Stirling Albion head for Coatbridge on Saturday to play Albion Rovers as we look to turn things round after four straight defeats in Ladbrokes League 2.
Kevin Rutkiewicz: “It’s a big game because we need to start winning. Albion Rovers are stronger than they were last year so it will be a difficult game but we haven’t been far away in any of the four matches so far.”
Team news: Central defenders Gareth Rodger and Jordan McGregor remain on the sidelines and skipper Ross McGeachie is a doubt. Left-back James Creaney is close to making the squad for the first time this season but this game could come too soon. Striker Dylan Nguene Bikey joined this week and international clearance has now been received for the fans’ favourite.
Albion Rovers: Rovers kicked off the season with a 3-2 win at Stenhousemuir then drew 4-4 at home to Cove Rangers. Kevin Harper’s team have lost their last two matches – 3-2 at Annan and 1-0 at home to Brechin City last week. Their summer signings were Smart Osadolor (Queen’s Park), Giuliano Morena (Brechin City), Jordan Stewart (Clyde), Ryan Goodfellow (Cowdenbeath), Aron Lynas (Brechin City), Scott Roberts (Elgin City), Nicki Paterson (Stenhousemuir), Euan East (Queen’s Park), Daniel Scally (Kilmarnock) and Jack Breen (Hamilton Academical, loan).
Past meetings: Peter MacDonald scored a hat-trick when we won 5-0 on our last visit to the Reigart Stadium in January but we were beaten 3-0 there 11 months ago in what proved to be Dave Mackay’s last match in charge. The two meetings at Forthbank in 2018/19 produced a 1-0 victory apiece.
Referee: Steven Reid
Admission: Adults £13, Concessions £7, U16s £2
Weather: Forecast is not looking great!
Twitter: Updates available via @Stirling_Albion
Next meeting: Stirling Albion v Albion Rovers – 02/11/19
Our next game: St Mirren Colts v Stirling Albion – 07/09/19 (Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup R3)
