Lewis Bonar has accepted the offer of part time football with Peninsula Power FC based in Brisbane, Australia.

I have spoken with the Club and have assurances that they have fixed Lewis up with a full time job and accommodation, in addition to part time football. Lewis also has relatives in the Brisbane area.

With all of the above in place, SAFC have agreed to cancel Lewis's registration. In return, Lewis has signed an undertaking that he will re-engage with SAFC (should we so wish) if he returns to Scotland before May 2013 - the original date of termination on his contract.

I am confident that no one will disagree that this is a potentially life-changing move for Lewis and one that it would have been entirely inappropriate for SAFC not to have made possible.

He goes with everyone at SAFC's best wishes and full support.


Stuart Brown

Operations Director
Stirling Albion FC

Gary Thom’s first-half header earned Albion a deserved point against the league leaders at a wet and windy Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Tuesday night.

Greig McDonald’s men produced an excellent performance in the wake of Saturday’s agonising 3-2 home defeat to Brechin and created enough chances to have claimed the victory that would have lifted us off the foot of the table ahead of the weekend trip to in-form Dumbarton.

Cowdenbeath had won the six previous meetings between the teams and equalised when Lewis Coult capitalised on a fine pass from ex-Bino Derek Lyle early in the second half but Stirling were the better team before the interval and also finished the match strongly.

Graham Weir was inches away from scoring his first goal for the club when he diverted an Alan Cook cross narrowly wide and keeper Thomas Flynn did just enough to keep out a shot from substitute Darren Smith, who had been sent clear by Scott Davidson.

Albion, showing two changes from the weekend - with Shaun Fagan in for the injured Shaun Dillon and Craig McLeish selected instead of Smith - took the lead in 28 minutes when John Crawley’s free-kick was met by Kevin Kelbie. His header was cleared off the line but Thom followed up to nod the rebound into the empty net for his third goal of the season.

Mark Ferry came close with a spectacular effort but Colin Cameron’s Cowden improved in the second period and St Mirren-bound Jon Robertson headed over before Lyle picked out Coult and the man who scored a hat-trick to sink Stirling 4-1 at Central Park recently finished with aplomb.

Robertson missed a good chance as the visitors enjoyed their best spell but Stirling’s response was impressive and it would have been harsh indeed had Cowdenbeath substitute Liam Cusack scored at the end when the ball broke to him following a corner.

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Fagan, Crawley, McSorley, Allison, Thom, Davidson, Ferry, Weir, Kelbie (Smith 61), McLeish (Cook 86). Subs (not used): Jacobs, Macpherson, Filler (GK).

Scorer: Thom 28

Cowdenbeath: Flynn, Brett, Adamson, Fisher, Armstrong, Mbu, McKenzie, Robertson, Ramsay (Stewart 57), Coult, Lyle (Cusack 82). Subs (not used): Winter, Milne, Bejaoui (GK).

Scorer: Coult 56

Referee: David Somers

Crowd: 329

Stirling Albion (10th) v Cowdenbeath (1st) – Tuesday, 7.45pm

Team news Winger Josh Flood is again unavailable due to suspension and Marc McCulloch is likely to miss out with the calf strain that saw him sidelined at the weekend. Defender Shaun Dillon picked up a knock in the 3-2 defeat to Brechin and will be assessed before the game. Cowdenbeath are missing Scott Linton, who was red carded in the 1-1 draw at Arbroath.

Match info This fixture was originally scheduled for December 17 but was postponed due to a frozen pitch. A win would take us off the foot of the table, above Albion Rovers on goal difference, and level on points with Forfar, who travel to Arbroath on Wednesday. We have picked up just one point from our last six matches and have lost our last two home games against East Fife and Brechin. Colin Cameron’s side have the chance to go seven points clear at the top of Division Two. They have lost just three times this season – away to Stenhousemuir, Brechin and Forfar.

Head to head We have a terrible recent record against the Blue Brazil with six defeats in a row, including 3-1 and 4-3 losses at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium last season. It’s all a far cry from 2009/10 when we were unbeaten in the four meetings between the teams – most memorably coming back from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Central Park.

Last five league form Stirling Albion DLLLL Cowdenbeath WLWWD

Top league scorer Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (6), Cowdenbeath – Lewis Coult (10)

Shut-outs Stirling Albion 3, Cowdenbeath 9

This season Cowdenbeath 2-0 Stirling, Cowdenbeath 4-1 Stirling

Still to play Stirling v Cowdenbeath, 14/04/12

Referee Davie Somers

Admission Adults £14, Over 65s/students £8, Children U17 £5

The Albion magazine If you didn’t get one on Saturday, pick up your copy of the February issue, priced £3.50

Lottery tickets Available before the match – jackpot is now £6,000!

Other D2 fixtures Brechin v Stenhousemuir, East Fife v Dumbarton

Next three games Feb 25 Dumbarton (A), Feb 28 Brechin (A), Mar 3 Albion Rovers (H)

Stirling Albion Football Club will be hosting a Meet the Management Team evening at 6.30 p.m. on Thursday the 8^th of March at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

Supporters will have the opportunity to participate in a Question and Answer session with Greig, Shaun and Marc, and will have the opportunity to discuss the playing side of affairs at the Club.

Following on from the Q&A, fans will be able to see, close up, the management trio lead the players in an Open Training session in preparation for the Stenhousemuir game on the Saturday. Weather and pitch conditions permitting, this will take place in the main stadium.

Binos boss Greig McDonald was left to ponder what might have been as Brechin scored twice in the last seven minutes to claim a 3-2 victory at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday.

Albion were twice ahead through Mark Ferry and a Paul McLean own goal but a Ferry own goal and late strikes from Bryan Hodge and Rory McKenzie prevented us moving off the foot of the table.

McDonald said: "I thought we dominated for 80 minutes but we lost a goal to a 30-yard wonder strike and the third goal was criminal because it started with our throw-in. I thought we defended very well for most of the match and it was a sickener to lose but we need to bounce back.

"This was an opportunity to close the gap on the teams above us and it's very disappointing that we didn't take it. We had a good, frank discussion with the players after the game and they know what we want. We need to make better decisions and be able to close things out if we are ahead."

Brechin manager Jim Weir said: "We started the game really slowly and lost a poor goal but our performance was miles better in the second half and we looked like the team that would win it. We have suffered in the past losing late goals but I thought my players' fitness showed through."

Albion missed the chance to move off the bottom of the Second Division table as Brechin scored twice in the last seven minutes to inflict a painful defeat at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

Greig McDonald’s men looked on course to move level on points with Forfar and Albion Rovers until Bryan Hodge and Rory McKenzie struck in the closing stages as we slipped to a fourth straight loss going into Tuesday’s rearranged match with leaders Cowdenbeath.

A draw would probably have been a fair result but it wasn’t our day and a wonder save from City keeper David Scott, standing in for the injured Craig Nelson, in stoppage time denied Shaun Dillon an equaliser with a terrific header from a Mark Ferry cross.

Winger Josh Flood missed out as he started a two-game ban and Marc McCulloch was absent with a calf strain as we started in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Graham Weir playing behind Kevin Kelbie.

The Binos went ahead in 33 minutes of a poor first half when Ferry pounced from close range after Scott had failed to collect a Gary Thom cross but City started the second half strongly and equalised when Ferry was unfortunate to send a header into his own net.

The second own goal of the game in 75 minutes saw Brechin defender Paul McLean find the bottom corner with a diving header from a Scott Davidson delivery but we have struggled to keep goals out in recent weeks and Hodge made it 2-2 with a superb effort from 25 yards.

McKenzie, on loan from Kilmarnock, hit the winner three minutes from time when he outpaced Brian Allison and beat Reidford with a smart finish as Jim Weir's team climbed one place to sixth.

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Thom, Crawley (Jacobs 46), McSorley, Allison, Dillon, Smith (McLeish 69), Ferry, Weir, Kelbie (Cook 69), Davidson. Subs (not used): Macpherson, Filler (GK).

Scorers: Ferry 33, McLean og 75

Brechin City: Scott, McLean, Hodge, Moyes, Dunlop, Buist, Fusco (Lister 36), Brady, McKenzie, McManus (McKenna 69), Molloy. Subs (not used): McClune, Lindsay, Nelson (GK).

Scorers: Ferry 53, Hodge 83, McKenzie 87

Referee: Willie Collum

Crowd: 479

Stirling Albion (10th) v Brechin City (7th) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news Winger Josh Flood begins a two-match ban after being sent off in the closing stages of last week’s 4-1 defeat at Cowdenbeath. Young striker Andy Hunter is out long-term with a knee injury and Marc McCulloch is doubtful with a calf strain. City welcome back ex-Bino Craig Molloy after suspension but Charlie King, another Stirling old boy, is injured.

Match info Stirling kick off a sequence of seven matches in 22 days three points adrift of Albion Rovers and Forfar and seven behind Brechin, who we face at Glebe Park on Tuesday February 28. Greig McDonald’s men have not played at home since losing 1-0 to East Fife on January 21 but our four away matches since then have yielded only one point – from a 2-2 draw at Forfar. Jim Weir’s City have scored fewest away goals in Division Two (10) but also have the best defensive record on their travels, with 11 conceded. They lost their most recent away match 1-0 at Dumbarton and have since drawn 1-1 with Airdrie and Arbroath at Glebe Park.

Doubletree Dunblane Stadium clashes Darren Smith scored the only goal when the sides met in October but City were hampered by the first-half dismissal of Jim Lister. We have won our last three home games against Brechin, including a 6-2 triumph en route to the Second Division title, but the Angus club lead the overall league series at this ground 8-7, with no drawn matches.

Last five league form Stirling Albion LDLLL Brechin WWLDD

Top league scorer Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (6), Brechin - Paul McManus (10)

Shut-outs Stirling Albion 3, Brechin 4

This season Stirling 1-0 Brechin, 01/10/11

Still to play Brechin v Stirling 28/02/12, Brechin v Stirling 07/04/12

Referee Willie Collum

Admission Adults £14, Over 65s/students £8, Children U17 £5

Supporters Bar Dumyat and Cambuskenneth Suites. Open pre and post-match – all welcome

The Albion magazine First chance to buy your copy of the February issue, priced £3.50

Lottery tickets Available before the match – jackpot is now £6,000!

Club Shop Open before the game. Pop in and treat yourself to an Albion-related gift!

Other D2 fixtures Airdrie United v Stenhousemuir, Arbroath v Cowdenbeath, Dumbarton v Albion Rovers, East Fife v Forfar

Next three games Feb 21 Cowdenbeath (H), Feb 25 Dumbarton (A), Feb 28 Brechin (A)

Weather Breezy and chilly. Latest forecast here

Stirling Albion boss Greig McDonald hopes his side can take advantage of a hectic spell of seven games in 22 days and pull themselves away from the bottom of the table.

The Binos go into Saturday’s home match with Brechin three points behind Forfar and Albion Rovers but have two games in hand on Rovers.

McDonald said: “The good thing is that we pretty much have a full squad to choose from going into this busy period. Josh Flood is suspended for two matches after his red card at Cowdenbeath and young Andy Hunter is out. Marc McCulloch has been carrying a bit of a knock but, other than that, everyone is fit and well so that is a good position to be in.

“The players were disappointed by what happened at Cowdenbeath and we need cut out the individual errors but I’ve said before that I believe in this group of players. We want to keep as many teams as possible close to us and if we beat Brechin we go to within four points of them.”

Seven games in three weeks...
Sat Feb 18 - Brechin (H)
Tue Feb 21 - Cowdenbeath (H)
Sat Feb 25 - Dumbarton (A)
Tue Feb 28 - Brechin (A)
Sat Mar 3 - Albion Rovers (H)
Tue Mar 6 - Forfar (H)
Sat Mar 10 - Stenhousemuir (A)

Week 20 Numbers – Wednesday February 15

6 18 28 38

Draw was made by Mrs E O'Brien at Linden Inn. No jackpot winners this week, so the jackpot rises to £6,000.

There are two 3 number winners each scooping £125 - they are Davie Gillespie and John Podmore.

Over £3,000 in prizes have now been paid out!!!

The lottery costs £1 per line and is a great chance to help raise funds for the club while giving you the opportunity to win a weekly jackpot of between £1,000 and £20,000. There is also a guaranteed reward of £10-£250 for matching 3 numbers correctly.

Tickets are available from various outlets, as well as at the Office at Doubletree Dunblane Stadium. Standing order forms can also be collected or requested from the club on 01786 450399.

More info on the Albion Lotto

Albion winger Josh Flood will miss our forthcoming home games against Brechin City and Cowdenbeath after being sent off in the last minute of Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Central Park.

The Scottish FA has confirmed his challenge on Kenny Adamson was deemed by referee Mat Northcroft to be Serious Foul Play - an offence that carries an immediate two-game ban.

Josh will be available for selection again for the February 25 visit to Dumbarton.

Willie Collum certainly has an interesting week ahead of him. On Tuesday, the 33-year-old is an additional assistant referee at the Champions League last-16 clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Barcelona in Germany and on Saturday he is the man in the middle for Stirling Albion's Second Division game against Brechin at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium!

Hopefully the Binos will turn on some Messi-style magic as we bid to make it a home double against Jim Weir's City side this season!

Meanwhile, Davie Somers will take charge of our rearranged fixture at home to league leaders Cowdenbeath a week on Tuesday.

Stirling Albion co-assistant manager Shaun Fagan admits Cowdenbeath were well worth their 4-1 win at Central Park on Saturday after a hugely disappointing second-half performance by the Binos.

Gary Thom cancelled out Lewis Coult's early opener but the ex-Arniston Rangers striker went on to complete his hat-trick after the break and Marc McKenzie added a late fourth before substitute Josh Flood was sent off in the last minute for a lunge on Kenny Adamson.

Fagan said: "We got what we deserved. You can't turn up for 15 minutes and expect to win games. It took us a while to get going but we did well to get back into it in the first half. We gave ourselves a chance but we never started the second half and the second goal killed us. The park isn't the best so I don't understand why boys are trying to pretty football on a difficult pitch."

Cowdenbeath boss Colin Cameron said: "We started the game really well but we stepped off the gas and because of that we got too deep and conceded a sloppy goal from a set-piece. Stirling could have been ahead at half-time but we told the players to get in their faces and press from the front and the second half was a really professional job."

Albion slumped to a heavy defeat at Central Park on Saturday as Cowdenbeath retained their two-point advantage over Arbroath at the summit of the Second Division.

We stay two points behind Forfar at the other end of the table after losing to the Blue Brazil for the sixth time in a row on an afternoon when sub Josh Flood was sent off in stoppage time.

A hat-trick from Lewis Coult and a late counter from Marc McKenzie saw Colin Cameron’s side extend their unbeaten home record with little difficulty. Gary Thom had Albion level late in the first half but the second period belonged to Cowdenbeath, who are the visitors to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium for a rearranged fixture a week on Tuesday.

Boss Greig McDonald made one change to the team beaten 2-0 at Arbroath on February 1 as Albion lined up for their fourth away match in a row, with skipper Brian Allison back from a ban in place of the suspended Shaun Fagan. Thom slotted in at right-back in a 4-5-1 formation.

Chances were scarce in the first half but Cowden took the lead in 11 minutes when ex-Arniston Rangers striker Coult took advantage of some sloppy defending to turn the ball towards goal and it was helped into the net by full-back Devon Jacobs whose attempted clearance was in vain.

Stirling equalised in 35 minutes when Alan Cook’s corner was headed back across goal by Mark Ferry and Shaun Dillon flicked the ball into the path of Thom, who swept it home from close range.

Albion finished the first half strongly but fell apart after the break. Coult was unmarked to head past Callum Reidford following a corner then he raced clear to fire home the third after Dillon was caught on the ball with Stirling guilty of playing risky passes on a bumpy surface. Reidford made some good saves before McKenzie got beyond the defence and found the corner for 4-1.

Mark Ferry had a header disallowed for a push with the score at 3-1 and the Binos gave a debut to new signing Kevin Kelbie but he had little chance to shine as Cowdenbeath dominated and Flood's dismissal for a lunge on Kenny Adamson sealed a miserable 90 minutes.

Cowdenbeath: Flynn, Cowan (Cusack 75), Adamson, Fisher, Armstrong, Mbu, McKenzie, Robertson, Ramsay, Coult (Stewart 81), Lyle (Linton 71). Subs (not used): Milne, Bejaoui (GK).

