Gretna 6 Albion Rovers 0

Last updated : 09 August 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Gretna got their season off to a flying start with a 6-0 thumping Albion Rovers - four of the goals scored with the Borderers down to ten men.

David Bingham bagged two goals in three minutes with Gavin Skelton off the park being patched up after he got a cut head when Marc McKenzie appeared to butt him.

The former Inverness Caley striker opened the scoring with an exquisite flick with the outside with his boot to send Andrew Smith cross Mark Peat.

Bingham grabbed his second when he hammered home from close range after a swift effort came back of the post in the 24th minute.

A bandaged Skelton returned to the field in the 29th minute, but Gretna didn't add to their tally until the hour mark.

Bingham was quick to the ball after Peat spilled Ryan Baldacchino's cross and Mick Galloway lashed into the unguarded net.

Bingham was at his best to create the fourth goal, wriggling past three defenders for Smith to drill home from 12 yards in the 72nd minute.

Smith then made way for Kenny Deuchar who almost got on the scoresheet with his first touch, but he fired wide under pressure from the keeper.

An injury to Bingham saw Gretna reduced to ten men again, but it made no difference to the Raydale Park players.

Stephen Cosgrove made it 5-0 after Deuchar kicked him out and he gave the keeper no change below 12-yard shot.

The icing was put on the cake when Deuchar finally got his reward scoring Gretna sixth goal in the final minute.