Albion 3-1 Annan Athletic - Love tears Annan apart

Robert Love hit a hat-trick as Albion put themselves on course for a place in the Second Division with a 3-1 first-leg final play-off victory over Annan.

Love added two goals in the second half to his first-half opener as Albion gave themselves the advantage heading into Sunday`s second leg.

It was a bright start with both sides exchanging chances, but Albion were the team to make the breakthrough in the 13th minute when Robert Love struck into the bottom corner from John Gemmell`s cross.

Albion continued to dominate and Todd Lumsden could have extended their lead, but he saw his shot blocked.

Annan levelled four minutes before the break as a neat finish by Ian Harty from Aaron Muirhead`s accurate cross beat Derek Gaston.

Albion were back on top after the break, though, and their lead was restored midway through the second period through Love`s second of the match as he smashed home from close range.

And Love put the game to bed with 15 minutes remaining, completing a fine hat-trick with another cool finish.