Scorers: Coult 11, 48, 59, McKenzie 84

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Thom, Jacobs, McSorley (Kelbie 63), Allison, Dillon, Smith, McCulloch, Weir (Davidson 73), Ferry, Cook (Flood 63). Subs (not used): McLeish, Filler (GK).

Scorer: Thom 35

Referee: Mat Northcroft

Crowd: 341

Cowdenbeath (1st) v Stirling Albion (10th) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news Albion skipper Brian Allison returns from a one-match ban but fellow defender Shaun Fagan is suspended. New signing Kevin Kelbie, a striker previously with Glenavon, could make his debut. Steven Nicholas has joined Junior outfit Ballingry Rovers on loan for a month and young striker Andy Hunter has a knee injury. Cowdenbeath captain Jon Robertson this week agreed a pre-contract agreement with St Mirren that will see him join Danny Lennon’s side in the summer.

Match info We are two points behind Albion Rovers with a game in hand and also trail Forfar by the same margin but have played a game more than Dick Campbell’s side.  We have won twice on the road this season – 5-1 at Dumbarton in August and 1-0 at Albion Rovers in January. Our last outing was a 2-0 reverse at Gayfield on February 1. Cowdenbeath are two points clear of Arbroath at the top and are unbeaten at home, with eight wins and two draws – only Dumbarton and Arbroath have avoided defeat in Fife. The Blue Brazil haven’t played since suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Forfar at Station Park on January 21. We face Colin Cameron’s team again at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium a week on Tuesday.

Central Park clashes Cowdenbeath easily triumphed 2-0 in October and also came out in top in both meetings in Division One last season, winning 5-1 and 1-0. Albion fans will never forget the amazing 3-3 draw that took us to the brink of the title in April 2010 but our last victory at Central Park was in September 2009 when we came from behind to win 2-1.

Last five league form Cowdenbeath DWWWL Stirling Albion WLDLL

Top league scorer Cowdenbeath - Greg Stewart (6) Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (6)

Shut-outs Cowdenbeath 8, Stirling Albion 3

This season Cowdenbeath 2-0 Stirling Albion, 15/10/11

Still to play Stirling v Cowdenbeath 21/02/12, Stirling v Cowdenbeath 14/04/12

Referee Mat Northcroft

Admission Adults £14, Concessions £7, Parent & child £15

Other D2 fixtures Albion Rovers v East Fife, Brechin v Airdrie United, Forfar v Arbroath, Stenhousemuir v Dumbarton

Next three games Feb 18 Brechin (H), Feb 21 Cowdenbeath (H), Feb 25 Dumbarton (A)

Stirling Albion FC would like to announce that Stevie Nicholas has joined Ballingry Rovers FC for an initial one-month loan period, in order to gain valuable match practice.

Ballingry compete in the SJFA East Region Premier League and are managed by Dave Baikie. Baikie took up the appointment recently - earlier this season, Rovers were managed by ex-Binos player Garry Paterson, who made 100 appearances for the Albion, mainly in Kevin Drinkell's era.

We wish Stevie all the best.

Stirling Albion manager Greig McDonald believes new signing Kevin Kelbie will be a key player as the Binos bid to retain their Second Division status.

The 27-year-old striker this week agreed a deal until then end of the season and could make his debut against leaders Cowdenbeath at Central Park on Saturday.

McDonald said: "Kevin offers us something different in that he is a big strong guy who is good in the air. We have pace up front and we have creativity but we lacked a bit of a presence.

"I know him from when he trained at Stirling under Allan Moore and he scored a lot of goals with Ballymena in Northern Ireland before that. It maybe didn't work out for him at Glenavon this time round but we are delighted he is here and he is fit and available for selection.

"You can see the quality that Mark Ferry and Graham Weir have brought to the squad and hopefully Kevin will do the same. All three are hungry and desperate to play games and they will also help the younger players in the team which is important."

A reminder that we are holding our gala fundraising dinner at the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro on Friday March 2, kick-off 7pm for 7.45pm.
 
With the theme of “Annfield Revisited”, speakers confirmed are Liverpool legend Ron Yeats, pundit Chick Young and football impersonator Paul Reid.

Tickets are still on sale at a cost of £60 per person (£50 plus VAT) and anyone interested in attending should contact the club on 01786 450399 or stirlingalbion@btconnect.com or call Commercial Director Dougie Macgowan on 07581 880712.

Our home match against Forfar, postponed on Saturday due to a frozen pitch, has been rearranged for Tuesday March 6, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Subject to confirmation of clearance by the Irish FA, 27-year-old striker Kevin Kelbie will join Stirling Albion FC for the remainder of the season.

Kevin has been training with another SFL Club for the past few weeks but opted to sign for us following discussion with Greig McDonald.

The postponement of yesterday’s fixture against Forfar allowed Kevin to train with the rest of the squad, for the first time, in the superb indoor facilities at Queen Victoria School, Dunblane.

The short delay in announcing this news was to allow Kevin time to do the courtesy of informing the management of the Club that he had been training with of his decision to join up at DDS.

Kevin was a prolific scorer for Ballymena for several years and trained with Albion during Allan Moore's time as manager. He had a spell with Morton in 2010-11 then returned to Northern Ireland to join Glenavon at the end of last season before leaving the Lurgan-based outfit in January.

Today's match against Forfar has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

A new date will be announced by the SFL in due course but the next available midweek slot is March 6.

Stirling Albion's next game is away to leaders Cowdenbeath on Saturday February 11.

Stirling Albion (10th) v Forfar (8th) – Saturday, 3pm

*Friday lunchtime update* Recent frost means the pitch at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium is hard and there will be an inspection at 11.30am on Saturday to determine whether the match can go ahead. If the game is postponed, the SFL will set a new date. Tuesday March 6 is the next available midweek when both clubs are free.

Team news Captain Brian Allison returns from a one-match ban but Shaun Fagan is suspended after picking up his sixth booking of the season a fortnight ago. Steven Nicholas is unavailable due to work commitments and teenager Andy Hunter is out with a knee injury. Keeper Sam Filler was on the bench in midweek for the first time since breaking his wrist. 

Match info We lost our last home game 1-0 to East Fife a fortnight ago and have suffered four defeats in the last five at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium, the exception being the 3-1 win over Stenhousemuir on January 2. We are looking to bounce back from defeats at Airdrie United and Arbroath but hit back to draw 2-2 with Forfar at the end of last month. Dick Campbell’s men have not played since that night but have taken seven points from their last three matches and are two points ahead of the Binos with a game in hand. A home win would take us above Forfar and Albion Rovers, if they fail to defeat Stenhousemuir. Forfar had never won a league game at Forthbank until their 4-2 success in September.

Last five league form Stirling Albion WLDLL Forfar LLWWD

Top league scorer Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (6) Forfar - Chris Templeman (11)

Shut-outs Stirling Albion 3, Forfar 3

This season Stirling Albion 2-4 Forfar, Forfar 2-2 Stirling Albion

Final meeting Forfar v Stirling Albion, 24/03/12

Referee Mike Tumilty

Admission Adults £14, senior citizens/students £8, children U17 £5. Supporters are respectfully reminded that the seniors gate is for those aged 65 years and over

Albion Bar Open pre and post-match in the Cambuskenneth and Dumyat Suites – all welcome.

Magazine February issue of The Albion goes on sale at the Forfar match, priced £3.50.

Club shop Open before the game – pop in and have a look around.

Lottery tickets Available before the match. Wednesday’s jackpot is up to £5,500.

Other D2 games Albion Rovers v Stenhousemuir, Arbroath v Airdrie United, Dumbarton, v Cowdenbeath, East Fife v Brechin

Next three fixtures Feb 11 Cowdenbeath (A), Feb 18 Brechin (A), Feb 21 Cowdenbeath (H)

Weather Cold! More here http://www.stirlingweather.co.uk/today2.shtml?x=1322595885575

Stirling Albion manager Greig McDonald felt the scoreline didn't do justice to the performance as Arbroath ran out 2-0 winners at Gayfield on Wednesday thanks to first-half goals from Steven Doris and Paul Sheerin.

He said: "I can't quite believe we’ve come away from that game with nothing. I think anybody who watched that match has seen us pass Arbroath off the park, but we got a lesson in how to be clinical.

"It’s such a strange feeling knowing you’ve played well but got a disappointing result. If we play like that for the rest of the season we’ll win a lot more games than we’ll lose.

"That was the reaction I was looking for after the result against Airdrie. That’s the best I’ve seen us play since I took over and it’s hard to take that we’ve come away with nothing."

Arbroath player-boss Paul Sheerin said: "The quality from us was disappointing but we got the win and that’s what we need to close the gap on Cowdenbeath at the top of the table. It was comfortable from us, but I’ve told my players that I expect more."

First-half goals from Steven Doris and player-manager Paul Sheerin moved Arbroath to within two points of leaders Cowdenbeath to leave Albion at the foot of the Second Division.

Greig McDonald’s men produced a much-improved display after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Airdrie and, on the balance of play, were unfortunate to behind at half-time but the Binos rarely looked like getting back into the match in the second half against a Red Lichties outfit still unbeaten at home.

Stirling showed several changes from the weekend, with Shaun Dillon, Shaun Fagan, Darren Smith, Alan Cook and Graham Weir all starting the match in a 4-5-1 formation. Skipper Brian Allison was suspended so keeper Callum Reidford took the captain’s armband.

Smith had an early chance when he burst clear on the right and saw his shot blocked by Darren Hill as Albion tried to take the game to the hosts. Midfielder Mark Ferry looked impressive in a central role but a bad mistake by defender Gary Thom allowed Arbroath to take the lead in nine minutes.

Thom, sent off at Gayfield in August, was short with a pass-back and Doris nipped in and rounded Reidford to slot the ball into the net. A good save from the Albion keeper denied Gavin Swankie but Arbroath’s attacking threat was generally contained and it was a massive blow in stoppage time when Swankie broke clear on the left and teed up Sheerin to pick his spot for the second goal.

Weir was inches away from pulling one back early in the second half with a good effort from the edge of the box but Arbroath were strong at the back and also had chances to add to their lead. Reidford did well to keep out a Stuart Malcolm header from a corner and Sheerin blazed over from close range as they notched up their third win of the season against Stirling.

Arbroath: Hill, Busch (Sibanda 43), McAnespie, Kerr, Malcolm (Brown 84), Wedderburn, Falkingham, Samuel (Gibson 67), Doris, Swankie, Sheerin. Subs (not used): Caddis, Burns (GK).

Scorers: Doris 9, Sheerin 45

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Fagan (Bonar 82), Jacobs, McSorley (Davidson 71), Thom, Dillon, Smith (Flood 80), McCulloch, Ferry, Weir, Cook. Subs (not used): McLeish, Filler (GK).

Referee: Craig Charleston

Crowd: 901

The Scottish Football League have today released the rescheduled dates for our outstanding postponements -

Tuesday 21 February - Cowdenbeath (H) Kick-off 7.45pm

Tuesday 28 February - Brechin City (A) Kick-off 7.45pm

FIXTURE LIST IN FULL

Arbroath (2nd) v Stirling Albion (10th) – Wednesday, 7.45pm

Admission Free to all fans for this rearranged fixture. There will be a bucket collection on the night with all proceeds going to Arbroath's youth set-up.

Team news Stirling skipper Brian Allison is suspended after being sent off late in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Airdrie United. Shaun Fagan is available before serving a one-match ban this weekend. Steven Nicholas and John Crawley are both missing due to work commitments. Goalkeeper Sam Filler is still out and striker Andy Hunter was injured in an U19 game on Sunday.

Match info A third away win of the season would take Albion off the bottom of the table and see us leapfrog Forfar and Albion Rovers. We have played five matches under Greig McDonald, winning two, drawing one and losing two. Arbroath can move to within two points of leaders Cowdenbeath with victory as they chase a second successive title. Paul Sheerin’s men are unbeaten at home in Division Two with seven wins and two draws. They thrashed Albion Rovers 6-1 in their most recent game at Gayfield. The Red Lichties had no fixture on Saturday - their visit to Brechin was frozen off.

Gayfield clashes Gary Thom was sent off when we lost 4-2 at Gayfield at the end of August. It was 0-0 when the Boxing Day clash was abandoned after 18 minutes due to high winds. We won 4-3 and 4-2 at Gayfield en route to winning the Second Division title in 2009/10.
 
Last five league form Arbroath DDLDW Stirling Albion WWLDL

Top league scorer Arbroath - Gavin Swankie (11) Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (6)

Shut-outs Arbroath 4, Stirling Albion 3

This season Arbroath 4-2 Stirling Albion, Stirling Albion 0-1 Arbroath

Still to play Stirling Albion v Arbroath 17/03/12

Referee Craig Charleston

Next three games Feb 4 Forfar (H), Feb 11 Cowdenbeath (A), Feb 18 Brechin (H)

The January Transfer Window closes tonight.

Fans are respectfully advised that there is no need to delay their bedtime until midnight in anticipation of a last minute big name signing.

With the recent signings of free agents, Mark Ferry and Graham Weir, Manager Greig McDonald and the Club Executive are satisfied that we have a squad more than capable of retaining our place in SFL2.

There are unlikely to be any further additions to the squad for the remainder of the season barring of course unforeseeable injury to key personnel. If this unfortunate scenario unfolds consideration will, of course, be given to dipping into the loan signing market.

With a minute to go it looked as though the Stirling Albion U19 team would be kicking themselves for throwing away a lead and losing out to a team, like them, who are contesting a place in the top three of the SFL Irn Bru Under 19 Youth Division.

Airdrie United had ridden their luck and found themselves with a 2-1 lead after being behind and surviving the dominance in possession enjoyed by Stirling. They probably had the three points counted until substitute Matthew Cooper earned his side a share of the points with a 16-yard piledriver with almost the last kick of the game.

Stirling started brightly and deserved to take the lead when Jack Stickler, up from the back for a corner, fired the ball home. The visitors lost Steven Forbes with an ankle twist and disappointingly just before the interval a defensive lapse allowed the home team to equalise.

The team responded to the half-time team talk and created four or five great chances in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. A combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping meant Stirling did not score.

Andy Hunter, who was again influencing the game, was injured with just over 15 minutes to play. A bad knee twist ended his game and as a substitute was being prepared Airdrie broke upfield and took the lead.

Airdrie had a player sent off in the incident that saw Hunter carried off and in an effort to get back on level terms Ross McGeachie pushed into midfield as Stirling went with three at the back. It was from McGeachie's cut-back that Cooper rifled home to give Stirling a deserved equaliser.

The draw leaves Stirling on level points with Airdrie but the young Binos have a game in hand with both teams sitting level in third top spot in the league. Next up for Stirling is a home game against Forfar Athletic due at the Forthbank Astro on Sunday at 2.15pm.

Stirling Albion's U13 team had a worthwhile friendly fixture against a young Dundee United side at Forthbank on Sunday. The U12 visiting team are preparing for their introduction to the 11-a-side game and gained valuable experience playing a Stirling team who used the match to give a trial game to four players. Jack Wardrope scored in the first period, Keiran Murphy added two and a young trialist netted as Stirling won 4-1.

A General Meeting will take place in the Castle Suite of Doubletree Dunblane Stadium, Springkerse, Stirling FK7 7UJ this evening at 7pm.
 
The purpose of the meeting is to approve the accounts, consider a rule change and then have a general discussion on the current position of the Club.
 
All members should have received an email from the Trust Secretary with the accounts attached, or a letter in the post if we do not have a current email address for you.
 
The proposed rule change is as follows
 
Change to the Rules of the Society Board Accounting Period
 
Currently the Financial Year for the Society is 1st January to 31st December. The financial year for Stirling Albion Football Club runs from 1st June to 31st May, to reflect the playing season.
 
The Society Auditor has recommended that both sets of accounts should run in parallel.
 
It is therefore proposed that the Society revise its rule and that the Society Financial Year is altered to reflect the Football Club. The Society Financial Year will be 1st June to 31st May.

Stirling Albion manager Greig McDonald admitted it was a bad day at the office as Airdrie United claimed a 4-1 victory at the Excelsior Stadium on Saturday to leave us bottom of the table.

Goals from John Boyle, Paul Lovering, Willie McLaren and Scott Sally had the Diamonds 4-0 up before Mark Ferry pulled one back. The day ended on a low note when skipper Brian Allison was sent off for picking up his second yellow card of the match in injury time.

