A Day to Remember

Sandy Morton reporting

Annfield was looking like something out of a fantasy world! 30,000 tickets were sold out within 2 days of going on sale.

It looked almost exactly as I remembered, but better.

The slope behind the big gates was still there but the terracing seemed a bit higher. I arrived around noon to absorb all the work to restore the old ground. As I reached the top of the stairs of the terracing I could hardly believed my eyes. My gaze was drawn to the immaculate turf; even Wembley in its heyday never had a playing surface to match this one.

Along the Annfield House side of the ground was a stand that ran the whole length of the pitch and had 10,000 seats. Interestingly the 20,000 terracing tickets sold out first with Baz Mac being at the head of the queue to see his first game at Annfield.

From the edge of the stand, close to the big house, the terracing swept all round the ground to meet up with the stand again at the Infirmary end. A wide passageway had been created behind the long terracing to enable the fans to swap ends at halftime and also gain access to the catering marquee in Livielands Lane. Murray McLeod was supervising the fleet of Carlsberg lorries delivering the beer for the fans.

A wee smile crept over my face, the pie stall was in place at the corner top of the terracing, McGowan’s penny dainties (Scott McLean’s favourites) were to be given away free and pies were half price.

Colin Ogilvie was already in the communications centre ensuring that all the computer equipment was working and that news would be fed to the website as it unfolded.

The cowshed covered the full terracing behind the town goal to ensure that the singing would be amplified.

Plenty of crush barriers were installed to allow fans of my generation to have a lean on. It was strange to see no small stand opposite Annfield House but the demand for terracing spaces meant it had to go! Arthur Montford arrived and we had blether. He was pleased to see the wee stand missing as he had memories of falling through its roof almost 40 years when commentating for Scotsport.

Some of the players were on the pitch checking it out, Vinnie Moore and John Colquhoun had big smiles on the faces, hardly believing that in just over an hour they would be strutting their stuff in front of a record breaking 30,000 crowd. Tom Tait and Zahana-Oni were trying to take in the surroundings, neither having played at the “true home”

As 2pm approached the ground was almost full, it could have been Old Trafford, Highbury or the Millennium stadium such was the sea of red and white. Fans were trying to decide which terracing to start the game at, did it really matter? They couldn’t lose today; both their teams were on display. Most of the fans had sampled at least one pint in the Livilands Lane catering site.

Most of the fans were searching the ground for friends who had maybe lost touch with the Albion but had been drawn back by this unique occasion. Many eyes were looking towards the big stand in the hope of catching one of their heroes. Sure enough there was big Buck McGarry chatting away to Matt McPhee and Henry Hall, Matt and Henry had played in the first game at Forthbank and would be hoping to maybe get 5 minutes on their old stomping ground.

Stadium announcer Alan McAndrew was in his state of the art “DJ Studio” - DVD ‘s and Mini Disks, he was in his element. His first record was the one and only Buddy Holly with “Rave On”- what a great response from the fans, almost 30,000 singing the original words with the promise that Aki and Johnny B would provide the Stirling version!

For the older fans he played the Alexander Brother’s “Nobody’s Child” - this time the fans drowned out the words with the Albion version:

“As I was slowly passing by Annfield Park one day
I stopped there for an hour or two to watch the Albion play
There the fans were standing and when I asked them why?
They raised their scarves of Red and White
And they began to cry………………..Stirling!”

It was now 2:30 and from under the stand appeared 2 Fergusson lorries one with Aki on it and the other Johnny Buchan; JB’s lorry made its way to the town end with Aki’s heading for the Infirmary end. Both lads had their guitars slung over their shoulders “Springsteen” style - what a reception they got as they arrived behind both goals. The two lads were “Radio Miked” - as they were tuning up the two Stirling flags were removed from the front of the lorries to reveal the makes; Scottish built ALBION Motors, a wee tribute to how Stirling got the second part of their name.

Cameras were snapping to record this moment. JB and Aki patiently waited to build up the tension, then, with a slap on their guitars both lads launched into “Rave On”

“Well, it’s the way we play and the way we score
The way we’re winning at half-past four
Rave on Stirling Albion, Rave on Stirling Albion”

Never have Albion fans sung in such tuneful voice, the lads had to do an encore and 30,000 joined in again. Buddy would have approved!

The big clock on top of the “Pie Shed” was registering 2:45 and time for the formalities to start.

