Albion Rovers duo pick up top fan awards

Goalkeeper Ross Connelly has been crowned player of the year by the Albion Rovers Supporters’ Trust.

And Rovers boss Sandy Clark says it is a thoroughly deserved prize for one of the best shot stoppers in the Lowland League.

The 23-year-old, who has already signed up for next season, has been a standout this term and produced a string of top stops throughout the campaign to have Rovers on course for a top 10 finish.

The club also boast the best defensive record in the league going into the final couple of games.

And Clark said: “I know Ross well having worked with him before at East Stirling and he is definitely one of the better goalkeepers in the Lowland League, so we are pleased with him and that’s why he has signed a new contract.

“I am pleased the supporters picked him as their Player of the Year and he really deserves his prize.”

Connelly said: “I am really happy. I’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone who voted and everyone who has come up to support us this season win, lose or draw.

“We want to finish the season on a high now.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Barry Duncan picked up the prize for goal of the season following a stunning free-kick against Gretna in August, which saw him find the top corner from 25 yards.

Clark said: “Barry’s goal was a really good one, so it is a really good choice.

“He is another young player with good potential and it’s good to have him signed up for next season as well.”

Duncan said: “I am pleased to get the fans’ votes.

“I just remember taking the ball off Niyah [Joseph, for the free-kick]. He gave it to me, for once, and I was pleased to score it.”

Rovers bring the curtain down on their first Lowland League season this week. They were defeated 2-0 by champions East Kilbride at Cliftonhill last night [Tuesday], and on Saturday they will travel to Berwick Rangers for their 34th and final game of the campaign.

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