McDonald said: “We got what we deserved. The guys have worked their socks off since we took over last month but we didn’t show up for the first half. I have to take some of that responsibility for the formation I picked to start with - we finished well against Forfar in midweek and wanted to take the game to Airdrie but it didn’t work out that way.

“Sometimes you have bad days at the office and this was a very bad day so I want to apologise to our supporters who had to pay £15 to watch. It was very disappointing but there is a long way to go and I guarantee we will be better against Arbroath on Wednesday.”

Airdrie United boss Jimmy Boyle said: “We made a great start with John Boyle’s goal and I thought we were comfortable in the first half. We stepped off it a wee bit in the second half and they came at us but I always felt we would get more chances and we were deserved winners. The players were really looking forward to the game as they wanted to make up for last week’s defeat.”

Stirling missed the chance to climb out of the relegation places as Airdrie cruised to victory on the plastic pitch to move to within a point of the promotion play-offs.

Jimmy Boyle’s men won 4-1 at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium last month and repeated the feat on a day that saw the Binos finish with 10 men. Skipper Brian Allison, already on a yellow card, was booked again for a foul on Jamie Bain in stoppage time and was dismissed by referee Gary Hilland.

Just before that, midfielder Mark Ferry scored our consolation goal when he fired a low shot past keeper Grant Adam, who was making his debut after joining on loan from Rangers.

Greig McDonald made four changes to the team that fought back to draw 2-2 with Forfar in midweek, with Daly McSorley, Lewis Bonar, Josh Flood and Brian Allison restored to the starting XI in place of Shaun Dillon, Darren Smith, Alan Cook and Shaun Fagan.

The Binos boss began with three at the back in an attempt to take the game to an Airdrie team who had lost their previous two fixtures in Division Two but the Diamonds sparkled from the start and were ahead inside three minutes thanks to a stunning 20-yarder from John Boyle.

Albion fell further behind in 17 minutes when the impressive Willie McLaren swung in a free-kick that was nodded past Callum Reidford by veteran defender David Lilley.

Airdrie were much the better team in the first half and Sean Lynch missed a great chance for a third goal but the Binos also had their opportunities. Bonar came close from the edge of the box then shot over with Adam stranded, while Gary Thom headed wide from a corner.

McDonald made two changes at the interval and Stirling were more in the game after the break but, aside from a good chance for Flood, failed to trouble Adam and Airdrie scored again when top scorer Ryan Donnelly picked out McLaren for a simple finish in 73 minutes.

Sub Scott Sally added a fourth with six minutes to go after Smith was only able to clear Lilley’s shot into his path. Ferry reduced the deficit but Allison’s red card capped a miserable 90 minutes.

Airdrie United: Adam, Bain, Lovering, MacDonald, Lilley, Stevenson (Owens 68), Blockley, Lynch, Boyle (Holmes 80), Donnelly (Sally 78), McLaren. Subs (not used): Goodall, Duncan (GK).

Scorers: Boyle 3, Lovering 17, McLaren 73, Sally 84

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Jacobs, McCulloch, McSorley, Thom, Allison, Bonar (Smith 46), Ferry, McLeish (Weir 46), Davidson (Cook 67), Flood. Subs (not used): Dillon, Cleland (GK).

Scorer: Ferry 90

Referee: Gary Hilland

Crowd: 730

Airdrie United (7th) v Stirling Albion (10th) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news New signing Graham Weir is available after signing from Brechin City on Thursday night and full-back John Crawley is back from a two-match ban. Skipper Brian Allison is expected to return after a knee strain but keeper Sam Filler remains sidelined. Airdrie have signed goalkeeper Grant Adam, brother of Liverpool’s Charlie, on loan from Rangers. Trialist Cameron MacDonald, who was sent off in last weekend’s 3-2 home defeat by Dumbarton, is available as the suspension is delayed until he signs for a club.

Match info We have lost just once in four games since Greig McDonald took over - 1-0 against East Fife last weekend - and have picked up four points from our last two away fixtures, winning 1-0 at Albion Rovers then hitting back to draw 2-2 with Forfar on Tuesday. We are five points behind Airdrie but have three games in hand on Jimmy Boyle’s team. The Diamonds’ 11 home games to date (four wins, three draws and four defeats) have produced an astonishing 51 goals. Neither Albion or Airdrie have been involved in a goalless draw in Division Two this season.

Excelsior Stadium clashes Our first visit was in May 2007 when we memorably beat the Diamonds 3-2 to win promotion to Division One. We lost 5-0 on the New Broomfield plastic in the League Cup in July but played well in a 1-1 draw in September when Scott Davidson scored our goal.

Last five league form Airdrie LWWLL Stirling Albion LWWLD

Top league scorer Airdrie - Ryan Donnelly (19) Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (6)

Shut-outs Airdrie 3, Stirling Albion 3

This season Airdrie United 1-1 Stirling Albion, Stirling Albion 1-4 Airdrie United

Still to play Stirling Albion v Airdrie United, 31/03/12

Referee Gary Hilland

Admission Adults £15, concessions £10, children U16 £7, parent & child £20

Next three games Feb 1 Arbroath (A), Feb 4 Forfar (H), Feb 11 Cowdenbeath (A)

Saturday’s other Division Two fixtures Brechin v Arbroath, Cowdenbeath v Albion Rovers, Forfar v Dumbarton, Stenhousemuir v East Fife

Stirling Albion FC are delighted to announce that they signed striker Graham Weir for the remainder of the season.

Having secured his release from his contract at Brechin City earlier today, Graham signed on the dotted line this evening and is joining the squad for tonight's training session.

The 27-year-old began his career at Hearts, where he became a hero by scoring twice in injury time to secure an incredible 4-4 draw with Hibernian in the 2002/03 New Year derby.

Graham had a spell on loan at Queen of the South and spent four years at Raith Rovers before joining Brechin City at the beginning of this season.

Binos boss Greig McDonald praised Albion's never-say-die spirit as we stormed back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Forfar at a foggy Station Park on Tuesday night.

In his first match since being confirmed as manager, Daly McSorley and birthday boy Scott Davidson pounced in the last 11 minutes after Bradley Coyne's double had put the hosts in command.

McDonald, who has suffered just one defeat in four outings, said: "When you find yourself 2-0 down, I suppose you have to be pleased with a point. I thought tonight’s game was a fantastic advert for the Second Division, with both teams going for it. I thought we were the better side for the first 15 minutes - we hit the woodwork twice and the keeper was forced into a few saves.
 
"In the second half I thought we were the better side and we were unfortunate to lose a second goal. From there it was always going to be an uphill battle, but we made a few changes and went more aggressive in midfield and it worked. The boys showed fantastic spirit and fight and I'm delighted for them that they've fought back to claim a point.

Forfar boss Dick Campbell said: "I'm disappointed we couldn't add to our good run of form. If we'd had a bit of composure we could have scored five or six. We should have been out of sight by the time Stirling scored their first goal but I can’t legislate for the defending in the last five minutes."

IMAGES FROM TUESDAY'S GAME

Two goals in the last 11 minutes from Daly McSorley and Scott Davidson earned Albion a dramatic draw in an action-packed game at a foggy Station Park on Tuesday night.

A double from ex-St Mirren striker Bradley Coyne, son of former Celtic hitman Tommy, had Dick Campbell’s team on course for their third win on the trot but the Binos refused to give up and were rewarded in the closing stages of our first visit to this ground since March 2007.

Midfielder McSorley converted a cross from fellow substitute Lewis Bonar for his first Stirling goal in 79 minutes then Davidson smashed a stunning volley past on-loan Dundee United keeper Marc McCallum with two minutes remaining when Forfar failed to clear a corner.

Even then, both sides had chances to grab a last-gasp winner, with the hosts having an effort cleared off the line and Josh Flood firing wide when Devon Jacobs was unmarked in the middle.

The result leaves us two points behind Forfar and Albion Rovers, after their 2-0 defeat at East Fife, and means Greig McDonald has suffered just one defeat in four games.

There were three changes from the weekend, with Mark Ferry, Shaun Dillon and Marc McCulloch starting in place of McSorley, Bonar and skipper Brian Allison, who wasn’t 100% fit.

Keeper Callum Reidford was captain for the night and produced a number of fine saves, not least tipping over a Gary Thom effort! He was beaten midway through the first half when Coyne raced clear of the defence to score with a low shot and had no chance again on the hour mark when the teenager converted a Chris Templeman cross from the left.

Albion’s best spells in the game came early and late with Forfar strong in the middle period but both sides could point to several missed chances. Incredibly, two Loons defenders were thankful for the woodwork for preventing own goals while Ferry and McCulloch also came close.

It looked as if it wouldn’t be our night but McSorley and Davidson pounced with time running out to send us into the forthcoming away games at Airdrie and Arbroath in good heart before we welcome Forfar to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday February 4.

Forfar: McCallum, Ross, McCulloch, Bolocheweckyj, Shaughnessy, Hegarty (Byers 61), Campbell (Motion 80), Low, Templeman, Coyne, Hilson. Subs (not used): Wilson, Tulloch, Paterson (GK).

Scorers: Coyne 21, 60

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Fagan (McSorley 67), Jacobs, McCulloch, Thom, Dillon, Smith (Bonar 71), Ferry, McLeish, Davidson, Cook (Flood 71). Subs (not used): Allison, Cleland (GK).

Scorers: McSorley 79, Davidson 88

Referee: John McKendrick

Crowd: 361

Forfar (9th) v Stirling Albion (10th) – Tuesday, 7.30pm

UPDATE - Tuesday 12.30pm - Despite some earlier worries about frost affecting the pitch - Forfar have confirmed that tonight's game is ON.

Team news Full-back John Crawley is out as he completes a two-match ban. Shaun Fagan is available despite picking up his sixth booking of the season in the 1-0 defeat to East Fife – he will serve a one-game suspension when Forfar visit on February 4. Sam Filler remains sidelined as he continues his rehab following a broken wrist so U19 keeper Jamie Cleland will be on the bench.

Match info This fixture has already been postponed three times – due to a Scottish Cup replay, a frozen pitch and high winds. Forfar are two points ahead of us thanks to wins over Stenhousemuir and Cowdenbeath in their last two outings. Prior to that, Dick Campbell’s men hadn’t managed a league victory since defeating Stirling 4-2 in September. This is Greig McDonald’s first match since being confirmed manager. He won his only away game 1-0 at Albion Rovers when in interim charge.

Station Park clashes Our last visit to Station Park was on March 31, 2007 when we won 2-0 as we closed in on the play-offs. Albion also triumphed 2-0 in a midweek match in December that season. Prior to that we last played at Forfar in 2005/06, losing 3-0 and winning 2-1.

Last five league form Forfar DLLWW Stirling Albion LLWWL

Top league scorer Forfar - Chris Templeman (11) Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5)

Shut-outs Forfar 3, Stirling Albion 3

This season Stirling Albion 2-4 Forfar, 17/09/11

Still to play Stirling Albion v Forfar 04/02/12, Forfar v Stirling Albion 24/03/12

Referee John McKendrick

Admission Adults £12, concessions £6

Next three games Jan 28 Airdrie (A), Feb 1 Arbroath (A), Feb 4 Forfar (H)

Tuesday’s other Division Two game East Fife v Albion Rovers

The Scottish FA have confirmed that defender Shaun Fagan's yellow card against East Fife on Saturday was his sixth of the season in Division Two. As a result, he receives a one-match ban, ruling him out of the home game with Forfar on Saturday February 4.

The under 19 team produced one of their most effective performances of the season when they defeated Ayr United away on Sunday.

On a very slick astro surface at Prestwick Academy the strong wind made playing conditions very difficult but a disciplined, hard working performance earned the young Binos an excellent 3-0 win.

Steven Day opened the scoring after 20 minutes after a good move saw the home defence unable to fully clear. A solid performance from the back four kept the opposition down to a few attempts and keeper Jamie Cleland was in good form to deal with anything that came his way.

Just before half time an excellent counter attack move from the Albion involving Mark Sharp and Ryan Bennett saw forward Andy Hunter coolly slot home to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.

Hunter was added to the side at the request of First Team Manager, Greig McDonald who is keen for the young first team player to get some playing time. Hunter certainly gave a very mature performance, making best use of the SFL Youth Division rule that allows two over-age players to play in the Youth Division fixtures.

In the second period Stirling comfortably contained the Ayr comeback attempt and substitute Matthew Cooper scored a 25 yarder to seal a 3-0 win and three great away points.

This result should see Stirling maintain their third top position in the under 19 SFL Irn Bru Youth Division.

Next week's challenge is to take on another difficult away game against Airdrie United.

New Stirling Albion manager Greig McDonald admits he is thrilled at having the opportunity to take charge of the team until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old has been interim boss since the departure of Jocky Scott and John Blackley on December 4 and was confirmed in the post after Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to East Fife. He will be assisted by fellow senior players Marc McCulloch and Shaun Fagan.

McDonald becomes the youngest current manager in British senior football – MK Dons gaffer Karl Robinson is closest at the age of 31 – but insists that will not be a barrier to success.

The former East Fife captain said: “I’m an absolutely delighted and very proud to be asked to look after the team. It’s a great honour and, while I can’t guarantee results, I can guarantee that no-one will work harder than myself, Marc and Shaun and we hope to do a good job.

“It’s going to be a big challenge and there will be a lot of people making comments about my age but I would ask to be judged on my record, not my age. I’ve enjoyed the responsibility of being the manager (since Jocky Scott left) and I’ve had great support from Shaun and Marc.

“Saturday’s result was a disappointment but I thought we were the better side in the first half and had chances but East Fife were excellent with 10 men so credit to them. We threw the kitchen sink at them towards the end but it was just one of these days.  I have absolute confidence in the guys – they have given us everything and they want to prove they are better than the table suggests.”

Our recent managers
Jocky Scott (2011)
John O'Neill (2010-2011)
Allan Moore (2002-2010)
Ray Stewart (2000-2002)
John Philliben (1998-2000)
Kevin Drinkell (1994-1998)
John Brogan (1988-1994)
Jim Fleeting (1988)

On behalf of the Executive Board of Stirling Albion FC, I am delighted to announce that we have unanimously agreed to appoint Greig McDonald as Manager for the remainder of the season.

Greig will be supported, as he has been since taking over as interim manager at the beginning of December last year, by his fellow senior players, Shaun Fagan and Marc McCulloch.

Whilst the improvement in results since Greig took over obviously played a major part in reaching our decision, we also took into account the behind scenes work that Greig, Shaun and Marc have tirelessly undertaken. The mood in the dressing room is fantastic with every one of the playing squad 100% behind their “new” Management Team.

We do not feel the need to set Greig any specific targets. He – and indeed everyone at the Club – knows exactly what is required, without having to be prompted from the Boardroom.

Stuart Brown

Operations Director

Stirling Albion FC

21 January 2012

Albion slipped back to the foot of the table after a disappointing defeat to 10-man East Fife, who ended our hopes of a third straight win for the first time since April 2010.

John Robertson’s men took the points thanks to a 51st-minute goal from top scorer Ryan Wallace, who found enough space in the box to fire a shot low past Callum Reidford and the Methil men held on despite playing for more than 70 minutes with 10 men.

Former Ross County defender Darren McCormack was shown a straight red card by experienced SPL referee Calum Murray for a lunge on Scott Davidson but we were unable to take advantage and the visitors kept possession well, particularly in the second half.

Greig McDonald made one change to the team that had beaten Albion Rovers, with fit-again Devon Jacobs restored to the starting line-up in place of the suspended John Crawley. Shaun Dillon was on the bench for the first time since injuring his ankle against Stenhousemuir in November.

Stirling began brightly and Darren Smith had a good early opportunity but East Fife always looked a threat and McCormack sent a header inches wide from a corner 60 seconds before he saw red.

Jacobs came close to giving us the lead when his curling free-kick from the corner of the box came back off the bar but Wallace pounced two minutes later and almost added a second soon after.

Albion pressed hard in the closing stages and substitute Mark Ferry fired wide before Smith squandered a glorious chance in stoppage time, blazing the ball over from six yards after Michael Brown could only parry a fierce drive.

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Fagan (McCulloch 52), Jacobs, McSorley, Thom, Allison (Flood 75), Smith, McLeish, Davidson (Ferry 55), Bonar, Cook. Subs (not used): Dillon, Cleland (GK).

East Fife: Brown, Durie, Cook, Campbell, White, McCormack, Linn, Janczyk, Hislop (Dalziel 59), Wallace (Sloan 70), Johnstone (Smith 52). Subs (not used): Ovenstone, Collier (GK).

