Albion Rovers manager Steven Saunders believes his side have been handed a difficult start in the Lowland League West after a 2-0 home defeat to Largs Thistle on Saturday. The loss followed a 1-0 defeat at Cumnock the previous week, and Rovers now face a trip to Johnstone Burgh this Saturday.
Saunders on tough opening run
Saunders told Lanarkshire Live Sport: "I think we have been given a really hard and difficult first six or seven games. We went to Cumnock last week, Largs are really experienced and the calibre of player Johnstone Burgh can bring in is well above where we are. After that we have Caley Braves, Kilwinning and Auchinleck. These are teams you are expecting to be in the top six along with Clydebank. So that is a really difficult hand to start with. We know we have to play them at some point so our hope this week is to get back on the training ground and make sure we pick up points on Saturday."
Reflecting on Largs defeat
Reflecting on the loss to Largs, Saunders added: "It is disappointing to lose any game but losing that first one at home when you are looking to make it a bit of a difficult place to come, is even more so. I thought we played well in the first half and dominated for about 30-35 minutes, but Largs came out well in the second half and were more aggressive in their press in the midfield, forcing us to play a way we don't really want to play. Their experience probably took over and they got the ball into good areas and punished us. We took a backwards step in the second half and took a little bit of intensity out of our play."
New signing and departure
Rovers recently announced the signing of former Queen's Park midfielder Leo Clark. The 18-year-old arrived at Cliftonhill last week and made his debut in Saturday's defeat. Saunders told the club website: "Leo is a player who has experience in both the Lowland League and the West of Scotland Premier Division. He gives us something different in the wide areas, and I am looking forward to him playing a big part for us going forward."
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Daniel Gaffney has left the club after his contract was terminated by 'mutual agreement'. The 20-year-old joined from the now defunct West of Scotland League side Caledonian Locomotives in 2025 and played seven of the last eight outings for the club last season. A board spokesperson said: "Everyone at Albion Rovers would like to thank Daniel for his contribution during his time with the club and wish him well for the future."
