In an impressive start to Brian Rice’s Alloa career, the Wasps held the league leaders at home.

Alloa set up in a 3-4-1-2 with Scougall coming in from last week’s win at Dumbarton for Jon Robertson in the only change.

The home side started like a house on fire. After only 5 minutes Alloa had taken the lead through captain Andy Graham as he rolled a close range effort under McKenzie. Alloa continued to pick holes in the Cove defence and it was like the Wasps had the extra man.

After finding that expanse of space on the right Scougall ghosted past Reynolds to create an overload, squared to Sammon who slotted in the free Steven Boyd and the former Hamilton forward slotted a composed finish past McKenzie to double the lead.

Again Alloa would have their moments for a third only being thwarted by perhaps the wrong decision making in the final third. Former boss Paul Hartley now in charge of Cove Rangers quickly shuffled his formation though and Cove almost brought themselves back into the game. Masson rose highest to head a sublime Milne delivery on the outside of the post and later had another header smartly saved by Hutton at the back post in Cove’s only dangerous moments of the first half.

Pictures from yesterday`s @cinchuk League 1 @AlloaAthleticFC @CoveRangersFC match now up on flickr. https://t.co/AZTL3WMl0F pic.twitter.com/V0xhaZ7Fkk

— David Glencross (@dgxwasp) February 27, 2022

Although the Wasps started tentatively in the second half they were first to call either keeper into action with McKenzie making a desperate palm away before Steven Boyd’s cross reached Cawley.

The tables would soon be weighted against the Wasps when Robertson, who had just come on the park, raised a high foot. Despite swiping away the ball, he caught Vigurs high and the referee charged over to show the straight red card. A real blow for Alloa.

Cove would have the advantage of numbers but Alloa remained resolute. They were in fact unlucky not to have reduced Cove down to 10 themselves as Morgyn Neill chopped down Sammon from behind while the striker’s footwork sent him through on goal. A clear denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity but a yellow was deemed fit by the referee.

Alloa would hold out to 81 minutes when Milne whipped in another special cross. Ola Adeyemo headed home from 7 yards and the pressure was on to hold the lead.]

But goal machine Rory McAllister was also on the park and after 85 minutes was freed by Kai Fotheringham to dink high over Hutton and break Alloa hearts.

A strong performance considering the calibre of the league leaders but their 17 game unbeaten run deserved to come to an end against the Wasps.

Alloa faced Dumbarton, for the first game of the post-Ferguson era. While Alloa’s form has languished at the bottom of the table, Dumbarton have picked up and have went on a good run since the transfer window closed.

For Alloa, Henderson, Riley-Snow, Scougall dropped out of the starting XI after the 3-1 defeat against East Fife. Sammon, Cawley and Boyd returned in their place. Alloa soon found their way into the game with a fine flowing move culminating in a left footed drive at the centre of the Dumbarton goal. Niang attempted a 20 yard curler but narrowly failed to find the goal as it zipped past the post. Stephen Bronksy was almost the winner from a chaotic corner from the hosts but at the back post managed to hook his effort harmlessly away from goal.

But Alloa who seemed to be freer in their movement and passing than in the last few weeks struck the first blow under the Rock. Daniel Church’s lofted ball was collected on the right wing by King. King zipped a ball across the 6 yard box and Kevin Cawley was on hand to sweep in to make it 69 Alloa career goals.

Alloa had a few ‘nearly’ attempts but as the first half drew to a close it was Dumbarton who were energised. In the 42nd minute Ross MacLean cutting in from the left wing had an effort deflected away from Hutton. While the Alloa goalkeeper got a strong hand and collected at the second attempt, the awkward save was almost followed up by Conner Duthie who proceeded to barge Hutton into his own goal with the ball. While Dumbarton celebrated the referee rightfully pulled the game back for a free kick.

This perceived injustice put some fire in the Son’s bellies and they attacked with urgency as the half closed. Finally, seconds before the end of the half they found a breakthrough. Paton was allowed space 22 yards out after MacLean squared to him and he rattled a bouncing effort beyond Hutton and into the bottom corner of the Alloa goal. The hosts were level – a kick in the teeth for the Wasps who had probably edged the contest in terms of chances and play so far.

Durnan was on the end of a glorious chance before the hour mark. King’s deep free kick was flicked on by Boyd and with a free hit at the back post, the Alloa centre half could only direct it back towards the Dumbarton goalkeeper and in combination with his centre back the ball was cleared away. While Alloa remained impressive they struggled to find the ball to unlock a stubborn Dumbarton.

That was until a gift from a combination of a terrible pitch and an eyewatering goalkeeping error. Kieran Wright, had an awkward bounce as he attempted to launch the ball forward from a back-pass. Adam King was bearing down on the goalkeeper was in prime position to capitalise on the miskick. Despite driving wide – found the centre of the empty goal and sent Alloa into the lead.