Scorer: Wallace (51)

Referee: Calum Murray

Crowd: 608

Stirling Albion (9th) v East Fife (8th) – Saturday, 3pm

PLEASE NOTE:

Kids entry is the regular price of £5 for tomorrow's fixture - the advert run in Friday's Stirling Observer is erroneous.

The Stirling Observer have admitted their error and have apologised for any inconvenience.

The Club will have signs in position at all concession turnstiles apologising for this error and advising customers that regrettably we have no option but to run with the standard entry price.

Team news Defender John Crawley starts a two-match ban after being sent off for violent conduct in the closing stages of our 1-0 win at Albion Rovers last weekend but fellow full-back Devon Jacobs trained on Thursday and should be fit to return from a calf strain. Sam Filler is still out following his broken wrist so U19 keeper Jamie Cleland will be on the bench.

Match info This is will be our first Saturday home match since the 4-1 defeat to Airdrie United on December 3. We are seeking a third straight league victory, which was last achieved under Allan Moore in April 2010. This is the first of five games in 15 days and a win would take us above East Fife and Albion Rovers, if they lose at Arbroath. East Fife have yet to draw an away game, notching up three wins and six defeats on the road. Their next match is at home to Albion Rovers on Tuesday – the same night we go to Forfar. We are unbeaten in our previous five home meetings with the Fife club, stretching back to March 2003.

Last five league form Stirling Albion LLLWW East Fife LWLLD

Top league scorer Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5) East Fife - Ryan Wallace (7)

Shut-outs Stirling Albion 3, East Fife 4

This season Stirling Albion 1-0 East Fife, East Fife 1-0 Stirling Albion

Final meeting East Fife v Stirling Albion, 21/04/11

Referee Calum Murray

Admission Adults £14, senior citizens/students £8, children U17 £5

Albion Bar In the Dumyat and Cambuskenneth Suites. Open before and after the game – Greig McDonald and the players will be around to chat to the fans after the match.

Magazine If you didn’t get your January issue of The Albion at the Stenhousemuir game, make sure you pick up a copy tomorrow, priced £3.50.

Club shop Open before the game – pop in and have a look around.

Lottery tickets Available before the match. Wednesday’s jackpot is up to £5,000!

Other D2 games Arbroath v Albion Rovers, Airdrie Utd v Dumbarton, Forfar v Cowdenbeath, Brechin v Stenhousemuir

Our next three fixtures Jan 24 Forfar (A), Jan 28 Airdrie Utd (A), Feb 1 Arbroath (A)

Weather Frost-free forecast but could be a bit breezy.

Stirling Albion go into Saturday's home game with East Fife looking for a third straight league win for the first time since April 2010 but interim manager Greig McDonald is wary of his former club.

John Robertson's side, like ourselves, have only played two games in Division Two since the beginning of December - losing 4-0 to Cowdenbeath then drawing 2-2 at home to Arbroath.

We won 1-0 at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on the opening day but the Methil men, who are two points above Albion in the table, gained revenge by the same score in October.

McDonald, who has guided the team to victories over Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers in 2012, said: "East Fife have a lot of quality players and have shown in beating Aberdeen and Dunfermline in cup games what they are capable of. They have maybe suffered from a bit of inconsistency in the league but it will be a very difficult game and we need to be at our best.

"We have a lot of games coming up but I see this as a massive opportunity to close the gap on the teams above us and I'm very confident the players can cope with the schedule we have."

Calling all Trust Members!

A General Meeting will take place in the Castle Suite of Forthbank, Doubletree Dunblane Stadium, Springkerse, Stirling FK7 7UJ on Monday 30th January at 7pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to approve the accounts, consider a rule change and then have a general discussion on the current position of the Club.

All members should have received an email from the Trust Secretary with the accounts attached, or a letter in the post if we do not have a current email address for you.

The proposed rule change is as follows:

Change to the Rules of the Society Board Accounting Period

Currently the Financial Year for the Society is 1st January to 31st December. The financial year for Stirling Albion Football Club runs from 1st June to 31st May, to reflect the playing season.
The Society Auditor has recommended that both sets of accounts should run in parallel.

It is therefore proposed that the Society revise its rule and that the Society Financial Year is altered to reflect the Football Club. The Society Financial Year will be 1st June to 31st May.

Our Boxing Day clash against Arbroath at Gayfield, abandoned after 20 minutes due to high winds, has been rearranged for Wednesday February 1, kick-off 7.45pm.

Arbroath FC have today confirmed that it will be free entry at the gate on the night.

Earlier this week our outstanding fixture with Forfar at Station Park was rescheduled for next Tuesday, January 24 at 7.30pm and Greig McDonald's men now face a hectic spell of five games in 15 days. The matches against Cowdenbeath (home) and Brechin (away) await new dates.

Next five games
Sat Jan 21 H v East Fife
Tue Jan 24 A v Forfar
Sat Jan 28 A v Airdrie Utd
Wed Feb 1 A v Arbroath
Sat Feb 4 H v Forfar

The Scottish FA have confirmed that defender John Crawley will serve an immediate two-match ban after being sent off by referee Crawford Allan for violent conduct in the closing stages of Saturday’s 1-0 win against Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill.

The ex-Motherwell full-back was dismissed after a clash with Rovers substitute Jamie Gilmartin and will now miss the forthcoming games with East Fife and Forfar.

Our outstanding Second Division match against Forfar at Station Park has been rearranged for next Tuesday, January 24, with a 7.30pm kick-off.

The game was originally due to be played on November 26 but was postponed due to Forfar's Scottish Cup replay with Stranraer and was then twice called off due to bad weather.

SFL rules mean midweek games do not require to be played until mid-February but both clubs were keen to use an earlier slot to avoid a fixture backlog. We still have matches against Brechin and Arbroath (both away) and Cowdenbeath (at home) to slot in.

Experienced SPL referee Calum Murray will be in charge of our match against East Fife at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday.

Interim Stirling manager Greig McDonald was delighted that his side were able to build on beating Stenhousemuir last time out with a 1-0 victory away to Albion Rovers on Saturday.

Craig McLeish's early goal, his first for the club, proved the difference between the teams in a hard-fought contest at Cliftonhill and McDonald praised the battling qualities of his players.

He said: "It's a very difficult place to come because Paul Martin has his team very well organised. The number of balls coming into our box was unreal but I thought we defended superbly. We also looked dangerous every time we went forward and we played some good football.

"I said to the guys before the game that this was an opportunity to close the gap on Albion Rovers and we managed to do that and we are also closer to East Fife. The sending off was disappointing because John (Crawley) shouldn't have got involved but the referee made the right decision."

Albion Rovers boss Paul Martin said: "Stirling were very spirited so you have to give them credit but I didn't think we got any breaks. We had three times or four times as many chances as they did so I can't be disappointed with the performance. We thought the goal was offside because their player (Darren Smith) tried to touch the ball and we should also have had a penalty."

In the dressing room, immediately following the game, John Crawley apologised to his team mates for his stupidity in getting involved and his subsequent actions. He then apologised personally to Greig and myself for letting the Club down.

Greig and I agreed the internal disciplinary action to be taken and this has been communicated to and fully accepted by John.

John has also asked that his apologies be conveyed to all SAFC fans.

Aside from the inevitable SFA suspension, the matter is now closed.

J Stuart Brown

Operations Director

Craig McLeish’s first Albion goal made it two wins out of two for interim manager Greig McDonald as we dug out a precious three points at Cliftonhill despite ending the game with 10 men.

The former Falkirk midfielder scored after just 11 minutes, firing home a low shot via the post after good work by Lewis Bonar. The flag went up for offside but referee Crawford Allan correctly ruled that Darren Smith was not interfering with play when the ball went into the net.

Smith missed a glorious opportunity to double our lead shortly before the break when he nodded a Scott Davidson cross wide with only keeper Derek Gaston to beat and John Crawley was unlucky to see his clever chip come back off the post 12 minutes from time.

With time running out, Crawley clashed with substitute Jamie Gilmartin after being caught by a late challenge and saw red for his reaction but we survived five minutes of injury time to claim a first clean sheet on the road since the goalless draw at Ross County in February of last year.

Our second away success of 2011/12, the other came at Dumbarton in August, keeps us a point above Forfar, who shocked Stenhousemuir 3-2 at Ochilview, and moves us to within two points of East Fife ahead of their visit to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday.

The team showed one change to the XI that started the 3-1 win over Stenhousemuir 3-1 on January 2, with Crawley at left-back in place of Devon Jacobs, who lost his ever-present record due to a calf strain. Mark Ferry made his debut as a substitute and impressed on a difficult surface.

Rovers will feel they were unfortunate to suffer a third straight 1-0 defeat in Division Two and had us under pressure at times, particularly in the second half. John Gemmell proved a handful in the air but determined defending and some smart saves from Callum Reidford kept the hosts at bay.

Scott Chaplain and sub Larry Acquah both dragged shots wide when they might have done better and Paul Martin’s men had penalty appeals waved away after Gemmell claimed he was held in the box by Shaun Fagan while a superb blocking tackle denied Acquah in stoppage time.

Albion Rovers: Gaston, Reid, Marriott (Gilmartin 86), Stevenson, O’Byrne, Lumsden, Love (Acquah 71), Donnelly (McStay 49), Gemmell, Chaplain, Boyle. Subs (not used): Ferry, Fahey (GK).

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Fagan, Crawley, McSorley, Thom, Allison, Smith, McLeish, Davidson (Ferry 65), Bonar (McCulloch 84), Cook. Subs (not used): Nicholas, Flood, Cleland (GK).

Scorer: McLeish 11

Referee: Crawford Allan

Crowd: 455

Albion Rovers have confirmed today's match is definitely ON after last night's early frost lifted.

This will be our first away game (not including the abandoned clash at Gayfield on Boxing Day!) since November 5 and we look forward to seeing you at Cliftonhill to cheer on Greig McDonald and the boys as we aim to build on the 3-1 victory over Stenhousemuir in our last outing on January 2.

Albion Rovers (7th) v Stirling Albion (9th) – Saturday, 3pm

Interview with defender Shaun Dillon in Friday's SFL newsletter

Team news New signing Mark Ferry is in contention although his last competitive game was for Raith Rovers in May. Goalkeeper Sam Filler has had the cast removed following his broken wrist but is not ready to return so U19 keeper Jamie Cleland will again be on the bench. The game may come too soon for defender Shaun Dillon, who has been out since November 5 with an ankle injury.

Match info The only game we have played since losing 4-1 to Airdrie on December 3 was the 3-1 win over Stenhousemuir on January 2 in Greig McDonald’s dug-out debut. We have managed just one away victory, 5-1 at Dumbarton in August, but haven’t finished a game on our travels since crashing 4-0 at Stenhousemuir at the beginning of November. Rovers have lost their last two games by 1-0 margins to Brechin and Airdrie but Paul Martin’s team enjoyed a run of four straight victories earlier in the season and are six points above the Binos, having played three games more.

Cliftonhill clashes Our last visit to Coatbridge was on a Monday night in January 2010 for a Scottish Cup tie that ended 0-0. Our most recent league game away to Rovers was back in April 2004 when we enjoyed a thrilling 5-3 win as we closed in on promotion from Division Three.

Last five league form Albion Rovers LDWLL Stirling Albion LLLLW

Top league scorer Albion Rovers – Scott Chaplain & Robert Love (6), Stirling - Scott Davidson (5)

Shut-outs Albion Rovers 3, Stirling Albion 2

Last meeting Stirling Albion 2-2 Albion Rovers, 20/08/11

Next meeting Stirling Albion v Albion Rovers, 03/03/12

Referee Crawford Allan

Admission Adults £12 adults, Concessions £7, Children U16 £5

Next three games Jan 21 East Fife (H), Jan 28 Airdrie (A), Feb 4 Forfar (H)

Weather watch Cold but hopefully not too cold!

New signing Mark Ferry has declared himself fit ahead of Saturday's game against Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill despite not playing a competitive match since leaving Raith Rovers last May.

The midfielder, who turns 28 next week, turned down the chance to sign for Brechin City in the summer because of work commitments and was recently offered a deal by Alloa but opted to join Greig McDonald's team and try to help Albion retain their Second Division status.

Ferry said: "I know Marc McCulloch from my time at St Johnstone and he was a factor in me coming here. My general fitness is absolutely fine but I'm just short of match practice. That said, I hope to be involved in the squad this weekend - I know the boys had a great result against Stenhousemuir in their last match so you wouldn't expect the starting line-up to change much.

"I'm looking forward to being involved again. Training is one thing but you want to play matches. I tended to play most of my games for Raith Rovers on the left of midfield but I'm right-footed so can play anywhere in the middle of the park and I've also been used as a full-back."

Stirling Albion are holding a gala fundraising dinner at the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro on Friday March 2, kick-off 7pm for 7.45pm.

With the theme of “Annfield Revisited”, speakers confirmed so far are Liverpool legend Ron Yeats, pundit Chick Young and football impersonator Paul Reid.

It promises to be a great night, reliving the many happy memories at Annfield and telling the story of the links to Liverpool – Bill Shankly’s brother Bob was our manager then director for many years.

Tickets will be on sale from this coming Monday, January 16. Space is available for full tables and individuals at a cost of £60 per person (£50 plus VAT) which includes a three-course dinner, with musical entertainment and an auction and raffle also on the agenda.

Anyone interested in attending should contact the club on 01786 450399 or call Commercial Director Dougie Macgowan on 07581 880712.

Stirling Albion are also appealing to former players to get in touch on either of the above numbers or via email stirlingalbion@btconnect.com

Crawford Allan has been appointed to take charge of our Second Division match against Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Saturday. It will be his second Stirling game of the season, having refereed our 1-0 home defeat to Arbroath in November.

Stirling Albion can confirm that midfielder Danny Ashe and striker Gary Brass have extended their loan deals with Sauchie Juniors and Camelon Juniors until the end of the season.

Andy Hunter, who spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Dunipace Juniors, has opted to return to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

We would like to welcome Andy back into the squad and wish Danny and Gary well for the remainder of 2011/12 as they continue their development.

Stirling Albion are delighted to announce the signing of Mark Ferry until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old midfielder most recently played with Raith Rovers and appeared for the Kirkcaldy side over 90 times. Mark has also spent time at Queen's Park and Forfar and started his career at St Johnstone, where he played with our own Marc McCulloch.

He is primarily an attacking midfielder, but can also slot in at right-back if required.

Mark signed this morning following participation in a full squad training session at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

Everyone at Stirling Albion would like to extend a very warm welcome to Mark, and wish him every success in his time here.

Stirling Albion squad stats 2011/12...

Just a reminder that we have no game this weekend due to the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round, our interest in the competition having been ended by Dundee in November.

It would have been an ideal opportunity to slot in one of our four rearranged matches in Division Two but Arbroath, Brechin, Cowdenbeath and Forfar are all on cup duty.

If Forfar pull off a shock win against Aberdeen at Station Park then our February 4 home game against Dick Campbell's team will require to be rescheduled because of the fifth round.

Our next match is against Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on January 14 when Greig McDonald and the players will be looking to build on Monday's terrific 3-1 victory over Stenhousemuir.

On behalf of the Executive Board, I wish to pass on a huge thank you to the Supporters Bar for their latest donation to the Club. 

A sum of £1021 was handed over by Stef, Lynne and Jimmy before Monday's game versus Stenhousemuir.

We are proud, privileged and honoured to be associated with such a drunken bunch of loyal supporters!!

Stuart

J Stuart Brown

Operations Director

Stirling Albion interim manager Greig McDonald was understandably delighted after his debut in the dug-out saw the Binos claim a 3-1 win over Stenhousemuir on Monday.

Second-half goals from Alan Cook, Gary Thom, and a stunning clincher from sub Josh Flood, earned our first victory for three months and lifted us off the foot of Division Two at Forfar's expense.

McDonald said: "It's been a bit of a transition period since Jocky (Scott) and John (Blackley) left but the players have shown unbelievable application and the Exec Board have given us all the support we could have asked for. The fans were fantastic on Monday and the players thrived on that.

"The players worked very hard all over the pitch - even in training the guys have been buzzing and they are determined to put things right. The league table doesn’t lie but we feel we are better than that and I’ve told them to go out and prove to the people that say we are relegation fodder that they are wrong. It's a great start but now the work starts for the Albion Rovers game."

Stenhousemuir manager Davie Irons said: "It was a disgraceful performance from our point of view. We had a dressing room of players who didn’t want it enough and that’s not acceptable. The first goal was the killer because we just don’t win games when we concede first.”