Alan McAndrew started to announce the teams for the first time:

Annfield Albion		Forthbank Binos
Gordon Arthur	1	Mark McGeown
Colin Mitchell	2	Andy Paterson
Tam Spence (Captain)	3	Paul Deas
Davie Steedman	4	George Rowe
Scot Maxwell	5	Garry Paterson (Captain)
Jim Kerr	6	Paul Nugent
Vinnie Moore	7	Alex Bone
Davie Thomson	8	Craig Taggart
Billy Steele	9	Willie Watters
John Colquhoun	10	Tommy Tait
Davie Lloyd	11	Zahana Oni
	Subs
Jimmy Ormond	a	Steve McCormick
Keith Walker	b	Alex Williams
Stuart Robertson	c	Mark Crilly
John Brogan	d	John McQuade
Andy Graham	e	Iain Tuner
John Brogan	Manager	Kevin Drinkell
George Peebles	Asst Manager	Allan Moore
Referee: Willie Young; Stand Side Assistant: Hugh Dallas; Terracing Side: Kenny Clark

Then with a pause, Alan announced there would be an extra surprise replacement for each side.

Despite invitations to join the squad, Davie Flynn was unavailable but sent a good luck message, he asked for his regards to be passed to WJC for promoting his name for the team.

The Pie-shed clock was now showing 2:53 and all eyes were looking towards the tunnel trying to catch sight of their heroes as they prepared to leave Annfield House and make their way on to the pitch via the “fenced off” area behind the stand. The big screens behind each goal started to show the players going into the tunnel, you could cut the excitement with a blunt knife.

Out of the tunnel came “The Young Reds” and formed a guard of honour, by now the excitement was fever pitch!

Leading out the Albion was Stewarty Mac who had done so much to get the players together for the day; as a special treat for his first ever game at Annfield, Baz Mac was leading out the Binos; both lads had however opted to watch the game from the terracing.

The Albion were in their all red strip with the Binos in an all white strip with red edges to the top, shorts and socks.

The teams lined up in front of the stand to be introduced to the special guests: -

• Bob Shankly (the great Bill’s brother)

• Mrs Ina Shaw who has done so much to bring new talent to Stirling

• Henry Hall my 1960’s hero

• Then out of the tunnel came Tam Fergusson who started it all back in 1945.

Each guest got a great welcome from the faithful.

Soon the formalities were over and the teams broke from the line-up; the Albion made their way to the Stirling end and applauded the fans on the terracing and especially the choirs behind both goals. The Binos got a great welcome from the infirmary end fans.

Referee Willie Young brought the two Captains to the centre, Tam Spence for the Albion and Garry Paterson for the Binos; Spence won the toss and chose to attack the infirmary end going up the famous slope.

The two Mac’s - Stewarty and Baz were now on the terracing, Scott McLean made his way from the dug out wielding a big stick - ref’ Willie Young gave a nod, and, Scott got the clock going with a single blow!

With a sharp blast of the whistle, the game was under way and Scott ran back to join the Forthbank squad as kit-man.

The Binos were first to threaten, using the slope to their advantage, Garry Paterson punted a long ball forward, Zahana-Oni was on to it in a flash but his first time shot sailed high over the bar and into the choir behind the goal.

This was enough to get the songsters in the mood….

A solo voice was heard…

”You gotta shake it up baby now”

30,000 responded…

“Shake it up baby”

Before you knew it the Beatles Classic was being belted out.

The solo voice, (Stewarty?) was “giving the line” and all responded; magnificent, I swore I saw “Shaggy” Mitchell join in!

After only 5 minutes came the first goal, it was only right that the Albion should go ahead, Spence broke up the Bino attack and carried the ball forward, slipped a great pass to Colquhoun and his pace left Andy Paterson standing, the Albion number 10 squared a great pass into the centre, “who put the ball in the Bino net, Billy, Billy Steele!”

Annfield Albion 1 Forthbank Binos 0

The goal was played back on the big screens and received yet another round of applause. Hugh Dallas was getting pelters from the fans but to his credit he took it in good part and past animosities were forgotten. If the Albion thought the Binos would make it easy for them at Annfield they were soon realising how wrong they were.

The Binos, mainly consisted of the champion winning team of 1995-96, were soon getting into their stride. Taking advantage of the famous slope, Nuggets took of on a pacey run, he interchanged well with Tom Tait and the number 10 struck a powerful shot that came back off Gordon Arthur’s chest and poacher Bone lashed the ball into the net to level the scores, great reaction, great goal.

Annfield Albion 1 Forthbank Binos 1

Scott’s magic had worked on the big clock; it was now showing 3:13 pm.

Time for another song,

To the tune of “Blue Moon” the Stirling crowd gave an emotional rendition to celebrate their gubbing of Kilmarnock in 1997 -

“Six - two what was the score with you? **
We beat the Killie Six - two!
We beat the Killie Six - two!”