Alloa should have then put the game to bed with Sammon denied at the front post from another deft Alloa break. After O’Donnell and Niang’s link up play and the latter’s marauding run, Niang shanked an effort beyond the goal in another dangerous attack but Alloa would not come to regret it. A sequence of Dumbarton corners put on the late pressure in extra time but there was always an Alloa body to block, including a Church header off the line, to hold on for a vital victory against a relegation playoff rival.

It was a good performance from a team who looked to have shed any fear from the difficult 3 months they’ve endured. And while the next manager watched from the stand, hopefully this will be the spark to ignite a string of positive results and maybe an unlikely foray into the promotion playoff places.

Pictures from yesterday`s @cinchuk League 1 match between @Dumbartonfc @AlloaAthleticFC now up on flickr. https://t.co/AZTL3WMl0F pic.twitter.com/mWKBWAnmnz

— David Glencross (@dgxwasp) February 20, 2022

East Fife hadn’t won since October and were without a goal since the turn of the year so Alloa’s sights were clearly set on picking up a home win against the League 1’s bottom side.

‘The Wasps’ got off to a flyer as Mark Durnan converted an in-swinging corner courtesy of Stefan Scougall. But the goal in the second minute proved to be the high point for Alloa.

Mark Durnan opens the scoring in today`s @AlloaAthleticFC @EastFifeFC @cinchuk League 1 match pic.twitter.com/Ey9ZHNEjdd

— David Glencross (@dgxwasp) February 12, 2022

East Fife should have been down to ten men after Millar missed the ball and connected a lunge on Mohamed Niang’s ankle.

Despite the advantageous position they found themselves in Alloa failed to push it. East Fife grew into the game and while they demonstrated poor finishing, were finding the openings. Kyle Connell’s miss from six yards a particularly apt example as it looked easier to score.

The Wasps misery were just getting started as a lofted free kick passed over everyone. Connell folded after running into Durnan’s outstretched forearm and the referee pointed to the spot for what looked a flimsy award. Ryan Wallace stepped up to convert and equalise.

Alloa raggedly gave away possession in the middle of the park and Kyle Connell would have been in on goal but for a quick turn of pace by the captain to pass back to his goalkeeper. Inexplicably, Hutton picked up the pass-back. The only excuse was possibly expecting a whistle after a clear tug on Andy Graham launched Connell toward the Alloa goalkeeper.

Alloa set up basically on their line for the indirect free-kick. Mercer layed off to Wallace but instead of smashing it into the charging Alloa waall he passed to Connell who had been left at the back post to slot home.

Alloa were still slow and workmanlike in their approach and set pieces seemed to be the main threat and Durnan most of all. He was hauled to the ground from one corner to the ignorance of the officials and later managed a diving header into Jude Smith. That opening was despite the East Fife defender trying to take the shirt from his back.

In the second half again it was Durnan dominant in the air as he knocked a header from a deep free kick across the box. Euan Henderson and Jude Smith raced towards it, Smith won but was caught in the face by Henderson’s boot. The referee sprung to action fishing out a red card for Alloa’s top scorer. Alloa protested mainly based on the fact Henderson was grappled from behind as he raced in but to no avail.

Alloa pressed for opportunities but struggled to create anything golden with East Fife’s numerical advantage telling. They crafted a quick break and isolated the Alloa defence until Wallace squared to a free Danny Denholm to slot under Hutton.

In the end despite the contentious refereeing the Wasps were well beaten to mark the lowest point of the season. A relegation dogfight awaits.

Alloa were made to rue missed chances as they failed to make the first half dominance count.

Falkirk carved the first opening as Anton Dowds was released by Telfer and he smashed low at goal but Hutton was quick and managed a strong hand before collecting.

After a quarter of an hour it was Conor Sammon, who almost made it two in three appearances against his former club but his neat outside of the foot flick rolled wide after a lovely ball in by Scott Taggart.

Henderson was next to ask the question of Mutch as he made a typical off the shoulder run in behind the Falkirk defence and saw his snapshot from outside the saved from just inside the box.

Blaise Riley-Snow almost opened another glorious opportunity for Sammon as he launched a trademarked 40 yard pass into the box, but Sammon who’d expertly peeled away could only tamely flick it in to the Falkirk keepers waiting arms.

Steven Boyd tried his arm from range as he sent a free-kick narrowly wide and minutes later the diminutive forward should have tested the keeper as he chested down a deep ball from left-back Church, and blazed a shot into the side netting with only the keeper to beat.

Falkirk were playing themselves into all kinds of trouble as Mouhamed ‘Sena’ Niang and Steven Boyd pressed into the Falkirk box and the Senegalese midfielder drilled a low effort that Mutch had to be smart to save.

In the second half Henderson almost launched a rocket from 35 yards but it ended narrowly wide but soon Falkirk would take control of the game.