Stirling Albion made a dream start to 2012 as Greig McDonald's first game in charge earned us a thoroughly deserved derby victory over our local rivals at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

Our first win since beating Brechin on October 1 ended a run of six straight league defeats, seven in all competitions, and lifted us above Forfar at the bottom of the Second Division table.

The Binos hadn't played since losing 4-1 to Airdrie back on December 3, following a sequence of five postponed games and an abandoned match at Arbroath, but McDonald couldn't have asked for more from his players, who gave it everything against their promotion-chasing opponents.

We had managed to score only three goals in our previous eight league matches but matched that tally in a thrilling second half, when Alan Cook, Gary Thom and Josh Flood all found the net.

Shaun Dillon, out with an ankle injury since Albion crashed 4-0 at Ochilview on November 5, was again sidelined and Marc McCulloch was missing due to illness but Craig McLeish was included after recovering from a back problem. U19 keeper Jamie Cleland was on the bench in place of Sam Filler.

Chances were few in the first half but Stirling tried to get forward when they could and looked solid at the back although Callum Reidford made a fine double save as the interval approached.

Stenhousemuir needed a win to keep the pressure on leaders Cowdenbeath but Stirling looked the hungrier team and went ahead in 54 minutes when Cook slammed a fine shot past keeper Ally Brown for his fourth goal of the season after Lewis Bonar's effort had been blocked.

Gary Thom doubled our lead with a header from a Darren Smith corner against his former club but Stenny pulled one back seven minutes from time when Iain Thomson fired a low shot into the net.

That set up an anxious finish but Flood made it a New Year to remember when he sealed victory in the final minute, going past Martyn Corrigan and smashing a stunning drive into the top corner.

We have no game this coming Saturday due to the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup and return to action away to Albion Rovers on January 14, before East Fife visit the following week.

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Fagan, Jacobs, McLeish, Allison, Thom, Smith, McSorley (Crawley 90), Davidson, Bonar (Nicholas 72), Cook (Flood 67). Subs (not used): Macpherson, Cleland (GK).

Scorers: Cook 54, Thom 69, Flood 90

Stenhousemuir: Brown, Corrigan, Dickson, McKinlay, McMillan, Thomson, Ferguson, Rodgers, Kean, Campbell (Quinn 70), Murray (Lyle 10). Subs (not used): McHale, Lawson, McCluskey (GK).

Scorer: Thomson 83

Referee: Craig Charleston

Crowd: 578

Monday morning update Despite overnight rain, and snow in some local areas, it's definitely game on! We look forward to seeing you at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium later today.

Stirling Albion (10th) v Stenhousemuir (3rd) – Monday, 3pm

Team news Sam Filler remains sidelined with a broken wrist so U19 keeper Jamie Cleland will be on the bench. Defender Shaun Dillon, who hasn’t played since injuring his ankle in the 4-0 defeat at Ochilview on November 5, trained on Saturday and could return. Midfielder Craig McLeish, who missed the abandoned Boxing Day clash at Arbroath with a back problem, is also available. Stenhousemuir have signed 19-year-old Jamie Campbell on loan from Partick Thistle.

Match info Interim manager Greig McDonald has seen five games postponed and one abandoned since replacing Jocky Scott in the wake of the 4-1 defeat to Airdrie United a month ago. We have lost six Second Division matches on the trot since beating Brechin 1-0 on October 1 and are two points behind Forfar at the foot of the table. Stenhousemuir are seven points off the top after losing 2-0 to leaders Cowdenbeath on Boxing Day. That result ended the Warriors’ unbeaten home record. Davie Irons’ men have won only two of eight away outings, including a 3-1 success in their most recent road trip to East Fife on December 3. Andy Rodgers and Stewart Kean have scored 15 goals league between them for Stenny, whose last win here was 3-2 in November 2000. It was 2-2 at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium in September.

Last five league form Stirling Albion LLLLL Stenhousemuir LWWDL

Top league scorer Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5) Stenhousemuir - Andy Rodgers (8)

Shut-outs Stirling Albion 2, Stenhousemuir 3

Last meeting Stenhousemuir 4-0 Stirling Albion, 05/11/11

Next meeting Stenhousemuir v Stirling Albion, 10/03/12

Referee Craig Charleston

Admission Adults £14, senior citizens/students £8, children U17 £1

Albion Bar In the Castle Suite. Open before and after the game. All welcome

Magazine January issue of The Albion goes on sale tomorrow, priced £3.50.

Club shop The ideal place to spend your Christmas money. Open before the game.

Lottery tickets Available before the match. Wednesday’s jackpot is up to £4,250

Other D2 games Airdrie United v Albion Rovers, Brechin v Forfar, Cowdenbeath v East Fife, Dumbarton v Arbroath

Our next three fixtures Jan 14 Albion Rovers (A), Jan 21 East Fife (H), Jan 28 Airdrie Utd (A)

Weather The local forecast

On behalf of the Executive Board, I wish everyone involved with Stirling Albion Football Club - management, players, officials and fans - a very happy and prosperous New Year.

I am extremely positive about the second half of the season (+ the four re-arrangements!) and have every confidence that we can firstly get off the bottom of the table and then set about catching the pack above ourselves and Forfar.  

January is a very important month with fixtures against three of the teams sitting in "the pack" following on from tomorrow's derby game against Stenhousemuir. Aside from aiming to win all four games, no targets have been set!

I look forward to a big home crowd for tomorrow's game - it's a quid for a kid! - and whilst I cannot promise you three points, I can guarantee that Greig, Shaun, Marc and the rest of the squad will be busting a gut to deliver that outcome. 

Stuart 

J Stuart Brown

Operations Director

Scott Davidson and Devon Jacobs have both played in all 14 of our Division Two games so far this season while four others have started every match but one...

Appearances/goals
Scott Davidson 14/5
Devon Jacobs 14/1
Darren Smith 13/3
Brian Allison 13/0
Marc McCulloch 13/0
Gary Thom 13/0
Sam Filler 12/0
John Crawley 11+2/1
Alan Cook 9+4/3
Shaun Fagan 9+1/0
Josh Flood 8+3/1
Shaun Dillon 8+1/2
Lewis Bonar 5+5/1
Daly McSorley 5+1/0
Gavin Macpherson 2+4/0
Craig McLeish 2+2/0
Callum Reidford 2/0
Stevie Nicholas 1+7/0
Danny Ashe 0+1/0
Gary Brass 0+1/0
Greig McDonald 0+1/0

Stirling Albion interim manager Greig McDonald can’t wait for Monday’s home game with Stenhousemuir after seeing his dug-out debut delayed by a run of five straight postponements before the Boxing Day clash at Arbroath was abandoned due to high winds.

The Binos haven’t played since losing 4-1 to Airdrie United on December 3 while third-placed Stenhousemuir saw their title hopes dented by a 2-0 defeat to leaders Cowdenbeath on Monday.

McDonald said: “The boys are just desperate to play and hopefully there will be a good crowd on Monday given that it’s a local derby. Stenhousemuir have a lot of experienced players and it will be a hard game but I genuinely believe we can compete with anyone on our day.

“A couple of wins would make everything look very different. Forfar are just above us in the table and catching them has to be our first target, then hopefully we can get ourselves into the pack. It would have been better for the players if the Stenhousemuir game was on Saturday but we will train instead and I know I can trust them to behave themselves at New Year.”

KIDS FOR A QUID Admission to Monday’s game is just £1 for all youngsters under the age of 17.

Stenhousemuir are our visitors to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Monday for our first game of 2012. Here's how we have fared in the opening match of each year since 2000...

January 2, 2011 - Division One
Falkirk 4-2 Stirling Albion

January 18, 2010 - Scottish Cup
Albion Rovers 0-0 Stirling Albion

January 10, 2009 - Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-1 Raith Rovers

January 2, 2008 - Division One
Stirling Albion 1-2 Morton

January 2, 2007 - Division Two
Alloa 1-1 Stirling Albion

January 7, 2006 - Scottish Cup
Stirling Albion 0-1 Partick Thistle

January 15, 2005 - Division Two
Forfar 4-1 Stirling Albion

January 10, 2004 - Division Three
East Stirling 2-4 Stirling Albion

January 1, 2003 - Division Three
Stirling Albion 2-1 East Stirling

January 12, 2002 - Division Three
Elgin City 2-1 Stirling Albion

January 2, 2001 - Division Two
Stenhousemuir 1-1 Stirling Albion

January 3, 2000 - Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-1 Alloa

Monday's home game against Stenhousemuir sees the second half of the campaign get under way - although we are four matches behind after postponements against Forfar, Brechin, Cowdenbeath and Arbroath. Here are some numbers from the 14 games we have played so far in Division Two:

Played 14, points gained 12

Won 3, drawn 3, lost 8

Goals scored 17

Goals conceded 27

Scorers
Scott Davidson 5
Darren Smith 3
Alan Cook 3
Shaun Dillon 2
Lewis Bonar 1
John Crawley 1
Josh Flood 1
Devon Jacobs 1

Shut-outs 2

Failed to score 5

Scored first 4

Conceded first 10

Ever present Scott Davidson, Devon Jacobs

Most substitute appearances Steven Nicholas (7)

Red cards 1 (Gary Thom at Arbroath)

Players used 21

A reminder that Stirling Albion are selling half season tickets, for use from Monday's game against Stenhousemuir. They cover the nine scheduled home matches plus the rearranged fixture with Cowdenbeath (date TBC) and mean adults will pay the equivalent of just £10 per match.

Adults £100
Senior citizens/students £65
Children U17 £25 (£12.50 when purchased with an adult ticket)

Anyone interested in buying a half season ticket should contact the club on 01786 450 399 or via email stirlingalbion@btconnect.com

Stuart Brown

Operations Director 

"Match" Report 

Albion's fixture frustration continued as the Boxing Day clash against Arbroath at Gayfield was abandoned after 19 minutes due to high winds.

Caretaker boss Greig McDonald had already seen five successive matches - against Forfar (twice), Brechin (twice) and Cowdenbeath - postponed as he waited for his dug-out debut and he will now have to hang on until the January 2 clash at home to Stenhousemuir.

McDonald was at least able to name his first team and there was a rare start this season for former Falkirk striker Lewis Bonar. Shaun Dillon, Craig McLeish and Sam Filler missed out through injury so Bathgate Thistle keeper Marc Lunn was on the bench as a trialist.

Arbroath went into the game joint top of Division Two and unbeaten at home while Albion were bottom of the table after a run of six straight league defeats but hadn't played since crashing 4-1 to Airdrie United in Jocky Scott's last match in charge on December 3.

Conditions an hour or so before kick-off weren't great but both managers and the referee were happy to give the game a chance. If anything, the wind got stronger and it soon became clear that a normal game would be impossible with the gale blowing down the pitch.

Stirling, with the elements behind them, did most of the pressing but the best chance came at the other end when striker Steven Doris fired wide. Home keeper Darren Hill was struggling with his goal kicks and when another hung in the wind referee Frank McDermott sensibly called a halt.

Abandonments have been a rare sight in Albion's recent history although the March 2010 encounter with Cowdenbeath at Central Park was cut short due to a blizzard.

Arbroath: Hill, Baxter, McAnespie, Kerr, Malcolm, Wedderburn, Caddis, Gibson, Doris, Swankie, Sheerin. Subs (not used): Sibanda, Bryce, Ardallany, Busch, White (GK).

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Fagan, Jacobs, McCulloch, Allison, Thom, Smith, McSorley, Davidson, Bonar, Cook. Subs (not used): Crawley, Macpherson, Flood, Nicholas, Lunn (trialist GK).

Referee: Frank McDermott

Arbroath (2nd) v Stirling Albion (10th) – Monday, 3pm

Team news Caretaker manager Greig McDonald will finally take charge for the first time, three weeks after the departure of Jocky Scott. Defender Shaun Dillon is still sidelined with the ankle injury he picked up in our last away game against Stenhousemuir on November 5. Keeper Sam Filler is out with a broken wrist so Bathgate’s Marc Lunn will be on the bench as a trialist. Midfielder Craig McLeish is a major doubt with a back problem. Arbroath player-boss Paul Sheerin returns to the squad after injury but Josh Falkingham, Steven Doris and Jordan Elfverson face fitness tests.

Match info Albion are two points behind Forfar at the foot of the table after a run of six straight defeats in Division Two. Our only away win since beating Raith on October 2, 2010 was 5-1 at Dumbarton in August. Arbroath are behind leaders Cowdenbeath only on goal difference and have won six and drawn two of their eight home games to date, including a 4-2 victory over Stirling on August 27 when Gary Thom was sent off. The Red Lichties drew 0-0 away to Cowdenbeath in their last outing on December 10. We have not played since losing 4-1 to Airdrie United on December 3.

Weather watch No risk of frost thankfully – just the forecast of gales and rain to worry about!

Last five league form Arbroath WWDDD Stirling Albion LLLLL

Top league scorer Arbroath - Steven Doris (9), Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5)

Shut-outs Arbroath 4, Stirling Albion 2

Last meeting Stirling Albion 0-1 Arbroath, 12/11/11

Next meeting Stirling Albion v Arbroath, 17/03/12

Referee Frank McDermott

Admission £12 adults, £6 concessions

Supporters Bus Leaves the Anchor Bar 9.50am, Stirling train station 10am

Next three games Jan 2 Stenhousemuir (H), Jan 14 Albion Rovers (A), Jan 21 East Fife (H)

Stirling Albion FC is delighted to announce the signing of Scott Davidson following his release from contract by Falkirk FC.

Scott had a number of offers from other SFL Clubs but Interim Manager Greig McDonald and Operations Director Stuart Brown combined to convince Scott that Stirling Albion offered him the best opportunity, at this point, to further his footballing career.  Scott was offered and has accepted an 18 month deal that will keep him at the Club until the end of season 2012/13.

With regards to the players that are out of contract at the beginning of January, SAFC is also delighted to announce that Darren Smith, Alan Cook, Craig McLeish and Stevie Nicholas have all agreed to re-sign until May 2012.

SAFC would like to thank Greig, Shaun Fagan and Marc McCulloch for the hard work they've put in both in getting these players to come / stay on board and at the training sessions – including this morning when the players did not need to be asked twice to come in for an extra session in final preparation for the Boxing Day fixture versus Arbroath.

Stirling Albion have secured the services of Bathgate Thistle goalkeeper Marc Lunn, who will be included as a trialist in our squad for the Boxing Day game against Arbroath at Gayfield.

With Sam Filler out with a broken wrist, Marc will provide cover on Monday for No 1 Callum Reidford and we are grateful to Bathgate boss Graeme Love, an ex-Albion player, for helping us out.

Stirling Albion defeated Uddingston-based Junior outfit Thorniewood United 7-4 in a bounce game at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Thursday night as caretaker boss Greig McDonald prepared the squad for the Boxing Day clash with joint Second Division leaders Arbroath at Gayfield.

Stirling Albion are offering all youngsters under the age of 17 the chance to attend our next home game against Stenhousemuir on Monday January 2 for just £1.

This will be our first match at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium for four weeks and the club are hoping as many people as possible will turn out for the meeting with our local rivals from Ochilview.

Our next match is at Arbroath on Monday but the vagaries of the fixture list and a number of postponements mean we have only played four Boxing Day games in the past 25 years.

2007/08 - Division One
Stirling Albion 0-0 St Johnstone
Crowd: 1,556
Allan Moore’s men ended a run of four straight defeats with a rare shut-out in a tough season.

2005/06 - Division Two
Partick Thistle 0-3 Stirling Albion
Crowd: 2,762
A day to remember as Paddy Connolly, Colin Stewart (own goal) and Chris Aitken all scored.

1989/90 - Division Two
Arbroath 1-2 Stirling Albion
Crowd: 720
John Brogan’s team were on a great run and made it a happy Christmas at Gayfield.

1987/88 - Division Two
Ayr United 4-0 Stirling Albion
Crowd: 3,658
Inspired by Henry Templeton, Ally MacLeod’s free-scoring side demolished Stirling at Somerset.

Stirling Albion's Second Division match against Brechin City at Glebe Park on Tuesday night has been postponed due to a frozen pitch following a 1pm inspection on Monday.

We have three outstanding fixtures - Brechin (A), Forfar (A) and Cowdenbeath (H) - but SFL rules do not require them to be played until February unless the clubs involved agree an earlier date.