** This song has a special place in our hearts as rivals Falkirk lost to Killie in the Scottish Cup Final! (shame!)

With 30 minutes gone, the Binos were now in control, it seemed as if the emotion of the day had got to the Albion, George Rowe and Garry Paterson had struck up a great partnership in defence and were easily containing the odd Albion attack. Davie Steedman gave away a free kick mid way inside his own half, most expected Andy Paterson to have one of his famous crack shots, he chose to slip a quick pass to Deas and in turn his great ball found Zahana-Oni in the clear, this time he got his range correct and before Arthur could react the ball was sailing passed him into the net. What a move, what a goal, 30,000 fans were applauding till their hands hurt.

Annfield Albion 1 Forthbank Binos 2

The Binos were proving to be party poopers; this surely wasn’t in the script?

A roar came from behind the town end goal; Albion hero Mickey Lawson was standing on the roof of the pie shed throwing McGowan’s Penny Dainties to the outstretched hands; magic, a great game and free caramels! Mickey took a bow and joined the fans on the terracing to keep “Coach’s” wife company!

Colin Mitchell was urging his Albion colleagues to get back in the game and his encouragement rubbed off Davie Lloyd, Lloyd robbed Craig Taggart and set off up the slope, with Taggart trying to win the ball back, Davie was having none of it; he swung over a great cross but the other Davie (Thomson) couldn’t quite reach it and the danger passed.

The Albion was back in contention but was still a goal behind when referee Young brought an entertaining first 45 minutes to a close.

Half Time
Annfield Albion 1 Forthbank Binos 2

Half time was extended to 30 minutes to allow the fans to change ends and enjoy a pint in Livilands Lane.

As the fans gathered back in their places they were intrigued to see that a stage had been assembled in the centre circle; a familiar tune came from the loudspeakers;

“Sunday Morning up with the lark
Think I’ll take a walk in the park”

Then the music faded out!

From the tunnel came two men in their mid sixties, their faces looked vaguely familiar, it was only when they reached the centre spot that the fans realised who they were…

The two stars from the BBC series, “Still Game” - Slosh experts, Jack + Victor.

The music started again, the sight of 30,000 doing the Slosh was brilliant and waves of laughter engulfed Annfield.

“Hey, Hey, Hey, it’s a beautiful day” - and it was!

Scott Johnstone had suggested a fans 7 a side game, but the attraction of the booze and pies put that to one side.

I got speaking to Jim Brown at half time and we reminisced about George Young, Rab Duffin et al.

Arthur Montford was managing the commentary well, so I decided to spend the second half on the terracing behind the town end goal. All of a sudden I was 20 again! It was great to look at the ground and see the place jam-packed.

Many of the fans were reading their special edition of the “Rave On Fanzine” - as usual, Stewarty and Kev had done a great job.

To their credit all those who had contributed to the Fans Forum Topic on the “rebuilding” had made it to the game; Paul introduced himself as did Gav (I hope your Mum and Dad are feeling better!)

St Mirren fan, SMTID had made it through and even he was getting caught up in the atmosphere.

There had been speculation that MIF would streak, but on reflection he did not want to embarrass his mammy (or had he not got his backside tattooed?)

The 30-minute break was almost over when Alan McAndrew announced some changes:

Forthbank Binos

• McGeown replaced by Turner in goal

• Taggart replaced by Crilly

Annfield Albion

• Arthur replaced by Andy Graham in goal

• Kerr replaced by Jimmy Ormond

Willie Young checked with his assistants and this time with Colin Ogilvie, Colin set the clock back to zero and the game was under way with the Albion attacking down the slope to their favourite town end goal.

Andy Graham got his first touch of the ball from a headed back pass from Scott Maxwell; he came to the edge of his area and launched a booming (Arthur Montford would say prodigious) kick downfield. Vinnie Moore watched it as it came to him and controlled it beautifully on his chest; he nudged the ball onto Lloyd and the big striker fended off George Rowe, slid the ball passed the out-rushing Turner, the big goalies first touch of the ball was to pick it out the net.

Annfield Albion 2 Forthbank Binos 2

50 minutes gone and already 4 goals; the sun splitting the sky, cheap beer and free caramels, it doesn’t get any better than this!

Time for another song, Johnny B was at the Infirmary end with Aki under the cowshed; both were consulting the song-sheets, there could only be one song for such a day. The Albion Anthem.

To the tune of “The Red Flag” the lads started -

“Hullo, Hullo have you heard right
About the boys in red and white
Their famous name goes on and on
The one and only Albion!”

How well I remember singing that in the 1960’s, my hankie was wringing wet trying to keep my eye dry!

