!