Milder weather is forecast for later this week so hopefully our Boxing Day clash against Arbroath at Gayfield will get the green light. Our next home game is the January 2 meeting with Stenhousemuir.

Goalkeeper Sam Filler will be missing for at least four weeks after breaking a bone in his wrist.

The 21-year-old has made 12 league appearances since signing from Stirling University during the summer and all at the club wish him a speedy recovery from the injury sustained in training.

Callum Reidford has held the No 1 jersey since his return from knee surgery and the club are exploring options as back-up until Sam is able to return to the squad.

On behalf of the Club Executive, I'd like to extend my apologies to everyone that was inconvenienced by the late postponement of today's fixture, most particularly the fans of both teams.

Whilst I am extremely frustrated about the postponement and upset about the financial implications, I accept without question the match referee's decision to call the game off because of his concern for the health and safety of the players and match officials.

This afternoon brings firmly to the surface, the debate in respect of summer football or at least a consideration of a winter break. The problem with a winter break, however, is when do you take it?! With four fixtures in a row now having been "lost" to the weather, we certainly have to question the financial viability of the status quo.

I'm off to pack my thermals for Brechin on Tuesday.

Merry Christmas!

Stuart Brown

Operations Director  

Caretaker manager Greig McDonald was left frustrated after Saturday's game against leaders Cowdenbeath was postponed shortly after 1pm following an inspection by David Somers.

The match referee was concerned that some areas of the park were still firm after an overnight frost and McDonald said: "It's disappointing because we were desperate to play, particularly after the last two games against Forfar and Brechin were postponed. On another day you might have played on the pitch but it is just one of these things and we respect the referee's decision."

In the only Division Two game to beat the freeze, Brechin won 3-2 at Airdrie United and our next match is against City at Glebe Park on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm - weather permitting of course!

Today's match against Cowdenbeath has been postponed following a 12 noon pitch inspection by David Somers.

Stirling Albion (10th) v Cowdenbeath (1st) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news Defender Shaun Dillon is again missing with the ankle injury that has kept him out since the 4-0 defeat at Stenhousemuir on November 5. Goalkeeper Sam Filler has broken a bone in his wrist so Albion are looking to bring someone in as back-up to Callum Reidford.

Match info Caretaker boss Greig McDonald is finally hoping to take charge for the first time after the away games against Forfar (twice) and Brechin were postponed. Our last outing was the 4-1 home defeat to Airdrie United a fortnight ago. Albion are two points adrift of Forfar at the foot of the table after a run of six straight league losses since beating Brechin on October 1. Cowdenbeath are top on goal difference from Arbroath and have won their last five matches against Stirling, notably storming back to triumph 4-3 here on their last visit in March. Colin Cameron’s team are unbeaten at Central Park and have lost just twice this season – away to Stenhousemuir and Brechin. The Blue Brazil drew 3-3 with Albion Rovers in their most recent away game.

Last five league form Stirling Albion LLLLL Cowdenbeath WWDDD

Top league scorer Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5), Cowdenbeath – Jordan Morton (5), Greg Stewart (5), John Robertson (5)

Shut-outs Stirling Albion 2, Cowdenbeath 5

Last meeting Cowdenbeath 2-0 Stirling Albion, 15/10/11

Next meeting Cowdenbeath v Stirling Albion, 11/02/12

Referee David Somers

Admission £14 adults, £8 senior citizens/students, £5 children U17

Albion Bar Castle Suite. Open before and after the game. Celebrate or drown your sorrows.

Magazine December issue of The Albion is again on sale tomorrow, priced £3.50.

Club shop Now is the perfect time to do your Christmas shopping!

              SPECIAL PRE-CHRISTMAS SALE!
              Youth Puma© PoloShirts - Size Small - Were £20 - NOW £12!
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Lottery tickets Available before the match. Wednesday’s jackpot is up to £3,750

Next three fixtures Dec 20 Brechin (A), Dec 26 Arbroath (A), Jan 2 Stenhousemuir (H)

Weather Keep an eye on the local forecast here

Stirling Albion are now selling half season tickets, starting from the game against Stenhousemuir on January 2, which offer considerable discount on the equivalent walk-up price.

Adults £100
Senior citizens/students £65
Children U17 £25 (£12.50 when purchased with an adult ticket)

Anyone interested in buying a half season ticket should contact the club on 01786 450 399 or via email stirlingalbion@btconnect.com

In view of the forecast of frost tomorrow night, we have arranged to borrow covers from Stirling County Rugby Club.

These will be deployed to protect the first ten yards of the pitch at the Morrisons End of the ground that doesn't get any sun during the morning because of the fence above the terracing behind the goal.

This area of the pitch remaining frozen has in the past been responsible for matches being called off.

Our thanks are extended to SRFC for their assistance.

Tonight's Second Division game against Forfar at Station Park has been postponed due to the severe weather conditions.

Our next match is now at home to Cowdenbeath on Saturday before we travel to Brechin next Tuesday, December 20, for a rearranged fixture at Glebe Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

Saturday's game against Brechin City at Glebe Park, postponed due to a frozen pitch, has been rearranged for Tuesday December 20, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

PREVIEW OF TUESDAY'S GAME AGAINST FORFAR

Forfar (9th) v Stirling Albion (10th) – Tuesday, 7.30pm

Weather watch The Station Park pitch was still frozen in places on Monday afternoon but with slightly milder weather forecast there is hope the game may yet get the green light. Updates will appear here on Tuesday.

Team news Caretaker manager Greig McDonald, assisted by Marc McCulloch and Shaun Fagan, will take charge for the first time following the departure of Jocky Scott and John Blackley. Defender Shaun Dillon is still sidelined with an ankle injury but keeper Callum Reidford has recovered from a dislocated finger sustained in training last week. The squad were put through their paces at the indoor facilities at the Queen Victoria School in Dunblane on Saturday. On-loan Aberdeen keeper Jamie Langfield is set for his home debut for Forfar and Mark McCulloch returns for Dick Campbell’s men after a month out.

Match info Albion are two points behind Forfar after a run of six straight defeats in Division Two. Our only away win was 5-1 at Dumbarton in August. We have failed to score on our travels since the 1-1 draw with Airdrie on September 24. Forfar are without a league victory since beating Stirling 4-2 three months ago. The Loons have won just once at home in Division Two, 3-2 against Airdrie United. Their most recent outing was a 1-1 draw at Dumbarton on December 3 as Saturday’s home game against East Fife was off. Our last visit to Station Park was in March 2007 when we claimed a 2-0 win with goals from Chris Aitken and David O’Brien.

Last five league form Forfar LLDDD Stirling Albion LLLLL

Top league scorer Forfar - Chris Templeman (7), Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5)

Shut-outs Forfar 2, Stirling Albion 2

Last meeting Stirling Albion 2-4 Forfar, 17/09/11

Next meeting Stirling Albion v Forfar, 04/02/12

Referee John McKendrick

Admission £12 adults, £6 concessions

From the Forfar FC website

The Station Park surface is still unplayable with a fair degree of frost in the ground.
 
However, temperatures are due to stay above freezing overnight according to the forecast, with milder conditions on the horizon for Tuesday morning, which gives some hope the rescheduled game against Stirling Albion may go ahead.

Stirling Albion can confirm they have received around 15 expressions of interest in the manager's job since the departure of Jocky Scott and John Blackley from the club a week ago.

Defender Greig McDonald, assisted by fellow senior players Marc McCulloch and Shaun Fagan, is currently in charge of the team and there are no immediate plans to bring in a replacement.

Operations Director Stuart Brown said: "I had a lengthy meeting with Greig on Saturday and assured him that we are not rushing into appointing a new manager. Greig is speaking to the players whose contracts expire in January and is also exploring potential loan signings.

"Greig will be given every opportunity and all the support the club can give him to bring about the required improvement in results. I've been delighted with the response from Greig, Shaun, Marc and the entire playing squad and the next step is to translate that into on-field results."

Stirling Albion would like to extend a huge thanks to QVS in Dunblane.

A last-minute phone call this morning secured their indoor sports hall for training and the squad made the short trip north to ensure their trip to Stirling this morning wasn't wasted.

A "lively" session of five-a-sides was followed by Greig McDonald taking the squad through a few drills and bedding in the formation for the Forfar game on Tuesday evening.

No new injury worries to report.

Today's match against Brechin City at Glebe Park has been postponed due to a frozen pitch, following a 10am inspection.

FRIDAY 5pm UPDATE
It has just been confirmed by the SFL that there will be a 10am pitch inspection on Saturday to determine whether our match against Brechin City at Glebe Park can go ahead. The signs at the moment are not particularly encouraging but a final decision will be taken tomorrow.

Brechin City (8th) v Stirling Albion (10th) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news Weather permitting, caretaker manager Greig McDonald, assisted by Marc McCulloch and Shaun Fagan, will take charge for the first time following the departure of Jocky Scott and John Blackley from the club on Sunday. The squad were unable to train on Thursday night due to the extreme weather but had a good session on Tuesday. Defender Shaun Dillon will again miss out with the ankle injury he picked up in our last away match against Stenhousemuir on November 5.

Match info Albion have lost seven games in a row, six in Division Two and one in the Scottish Cup, since beating Brechin 1-0 on October 1. The Angus outfit are three points above us in the table. We have lost our last three away games without scoring: 0-2 v Cowdenbeath, 0-1 v East Fife and 0-4 v Stenhousemuir. Since beating East Fife and Dumbarton in August, we have picked up just six points from a possible 36. Brechin have lost their last two home games against East Fife (0-2) and Albion Rovers (1-4) but have beaten title-chasing Cowdenbeath and Stenhousemuir at Glebe Park this season. Jim Weir’s side haven’t scored more than a single goal in a Division Two fixture since September but beat Dumbarton 3-0 in the Scottish Cup. Ex-Binos Scott Buist, Charlie King, David McKenna and Craig Molloy have all been regulars for City this season. This is Stirling’s first visit to Glebe Park since we clinched the Second Division title there with a 1-1 draw in May 2010.

Last five league form Brechin WDLLD Stirling Albion LLLLL

Last week Stirling 1-4 Airdrie Utd, Arbroath 1-1 Brechin

Top league scorer Brechin - Paul McManus (5) Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5)

Shut-outs Brechin 3, Stirling Albion 2

Last meeting Stirling Albion 1-0 Brechin, 01/10/11

Next meeting Stirling Albion v Brechin, 18/02/12

Referee Stevie O’Reilly

Admission £12 adults, £6 concessions

Next three fixtures Dec 13 Forfar (A), Dec 17 Cowdenbeath (H), Dec 26 Arbroath (A)

Stirling Albion caretaker boss Greig McDonald is relishing the challenge of taking charge of the team for Saturday's vital game against Brechin on Saturday.

Last night's match against Forfar was postponed due to a frozen pitch at Station Park and has been rearranged for Tuesday December 13 at 7.30pm.

Former East Fife defender McDonald, who will be assisted by fellow senior players Marc McCulloch and Shaun Fagan, said: "The game being called off on Tuesday probably helped us in terms of preparation and also with injuries. Shaun Dillon was the only one who wasn't able to train and he will miss out at the weekend because of his ankle problem.

"Myself and the rest of the players were sad to see Jocky and John go but we had a good training session on Tuesday and the guys responded really well. I don't think we will be making too many changes but we need to try and give the players the confidence they had earlier in the season.

"Management is something that interests me further down the line and I have done some of my badges but I'm only 29 and, at the moment, the focus is only on the two games coming up against Brechin and Forfar during the course of the next week."

UPDATE -  Tuesday A.M.

TONIGHT'S GAME HAS BEEN CALLED OFF following a 10am pitch inspection.

It will be rescheduled for next Tuesday, the 13th December in the first instance.

Stirling Albion Football Club have parted company with their management team of Jocky Scott and John Blackley by mutual consent.

Defender Greig McDonald has agreed to take charge of the team for Tuesday’s game against Forfar at Station Park.

Albion crashed to a seventh straight defeat as free-scoring Airdrie won away from home for the first time this season in Division Two.

Scotland’s top scorer Ryan Donnelly took his tally to 20 goals in 20 games with a brace at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium, either side of Paul Lovering’s penalty and a Willie McLaren effort.

The teams drew 1-1 at the Excelsior Stadium at the end of September but Jimmy Boyle’s men, who had scored 18 goals in their last three league and cup games, won with plenty to spare this time.

Jocky Scott’s side, who face Forfar in a crucial game at Station Park on Tuesday, could have lost by more and the only crumb of comfort was our first goal in the league for two months, courtesy of a header from Lewis Bonar on the stroke of half-time after good work by Scott Davidson.

The Diamonds took the lead in 13 minutes when a brilliant delivery from the left from on-loan Hamilton winger McLaren allowed Donnelly an easy finish and they doubled their advantage when skipper Lovering scored from the spot after Brian Allison handled in the box.

Stirling, again without injured duo Shaun Dillon and Marc McCulloch, looked down and out at that stage but Bonar nodded in his first league goal of 2011/12 just before the break.

Hopes of a comeback were soon shattered and a poorly defended free-kick allowed McLaren to smash home the third before Donnelly coolly rounded Reidford to make it 4-1 before the hour mark.

Late equalisers for Forfar and Brechin mean Stirling are two and three points behind their next opponents in Division Two as trips to Station Park and Glebe Park loom large before we welcome leaders Cowdenbeath to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on December 17.

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Jacobs, Cook (Flood 63), Fagan, Allison, Thom, McSorley (McDonald 67), Smith, Davidson, Bonar (Nicholas 79), McLeish. Subs (not used): Crawley, Filler (GK)

Scorer: Bonar 45

Airdrie United: Fairley, Bain, Lovering, Stallard, Lilley, Lynch (Devlin 75), Johnston (Keast 79), Owens, Holmes, Donnelly (Boyle 80), McLaren. Subs (not used): Green, McKane (GK).

Scorers: Donnelly 13, 58, Lovering (pen) 29, McLaren 49

Referee: John Beaton

Crowd: 711

Stirling Albion (10th) v Airdrie United (7th) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news Midfielder Marc McCulloch (calf) and defender Shaun Dillon (ankle), who both missed the 2-1 defeat to Dundee in the Scottish Cup in our last outing a fortnight ago, are major doubts. Shaun Fagan trained on Thursday night and is expected to be available for what is our first league game since the last-minute defeat to Arbroath on November 12.

Match info Only two points separate the bottom four clubs and Albion will go above Airdrie if we claim our first win since beating Brechin 1-0 at home on October 1. Jocky Scott’s side have lost the past five matches in Division Two without scoring. Stirling top scorer Scott Davidson’s last goal came in the 1-1 draw at Airdrie in September. The only previous meeting between the teams at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium was a dramatic 2-2 draw in the first leg of the play-off final in May 2007. Airdrie have scored in every league game apart from a 2-0 defeat at East Fife in August but have yet to win away from home. Jimmy Boyle’s men have drawn their last two games in Division Two,  4-4 against Forfar and 3-3 with Arbroath, and thrashed Gala 11-0 in the Scottish Cup. Airdrie striker Ryan Donnelly has scored 13 times in 14 league matches this season. The Diamonds welcome back David Lilley from suspension but winger Ally Woodburn is ruled out.

Last five league form Stirling Albion LLLLL Airdrie Utd DLLDD

Top league scorer Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5), Airdrie Utd - Ryan Donnelly (13)

Shut-outs Stirling Albion 2, Airdrie Utd 2

Last meeting Airdrie Utd 1-1 Stirling Albion, 24/09/11

Next meeting Airdrie Utd v Stirling Albion, 28/01/12

Referee John Beaton

Admission £14 adults, £8 senior citizens/students, £5 children U17

Albion Bar Dumyat Suite overlooking the pitch. Open before and after the game. All welcome.

Magazine December issue of The Albion goes on sale tomorrow, priced £3.50.

Club shop Open before the game. All sorts of Albion-related goodies available.

Lottery tickets Available before the match. Wednesday’s jackpot is up to £3,250

Next three fixtures Dec 6 Forfar (A), Dec 10 Brechin (A), Dec 17 Cowdenbeath (H)

Weather Keep an eye on the local forecast here

Week 9 Numbers - Wednesday November 30

15, 17, 33, 35

Draw made at Paper Rack by Mrs K Leister

No winners this week - the jackpot rises to £3,250!

Where to buy tickets

Stirling Albion return to action at home to Airdrie United this weekend, with boss Jocky Scott waiting on Shaun Fagan, Shaun Dillon and Marc McCulloch.