On the hour mark the managers made another change: -

for the Binos

Zahana-Oni replaced by big Stevie McCormick

for the Albion

Scott Maxwell replaced by Keith Walker

I felt a tap on my shoulder, it was my next-door neighbour, Donald McLaren - Donald has been a great Bino ambassador, working in the ticket office at Stirling station for some 40 years. With him were Raymond Walker also of Scotrail; Raymond let all the Binos coming to the game by train travel free. To complete the 3 musketeers was Dan Stalker; he now lives in Prestwick but travels to virtually every game home and away by public transport. Between the four of us, we have almost 200 years of Albion support.

Were we enjoying the day? Do you need the answer?

The game was going end to end with both teams creating great chances but found big Iain Turner and Andy Graham difficult to beat. A goal did come, a flash of inspiration from Willie Waters, for once he got by Steedman, he flicked the ball the ball up and as it came down he volleyed it into the net from 25 yards. God had lived up to his name!

Annfield Albion 2 Forthbank Binos 3

It was mid-way through the second half, a feast of goals and entertainment. The loud speakers burst into life, “The Binos will make their surprise replacement,”

Willie Waters will be replaced by ….Gretar Hjartson

Waters was given the adulation he deserved and once he was back on the bench the Icelandic player got a great reception - he still checks the website to see how the Binos are doing.

The crowd were now urging the Albion on but the Bino defence was in great form denying any attack that came their way. Tam Spence decided to get stuck in, he made a surging run through the middle, Colquhoun broke to the left and Tam’s pass was inch perfect; Colquhoun struck a shot / cross and this was met by Colin Mitchell, his header was out of Turner’s reach and the scores were level again.

Annfield Albion 3 Forthbank Binos 3

With 15 minutes to go, the Albion made a double substitution, George Peebles replaced Davie Thomson and Davie Lloyd with Stuart Robertson and………………….

John Brogan.

Brogan bounced onto the park, desperate to strut his stuff on the hallowed turf.

Managers Drinkell and Moore made their final substitutions a few minutes later bringing on Alex Williams and John McQuade for Alex Bone and Tommy Tait.

There was a real expectation to see if McCormick and Williams could “strike” up a good partnership.

The fans did not have long to wait, the Binos won a corner in the 81^st minute and McQuade sent over a teasing cross, McCormick rose high above the Albion defence to flight the ball passed Graham to put the “visitors” back in front.

Annfield Albion 3 Forthbank Binos 4

George Peebles was consulting his notes, on the bench was a mystery player, wearing shades and a red wig, George held up the board to show he was taking Colquhoun off; as John jogged to bench, the “mystery” man took off his shades.

Colquhoun took his place on the bench as Alan McAndrew announced, the Albion replacement is…………………..

Robert (pacey) Docherty, off came the wig and on came “Pacey” - it was all too much for John Buchan, his hero on for the last 8 minutes. SAFC71 also had a big smile on his face as he had nominated the “Doc” for the squad.

JB had his guitar in hand and along with Aki they launched into the second and third verses of “Rave On”

“We drink beer and we drink shorts
We’re Geordie Peebles, soccer cosmonauts
Rave on etc
Come to Annfield don’t be shy,
You’ll get a caramel and you’ll get a pie
Rave on etc”

The singing lifted the Albion and “Pacey” tried to live up to his name! Docherty went out to the wing with the ball but then cut inside, and floated over a cross which Brogan met first time and thrashed the ball into the net to level the scores. John whipped off his strip to reveal his “T” shirt emblazoned with “I love the AL - BINOS” (don’t we all!) - Brogan always had a great rapport with the fans.

Annfield Albion 4 Forthbank Binos 4

The game looked to be drifting towards a draw, Peebles and Brogan were urging on the Albion with Drinkell and Moore doing the same for the Binos.

In the 89^th minute the Albion mounted an attack down the slope, Spence and Mitchell pushed up and this unsettled the Bino defence; Billy Steele was brought down in the box and referee Young pointed to the spot. Vinnie Moore put the ball on the spot and blasted a great shot but young Iain Turner got down low to parry the strike; the first to react was Pacey Docherty and the ball was in the net.

Annfield Albion 5 Forthbank Binos 4

When the players’ celebration settled down referee Young brought the spectacle to an end.

None of the 30,000 had left the ground, all stayed to acknowledge the teams as they paraded round the ground.

What a game what a day.

Many people deserve praise for today’s success: -

• Scott McLean for all the electric work and Website facilities

• Colin Ogilvie for all the computer and Website facilities (I hope you enjoyed your first Annfield experience?)

• All the fans that contributed to the Web Forum pages

• Oddbins for keeping me supplied with excellent red wines.

I don’t want to wake up or sober up…in case it was just a dream!

Roll on the new season!

Final Score
Annfield Albion 5 Forthbank Binos 4