After a patient buildup, McGuffie squared to Jaze Kabia and from the edge of the box curled a beauty into the bottom corner. The visitors were ahead in the 50th minute.

On the 58th minute, Falkirk won a free-kick from 20 yards out and McGuffie expertly directed it into the bottom corner round the wall to beat Hutton.

Twelve minutes from time Paul Watson, ever the threat in the air beat Durnan to the header, beat the keeper but smacked post and bar, but Anton Dowds was there on the line to poach the rebound and give Falkirk the unassailable lead.

Despite Alloa bringing on Kevin Cawley for a 400th appearance chances were at a premium for the Wasps, and it was the marquee signing, Leigh Griffiths who was guilty of passing up the opportunities. A neat move ended in a skied attempt over the bar and when lined up for a trademark free kick from 30 yards sent it narrowly wide for a Bairns win.

https://youtu.be/P8IvfjHoS_k

There were two possible outcomes after an ultimately close run bout on Saturday against Celtic. Pushing one of the two best sides in the country until the very end would either galvanise or drain the Wasps for their League return at Clyde.

Just from the bench it seemed to be the latter. Nine on the bench and 5 substitutes were approved this week but Alloa could only name six on the bench. Mouhamed Niang, was also missing after his citation by the compliance officer and subsequent upgrade of a yellow card to red. Although Alloa were bolstered by the loan signing of Blaise Riley-Snow from Raith who went straight into the starting 11.

Clyde had managed on Tuesday to snatch a 2-2 draw against Airdrieonians but certainly looked the sharper of the two teams as the game kicked off. They carved the first chance of the game with Docherty’s cross to Jamieson headed just wide by the on-loan St Mirren forward. The Wasps had to make a quick change as Robertson was replaced by Scougall and Alloa managed to test Parry with a particularly tasty long range effort from Kevin Cawley but it was Clyde who made the breakthrough with a ‘different’ set piece. Durnan misjudged a bounce and collided straight into the Clyde forward with his head to concede on the edge of the box. Instead of attempting the shot, the two man decoys spun away and stroked the ball around the visitors defensive wall. Aaron Splaine smashed the ball into the bottom corner past the planted Hutton.

@ClydeFC go one nil up Aaron Splaine scoring against @AlloaAthleticFC in @cinchuk league 1 match today pic.twitter.com/Vrp2PWwFwB

— David Glencross (@dgxwasp) January 29, 2022

Alloa had their moments as Sammon and Boyd linked up well but the strikes didn’t meet the quality of the build-up play. Alloa should have had a penalty just after the half hour mark when Durnan was grabbed from behind from a corner. Durnan still won the duel but could only direct the ball wide of the goal and the grapple was certainly a limiting factor. Alloa continued to be profligate for the first half.

In the second, the visitors renewed their siege on the Clyde goal. Durnan’s dink to Sammon almost was directed into the top corner but for the strong wrists of Neil Parry after the Irishman unleashed a powerful effort. Boyd and Taggart were next to see their efforts saved by Parry. Boyd, soon, wrangled his way through three men in the box and opened the opportunity for a 1v1 with the Clyde goalkeeper, but he proved to big a barrier as Boyd could only smash the shot against his sprawling legs.

Kevin Cawley almost laid a cross onto a plate for Sammon after Riley-Snow’s searching ball but as it bounced on the 6 yard box and accelerated Sammon was just an outstretched leg from equalising. Alloa should again have been awarded a penalty. The outstretched arm by Docherty was the only obstacle to Boyd’s goalbound effort but the referee wrongly ignored the Alloa complaints. While this was happening, Durnan stayed alert and rolled to Adam King but he was dragged wide after rounding Parry and could only cross the ball harmlessly back onto the penalty spot for Clyde to clear.

Sammon headed wide, and soon after carved the most clear cut chance of the game after laying off to Cammy O’Donnell the youngster’s first time cross snapped through a crowd of players. Landing perfectly for Scougall – he blazed over the bar when it looked easier to score.

@gregorytade11 puts @ClydeFC two up against @AlloaAthleticFC today. pic.twitter.com/AHEJcG3lxY

— David Glencross (@dgxwasp) January 29, 2022

As Alloa committed forward, David Goodwillie who was struggling for fitness was left with up against Andy Graham alone. The Alloa captain committed what looked a good professional foul but it came back to bite the Wasps. Docherty’s free-kick from range was on target but inexplicably David Hutton, palms the ball down to the racing Clyde veteran Gregory Tade, who duly poked home and sealed all three points for Clyde. Alloa would have a late reply amidst the chorus of ‘sacked in the morning’ as Church’s delivery into Sammon was headed into the path of Scougall. The midfielder made no mistake this time, but in the end it was too little too late for Alloa.

@Scougall10 scores @AlloaAthleticFC goal at @ClydeFC today in the 2-1 defeat in @cinchuk league 1 pic.twitter.com/gupSoThjo9

— David Glencross (@dgxwasp) January 29, 2022