Dillon and McCulloch missed the 2-1 defeat to Dundee in the third round of the William Hill Scottish Cup on November 19 while Fagan has also been struggling with a knock.

The Scottish FA has appointed the following referees to take charge our next two matches:

Saturday December 3
Stirling Albion v Airdrie United - John Beaton

Tuesday December 6
Forfar v Stirling Albion - Des Roache

Des Roache was the man in the middle for our 1-1 draw at Airdrie United on September 24 while John Beaton will handle his first Albion game of the season on Saturday.

Stirling Albion will have no game on Saturday January 7 due to the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Forfar's replay win over Stranraer yesterday means the date cannot be used for a rearranged league fixture should any games between now and then fall victim to the weather.

That's because all of our forthcoming opponents - Airdrie United, Forfar, Brechin, Cowdenbeath, Arbroath and Stenhousemuir - are in Scottish Cup action on January 7/8.

Saturday's results mean that just two points separate the bottom four clubs in Division Two and we face the teams immediately above us in our next three outings.

Albion are on 12 points, one behind Forfar, who defeated Stranraer 3-0 in their Scottish Cup replay to set up a fourth-round tie at home to Aberdeen. We go to Station Park on Tuesday December 6.

Airdrie United are on the 14-point mark after coming from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with joint leaders Arbroath at New Broomfield and Brechin are also on 14 points after losing 2-0 at home to East Fife.

Stirling Albion's December fixtures
Dec 3 - Airdrie United (H)
Dec 6 - Forfar (A)
Dec 10 - Brechin (A)
Dec 17 - Cowdenbeath (H)
Dec 26 - Arbroath (A)

A reminder that we have no game this weekend due to Forfar's Scottish Cup replay against Stranraer so our next match is at home to Airdrie United on Saturday December 3.

November 26 fixtures
Airdrie United v Arbroath
Brechin City v East Fife
Cowdenbeath v Dumbarton
Forfar P-P Stirling Albion
Stenhousemuir v Albion Rovers

CURRENT LEAGUE TABLE

Greig McDonald hopes his injury nightmare is finally over following his return to action from a nine-month absence in the closing minutes of last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Dundee.

The former East Fife defender missed the entire 2009/10 campaign with a knee injury picked up just after he joined the Binos then snapped his Achilles tendon against Dundee in February.

He said: "To come back and play half of last year and for that to happen was hard to take and for the first few weeks it was very, very difficult but it’s happened to better players than me.

"Jocky Scott and John Blackley have been great in not putting any pressure on me. I could maybe have come back a wee bit earlier and played a friendly but they didn’t want to push me and that let me concentrate on my rehab. I'm fully fit now, it's just a case of getting match sharpness.

"It’s not been a great run recently but we have not been far away. The boys are really together and I think it’s only a matter of time before we get that vital victory and start climbing the table."

Update - Greig took another big step forward in his recovery last night, playing 90 minutes at Broadwood v Clyde.  On wet and windy evening, Stirling emerged with a 1-0 victory thanks to a second half goal from A Trialist. 

Week 8 Numbers - Wednesday November 23

11, 21, 26, 28

Draw made at 1314 by Alan Morton.

No jackpot winners this week so the jackpot rises to a staggering £3,000!

One lucky three-number winner - Mrs Louise Russell who wins £250.

More information on the Albion Lotto 

Darren Smith ended our five-game goal drought in the 2-1 defeat to Dundee in the William Hill Scottish Cup third round on Saturday and believes the performance shows Albion are heading in the right direction as they build towards vital games against Airdrie United and Forfar next month.

The Binos have no fixture on Saturday owing to Forfar's cup replay with Stranraer and return to action at home to Airdrie United on December 3, before travelling to Station Park for the rescheduled match with Dick Campbell's side three days later.

Smith said: "If you were a neutral, there is no way you would have known Dundee were a division above. We applied ourselves really well and the boys worked hard for each other, so if we can take that into the next few weeks we will easily climb up this league.

"It would have been nice to have a cup run but we want to get off the bottom of this league as soon as possible. The way we played against Dundee, you just want the next game to come quickly so you can build on it but the week off maybe allows us a chance to work on a few things."

The Scottish Football League this afternoon confirmed a new date for our Second Division match with Forfar at Station Park, which was due to be played on Saturday November 26 but was postponed due to Forfar's Scottish Cup replay with Stranraer.

The game will now be played on Tuesday December 6, kick-off 7.30pm.

Albion's next fixture is now against Airdrie United at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday December 3, with the usual 3pm start.

Albion assistant manager John Blackley believes the players can take heart from their performance in the William Hill Scottish Cup third-round tie against Dundee, despite going down to a 2-1 defeat to the Division One side at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

Darren Smith gave us the lead with a fine header after 26 minutes but Ryan Conroy equalised with a terrific free-kick five minutes later and Steven Milne took advantage of a slack pass from Brian Allison to grab what proved to be the winner just after the hour mark.

With Forfar now involved in a cup replay against Stranraer next weekend, the Binos are not in action until Airdrie United visit on Saturday December 3.

Blackley said: "We were always in the tie in the first half and created some chances but we made a few mistakes in the second half and one of them cost us. You can't legislate for that coming from someone who has probably been the best player since Jocky (Scott) and I came to the club.

"There were plenty of positives and it was good to get our first goal for a while. Our effort and our shape were good and it’s disappointing not to have a game next week."

Dundee boss Barry Smith said: "Stirling made it very difficult and it was a tough game so it's just good to have our name in the hat for the next round. We probably expected a lot of possession, and we had that, but Stirling were hard to break down, so you have to give them a lot of credit."

Dundee came from behind to book their place in Tuesday's draw for the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup to end our hopes of creating an upset against a team we last beat in 1978.

Darren Smith headed the Binos into the lead after 26 minutes, ending the club's run of five games without a goal, but Ryan Conroy equalised direct from a free-kick five minutes later.

Steven Milne grabbed the winner just after the hour mark when he pounced on a loose pass from the otherwise excellent Brian Allison and drove a low shot into the corner.

Dundee probably deserved their place in the next round but there wasn't a great deal between the teams and Albion will take encouragement from their performance against Division One opposition.

Binos boss Jocky Scott made two changes to the team that had lost 1-0 to Arbroath the previous week, with Craig McLeish and Steven Nicholas replacing Marc McCulloch (injured) and Josh Flood, who had to be content with a place on the bench.

Also back in the squad was defender Greig McDonald, who came on as a late substitute for his first appearance since February when he suffered an Achilles injury, ironically against Dundee.

Dens defender Rhys Weston had an early effort cleared off the line but it was Stirling who took the lead when Smith bulleted a superb header beyond Rab Douglas from a perfect Alan Cook free-kick. It was our first goal since Smith netted against Brechin way back on October 1.

Dundee, who progressed after a replay when the teams last met in the Scottish Cup in 1992, took only five minutes to equalise. Former Celtic midfielder Conroy curled a superb free-kick up and over the wall and, although Callum Reidford got a hand to the ball, he couldn't keep it out.

Barry Smith's men were stronger in the second half and grabbed what proved to be the winner when Milne seized on a misplaced pass from Allison and found the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Reidford then made a good save to deny on-loan Hearts hitman Calum Elliot.

Albion never gave up and forced a flurry of corners but Dundee defended well and substitute Gavin Macpherson blasted a late free-kick wide as we slipped to a sixth straight defeat.

With Forfar now involved in a Scottish Cup replay against Stranraer on Saturday, Albion's next match is at home to Airdrie United, 11-0 winners over Gala Fairydean, on December 3.

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Jacobs, Cook (Macpherson 80), Fagan, Allison, Thom, McSorley, Smith, Davidson, Nicholas (Flood 66), McLeish (McDonald 87). Subs (not used): Crawley, Filler (GK).

Scorer: Smith (26)

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, O’Donnell, McGregor, Weston, Riley, Rae, McIntosh (Elliot 53), Milne (Chisholm 89), Conroy (McCluskey 83). Subs (not used): Benedictus, Gibson (GK).

Scorers: Conroy (31), Milne (61)

Referee: George Salmond

Crowd: 1,473

Stirling Albion v Dundee – Saturday, 3pm

Friday evening update At the request of Dundee FC, and with the agreement of Stirling Albion and the Scottish FA, if a replay is required it will go ahead at Dens Park on Tuesday November 29, kick-off 7.45pm, and not this coming Tuesday as was originally intimated.

Team news Defender Shaun Dillon is again sidelined with the ankle injury that kept him out of last week’s 1-0 home defeat to Arbroath. Marc McCulloch is set to miss out and Shaun Fagan is doubtful. Danny Ashe has picked up an injury during his loan spell with Sauchie Juniors. Falkirk have given permission for on-loan striker Scott Davidson to play.

Match info Albion are on a run of five straight defeats without a goal. Darren Smith was the last player to score, in the 1-0 win over Brechin on October 1. We haven’t beaten Dundee in 28 attempts going back to a 1-0 victory at Annfield in October 1978 when Stuart Heggie grabbed the only goal. Barry Smith’s side have won their last two games in Division One, against Raith and Morton. Their squad includes former Scotland players Rab Douglas and Gavin Rae. The fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup is on January 7, 2012.

Referee George Salmond

Admission £15 adults, £8 senior citizens/students, £5 children U17. Season tickets and Bino Bonds are not valid for this match.

Hospitality Special deal of just £30 plus VAT per person. Contact the club on 01786 450399

Past Scottish Cup meetings This is the third time we have met in the Scottish Cup. Dundee won 2-0 in February 1971 and 1-0 in February 1992, following a 1-1 draw at Dens.

Last five form Stirling Albion LLLLL Dundee LWLWW

Top scorers Stirling - Scott Davidson (5), Dundee - Steven Milne (5)

Last meeting Dundee 1-1 Stirling Albion, 10/04/11

Special guest Drew Rogerson, who played for the club between 1965-68 and was part of the squad that travelled to Japan in 1966, will be a guest at the Dundee game.

Albion Bar In the Castle Suite. Open before and after the game.  All welcome.

Magazine November issue of The Albion is one sale again tomorrow, priced £3.50.

Club shop Open before the game. New stock arrived recently so start Christmas shopping!

Lottery tickets Available before the match. No winners this week so Wednesday’s jackpot rises to £2,750.

Next three fixtures Nov 26 Forfar (A), Dec 3 Airdrie Utd (H), Dec 10 Brechin (A)

Albion take on Dundee in the third round of the William Hill Scottish Cup on Saturday. This is how we have fared since 1989/90:

1989/90
SC1 Coldstream (H) 4-0
SC2 Whitehill W (H) 3-0
SC3 East Stirling (A) 1-0
SC4 Inverness Caley (H) 6-2
SCQF Clydebank (A) 1-1
SCQFR Clydebank (H) 0-1

1990/91
SC2 Stenhousemuir (H) 2-0
SC3  Morton (H) 0-1

1991/92
SC3 Dundee (A) 1-1
SC3R Dundee (H) 0-1

1992/93
SC3 East Fife (H) 1-2

1993/94
SC3 Berwick (H) 1-0
SC4 St Johnstone (A) 3-3
SC4R St Johnstone (H) 0-2

1994/95
SC1 Dumbarton (A) 3-3
SC1R Dumbarton (H) 3-0
SC2 Brechin (A) 3-2
SC3 Airdrie (H) 1-2

1995/96
SC2 Alloa (H) 3-1
SC3 Clydebank (A) 1-0
SC4 Aberdeen (H) 0-2

1996/97
SC3 Dundee United (H) 0-2

1997/98
SC3 Queen of South (A) 3-1
SC4 St Johnstone (A) 1-3

1998/99
SC2 Montrose (A) 0-0
SC2R Montrose (H) 2-1
SC3 Hibernian (A) 1-1
SC3R Hibernian (H) 2-1
SC4 Motherwell (A) 0-2

1999/00
SC2 East Fife (H) 2-1
SC3 Clydebank (A) 0-1

2000/01
SC2 Spartans (A) 3-1
SC3 Raith (H) 2-0
SC4 Hibernian (H) 2-3

2001/02
SC1 Buckie Thistle (H) 2-1
SC2 Gala Fairydean (A) 0-1

2002/03
SC2 Stranraer (A) 1-4

2003/04
SC1 Queen’s Park (H) 3-1
SC2 Arbroath (H) 1-2

2004/05
SC2 Brechin City (A) 0-1

2005/06
SC1 Elgin City (H) 2-1
SC2 Inverurie Locos (H) 1-0
SC3 Partick Thistle (H) 0-1

2006/07
SC1 East Stirling (A) 2-0
SC2 Edinburgh City (A) 1-0
SC3 Inverness CT (H) 1-6

2007/08
SC3 Stranraer (A) 6-0
SC4 Celtic (A) 0-3

2008/09
SC3 Partick Thistle (H) 2-3

2009/10
SC3 Auchinleck (H)  2-1
SC4 Albion Rovers (A) 0-0
SC4R Albion Rovers (H) 3-1
SC5 Ross County (A) 0-9

2010/11
SC3 Partick Thistle (H) 1-3

Stirling Albion are delighted to announce that former player Drew Rogerson will be a guest of honour at Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup third-round tie against Dundee.

A central defender, Drew joined the Binos from Alloa in 1965 and was a regular in Sammy Baird’s side for three years before moving to Albion Rovers in 1968. The mid-1960s were a good time for Stirling, with the club in the top flight - they held Celtic to a 1-1 draw at Annfield in the same season that Jock Stein’s team won the European Cup.

Drew made history by becoming the first substitute to appear for Stirling, in a League Cup tie against Kilmarnock in August 1966. Earlier that summer, he was part of an Albion team who were the first British side to play in Japan as part of a tour that also included games in Greece and Iran!

Now 70, Drew lives locally and we look forward to welcoming him to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium for the first time this weekend.

Stirling Albion are offering a special hospitality deal for just £36 (£30 plus VAT per person) at Saturday's William Hill Scottish Cup third-round tie against Dundee.

Fans are reminded that season tickets and Bino Bonds are not valid for the match and anyone interested in taking up hospitality should contact the club on 01786 450399.
 
- Champagne reception in one of our hospitality suites overlooking the pitch
- Stadium tour if requested and meet the players
- Buffet lunch
- Pre-match drinks
- Directors' seating
- Half-time refreshments
- Post-match drinks

Some facts and figures ahead of our William Hill Scottish Cup third-round tie with Dundee:

# Albion and Dundee have been paired together twice before in the Scottish Cup, with the Jocky Scott’s old club progressing on both occasions. In February 1971, Dundee won 2-0 at Dens Park to reach the quarter-finals and in 1991/92 they came out on top in a third-round replay. Alan Dinnie cancelled out Robert Reilly’s goal in a 1-1 draw at Dens Park on the Monday night and a Grant McMartin strike gave the Tayside club a 1-0 win at McDiarmid Park two days later – Annfield was outlawed for cup ties due to the artificial pitch.

# The furthest we have gone in the Scottish Cup is the quarter-finals, a stage we last reached in 1989/90. John Brogan's team knocked out Coldstream, Whitehill Welfare, East Stirling and Inverness Caley to set up a meeting with Clydebank at Kilbowie Park. We were much the better team but had to settle for a 1-1 draw - Vinnie Moore scored from the penalty spot - and Bankies won the replay 1-0 at Brockville.

# Our most famous Scottish Cup occasion came on December 8, 1984 when Alex Smith's team thrashed Selkirk 20-0 on an incredible afternoon at Annfield. Davie Thompson scored seven goals and Willie Irvine weighed in with five. It remains the biggest win in British senior football for more than a century but Cowdenbeath knocked us out in the second round that year!

# Albion were drawn against Partick Thistle in last season's third round and went down 3-1 at home. Our last win in the competition was 3-1 against Albion Rovers in a fourth-round replay in January 2010 - unfortunately we crashed 9-0 at Ross County in the next round!

# The last time Stirling defeated higher-ranked opponents in the Scottish Cup was back in 2000/01 when Ray Stewart's Second Division outfit defeated First Division Raith Rovers 2-0 at home before we lost 3-2 to Hibernian in the fog.

# The first Scottish Cup tie at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium was in January 1994 when we beat Berwick Rangers 1-0.

# The fourth round takes place on January 7. There are no Division Two fixtures that day.

George Salmond has been appointed as the referee for our William Hill Scottish Cup third-round tie with Dundee at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday. It will be the first time he has taken charge of an Albion game this season.

Stirling Albion's U19 team were beaten 5-0 by SPL side St Mirren in the third round of the SFA Youth Cup on Sunday.

Jocky Scott felt his side paid the price for a lack of concentration as Arbroath grabbed an injury-time winner through Stuart Malcolm to stay joint top of the table with a 1-0 victory at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium as Albion’s losing run stretched to five games.

He said: “When you are in the position we are in, these are the things that go against you. We switched off for a few seconds and were punished. The players put so much into the game but we are our own worst enemy – we kept giving the ball away and put ourselves under pressure.

“I can’t fault the effort and I thought the changes we made worked OK but a lack of concentration cost us and that has happened a few times recently. The good thing is that there are plenty of games left to put things right and we need to get ourselves up for the Dundee match now.”

Arbroath player-boss Paul Sheerin, who missed out through injury, said: “I think a draw would have been a fair result, to be honest. We drove on a bit in the second half but I don’t think their keeper had a save to make up until Stuart Malcolm’s first header just before the goal.

“It probably wasn’t a nice game to watch. It was scrappy and our decision-making was poor in crucial areas but it is wins like this that keep you at the right end of the table.”

An injury-time goal from defender Stuart Malcolm sent Stirling to a fifth straight defeat without scoring as Arbroath stayed level on points with Second Division leaders Cowdenbeath.

Malcolm was initially denied by a superb save from keeper Callum Reidford, making his first appearance of the season after a knee injury, but the ball was returned into the danger area by substitute Lee Bryce and the ex-St Johnstone man bulleted a header into the corner.

It was tough on Albion who put so much into the match, with skipper Brian Allison outstanding at the back, and probably deserved a draw but the visitors looked the more likely team as time wore on and eventually got their reward.

Binos boss Jocky Scott rang the changes after last week’s 4-0 defeat at Stenhousemuir, with Shaun Fagan at right-back and Devon Jacobs switching to the other flank in a 4-4-2 formation. Darren Smith started on the right of midfield and recalled Josh Flood partnered Scott Davidson in attack. Defender Shaun Dillon was ruled out with an ankle injury and will also miss the Dundee game.

Stirling more than held their own in the first half and Darren Smith - who scored our last goal against Brechin on October 1 - forced a good save from Darren Hill but we struggled to create chances after the break. Arbroath improved in the second period and former St Johnstone winger Josh Falkingham wasted two good opportunities to give Paul Sheerin’s team the lead.

Gavin Swankie saw his 30-yard free-kick pushed away by Reidford but, just when it looked as if the Red Lichties were set for a third away game on the trot without a win, up popped Malcolm to secure a precious victory at a ground where they have only lost three times in 13 league visits.

Albion face Dundee in the third round of the William Hill Scottish Cup on Saturday before a vital double header of league games away to Forfar and at home to Airdrie United – the two teams just a point above us in Division Two.

Stirling Albion: Reidford, Jacobs, Cook, Fagan (Crawley 88), Allison, Thom, McSorley, Smith, Davidson, McCulloch, Flood (Nicholas 83). Subs (not used): Macpherson, Bonar, Filler (GK).

Arbroath: Hill, Baxter, Brown (Ardallany 80), Kerr, Malcolm, Wedderburn, Falkingham, Sibanda (Bryce 66), Doris, Swankie (Gibson 90), McAnespie. Subs (not used): Busch, White (GK).

Scorer: Malcolm (90)

Referee: Crawford Allan

Crowd: 573

Stirling Albion (10th) v Arbroath (2nd) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news Defender Shaun Dillon misses out with the ankle injury he picked up in last week’s 4-0 defeat at Stenhousemuir and long-term absentee Greig McDonald remains short of fitness, although he played in a midweek bounce game against Dunipace Juniors. With goalkeeper Callum Reidford back in the squad after knee surgery, short-term signing William Kerr has left the club.

Match info Albion are bidding to end a run of four defeats without scoring since Brechin were beaten 1-0 on October 1. We have slipped to the foot of the table on goal difference but are level on points with Forfar and Airdrie United. Arbroath share top spot with Cowdenbeath and are unbeaten at home but Paul Sheerin’s side, who edged out Dumbarton 4-3 at Gayfield last weekend, have yet to keep a clean sheet on the road. They lost 1-0 at Albion Rovers in their most recent away match. The Red Lichties have an excellent record at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium, with just two defeats in 12 league visits. The last three encounters here have all ended in draws.

Last five form Stirling Albion WLLLL Arbroath DDLWW

Top league scorer Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5), Arbroath - Steven Doris (8)

Shut-outs Stirling Albion 2, Arbroath 2

Last meeting Arbroath 4-2 Stirling Albion, 27/08/11

Next meeting Arbroath v Stirling Albion, 26/12/11

Referee Crawford Allan

Admission £14 adults, £8 senior citizens/students, £5 children U17

Albion Bar In the Dumyat Suite overlooking the pitch. Open from 12 noon to 2.45pm and again after the game until 6.45pm. All welcome.

Magazine November issue of The Albion goes on sale tomorrow, priced £3.50. Look out for an interview with ex-Bino Robert Snodgrass – hero of the 2007 play-off against Airdrie.

Club shop Open before the game. On sale are a number of new items of stock, including engraved whisky glasses, cuff links, hats, key rings and even teddy bears!

Lottery tickets Available before the match. Wednesday’s jackpot is £2,500

Next three fixtures Nov 19 Dundee (H), Nov 26 Forfar (A), Dec 3 Airdrie Utd (H)

The club shop has taken delivery of a number of new items as Christmas approaches.

Engraved whisky glasses, hip flasks and tankard glasses are available, along with cuff links, lighters, key rings and hats - not forgetting an Albion teddy bear and money box!

The shop will be open before Saturday's match with Arbroath.

Goalkeeper William Kerr has left the club after his short-term deal ended this week.

The 24-year-old, previously with Arkleston Amateurs, joined as cover for Sam Filler when Callum Reidford was sidelined with a knee injury but Callum is now fit and was on the bench last week.

Stirling Albion FC would like to thank William for helping us out and wish him good luck in his bid to find a new club.

Six of the 12 league meetings between Stirling Albion and Arbroath at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium have ended in draws, with Saturday's opponents ahead 4-2 on wins:

December 12, 1998 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 0-1 Arbroath
Crowd: 824

May 8, 1999 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-1 Arbroath
Crowd: 1,005

October 30, 1999 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 3-4 Arbroath
Crowd: 856

March 11, 2000 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-1 Arbroath
Crowd: 681

October 7, 2000 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 0-0 Arbroath
Crowd: 576

February 3, 2001 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-1 Arbroath
Crowd: 676

August 7, 2004 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 5-2 Arbroath
Crowd: 706

December 27, 2004 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 0-3 Arbroath
Crowd: 756

November 15, 2008 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 0-2 Arbroath
Crowd: 509

February 28, 2009 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-1 Arbroath
Crowd: 576

October 10, 2009 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-2 Arbroath
Crowd: 689

April 12, 2010 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-2 Arbroath
Crowd: 365

Jocky Scott has been thwarted in a bid to sign Hibernian midfielder Sean Welsh on loan.

The 21-year-old spent time with the Binos in 2010/11 and Albion manager Scott was keen to bring him back to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium for a second spell but the youngster has opted to remain at Easter Road and attempt to force his way into the first team.

Welsh has been an unused substitute in the last couple of games, having only recently returned to the Hibs squad after sustaining a fractured cheekbone in a training ground incident in June.

Week 6 Numbers - Wednesday November 9

3, 8, 33, 40

Draw made at Rob Roy Bar by Walter Drummond. One "3 Number" winner - John McNie who wins £250. No jackpot winners - next week's jackpot rises to £2,500!

More info on the Albion Lotto

Defender Shaun Dillon will sit out Saturday's home game with joint leaders Arbroath after sustaining an ankle injury in the 4-0 defeat against Stenhousemuir at the weekend.

The summer signing from Pollok Juniors is also set to miss the William Hill Scottish Cup third-round clash with Dundee at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on November 19.

In better news, keeper Callum Reidford and defender Greig McDonald both played 90 minutes in a bounce game against Dunipace Juniors this evening as they edge closer to a first-team return.

Crawford Allan will take charge of our Irn-Bru Division Two game at home to Arbroath on Saturday. It is the first time he has been appointed to handle an Albion match this season but he has refereed five matches in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Jocky Scott believes Albion will get their season back on track despite going bottom of the table after a 4-0 defeat at Stenhousemuir on Saturday, when a second-half double from Stewart Kean and goals from Ross McMillan and Brown Ferguson condemned us to a fourth straight defeat.

He said: “We’re doing poorly at the moment but I’m confident we will turn it around. In the games we have lost, excluding Cowdenbeath, we have created chances. There is a long, long way to go and it’s not time to panic. If you win a couple of games you go two or three places up the table.

“Some of our defending was diabolical with free headers being given away in the box and as soon as the second goal went in the heads went down, which you don’t expect. We had a couple of good chances but again we didn’t take them and the first goal is so important.”

Stenhousemuir No 2 Kevin McGoldrick said: “We had one up front in the first half and it wasn’t working but we brought Paul Quinn on and he changed the game for us. We had only taken one point from our last six so it was important we got a win before playing Cowdenbeath next week.”

A second half to forget saw Albion crash to a heavy defeat against their local rivals, slipping to the foot of the Irn-Bru Second Division table in the process.

It was goalless at the interval but a double from Stewart Kean either side of goals from Ross McMillan and Brown Ferguson condemned Jocky Scott’s men to a fourth straight defeat without scoring and they remain stuck on 12 points, along with Forfar and Airdrie United.

The Warriors, five points behind joint leaders Cowdenbeath and Arbroath - who visit the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday - remain unbeaten at home and ran out easy winners as they claimed their first victory over the Binos since a 3-2 success at Forthbank 11 years ago.

Scott made one change to the team that went down 1-0 to Dumbarton the previous week, with Shaun Fagan replacing Alan Cook in midfield. Goalkeeper Callum Reidford was on the bench for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in September.

Chances were scarce in an even half. Darren Smith wasn’t far away from the edge of the box after being teed up by Scott Davidson while at the other end Kean blazed over from close range and had a goal disallowed for offside.

Davie Irons had his team back out early for the second half but it was Albion who almost snatched the lead in 52 minutes when Smith crossed for Davidson, but his header was too straight and Ally Brown made the save.

Stirling’s afternoon began to fall apart two minutes later. Substitute Paul Quinn got the better of Shaun Dillon and set up the unmarked Kean, who rolled the ball into the corner.

Stenhousemuir scored again when ex-Clyde defender McMillan nodded in a Stevie Murray corner then another fine delivery from the winger allowed Ferguson to head home the third.

Marc McCulloch hit the bar as Albion tried to respond, but Kean was left all alone to direct a header past Sam Filler from Iain Thomson’s cross with 10 minutes left to cap a miserable second period that also saw Dillon hobble off with a painful-looking ankle injury.

Stenhousemuir: Brown, Lyle, Hamilton (Thomson 64), Corrigan, McMillan, McKinlay, Ferguson (Plenderleith 84), McCafferty (Quinn 46), Kean, Paton, Murray. Subs (not used): Dickson, Diamond (GK).

Scorers: Kean 54, 80, McMillan 63, Ferguson 69

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, Crawley, Dillon (Bonar 58), Allison, Thom, McSorley, Smith (Macpherson 86), Davidson, Fagan, McCulloch. Subs (not used): Cook, Nicholas, Reidford (GK).

Referee: Kevin Clancy

Attendance: 829

Stenhousemuir (3rd) v Stirling Albion (8th) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news Jocky Scott has virtually a full squad to choose from, although long-term absentees Callum Reidford and Greig McDonald are still short of match fitness. Midfielder Daly McSorley returned to the side last week after a month out with a broken jaw and Shaun Fagan was also in the squad after shaking off a thigh strain. Stenhousemuir are without keeper Chris McCluskey, who was sent off in the 1-0 defeat at Arbroath. Ex-Bino Martyn Corrigan featured at Gayfield but Paul McHale hasn’t played since August due to injury.

Match info Albion are on a run of three straight defeats without scoring a goal. The Binos have taken the lead in just one match, the 1-0 win over Brechin on October 1, since drawing 2-2 with Albion Rovers in August. Stirling came out on top in both Ochilview meetings in 2009/10 and have not lost in nine encounters with the Warriors since a 3-2 reverse at Forthbank on November 4, 2000. Davie Irons’ team are unbeaten on the plastic pitch at Ochilview in 2011/12, with four wins and a draw. Only one of our three victories this season was away from home, 5-1 at Dumbarton.

Last five form Stenhousemuir WLWDL Stirling Albion DWLLL

Top league scorer Stenhousemuir - Andy Rodgers (4) Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5),

Shut-outs Stenhousemuir 1, Stirling Albion 2

Last meeting Stirling Albion 2-2 Stenhousemuir, 10/09/11

Next meeting Stirling Albion v Stenhousemuir, 02/01/12

Referee Kevin Clancy

Admission £12/£11 adults, £7/£6 concessions

Travel info No access from Bellsdyke Road

Next three fixtures Nov 12 Arbroath (H), Nov 19 Dundee (H), Nov 26 Forfar (A)

The Club are pleased to announce that loan signing Scott Davidson has been cleared to appear for Stirling Albion in our William Hill Scottish Cup 3rd Round tie against Dundee. This follows negotiations between Operations Director Stuart Brown and Falkirk Football Club.

Everyone at Stirling Albion would like to thank Falkirk for their cooperation.

Stenhousemuir FC wishes to advise the supporters of Stirling Albion FC to avoid Bellsdyke Road when attending this weekend’s game at Ochilview.

Access to Ochilview Park from Bellsdyke Road will be closed over the next two weeks as the Bellsdyke Road/Tryst Road junction will be shut between Monday 31st October and Sunday 13th November to install new drainage pipes.
 
Supporters coming from the A9 direction should avoid going along Bellsdyke Road and should continue on the A9 until they reach the traffic lights at Larbert Cross. They should then turn left on the B905 and head along Larbert Main Street for approximately one mile to the car parks at Stenhousemuir Shopping Centre, which are only two minutes' walk from the ground.
 
Supporters travelling along the Bellsdyke Road from the Kincardine Bridge direction should take the B902 which is the first exit of the roundabout as you enter Stenhousemuir and proceed to the next roundabout, taking the B905 which is the third exit along King Street for approximately one mile, parking in the Stenhousemuir Shopping Centre.

Carling, the official beer of the Scottish Cup, are offering you the chance to follow us all the way to Hampden!  They have a pair of "golden tickets" up for grabs for each team in each round of the Scottish Cup, which gives you access to EVERY game your team play in this season’s competition, home and away.

If you’re over 18, all you need to do to enter is text CARLING followed by your team name to 81025.  Winners for round 3 will be picked on Monday 14^th November 2011.  Texts are charged at your network’s standard rate, there is no fee to enter.

T&Cs apply, see www.carling.com/roadtothecup for more details.

Stirling Albion Football Club Open Fans Meeting

Sunday 13th November, 4pm

Castle Suite – Doubletree Dunblane Stadium

An invitation is extended to all fans of Stirling Albion FC to attend an open meeting at which there will be the opportunity to be updated by, and ask questions of, members of the newly-constituted Executive Board.

Following consultation with Dundee F.C. the following arrangements have been agreed for the Club's fixture against Dundee in the 3rd Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup

Original Fixture

Date: Saturday 19th November 2011

Venue: Doubletree Dunblane Stadium      Kick Off: 3:00pm

Admission Prices: £15 Adults, £8 concessions, £5 Under 17s.*

Replay

Date: Tuesday 22nd November 2011

Venue: Dens Park, Dundee                          Kick Off: 7:45pm

*Please note that Bino Bonds, Season Tickets & Junior Player Membership carde are not valid for this fixture.

Stirling Albion Supporters Trust members have been voting for their favourite of six designs for next season's away Shirt.

Voting was very close throughout, but when polling closed at 7pm this evening (Monday 31st October) one shirt had emerged as the winner, securing 30% of the total vote: a V-neck sky blue design which can be seen below.

The Club would like to thank all those who took part in the vote, as well as everyone at www.safctrust.org.uk who facilitated the voting system.

We hope that the shirt looks as good in the flesh as it does on paper, when it becomes available to purchase next year!

Stirling Albion are pleased to announce that they are hosting a "Ladies Day" on the 12th of November, at our home game against Arbroath F.C. Tickets (which are priced at £35 plus VAT per person) include a champagne reception, buffet, and drinks throughout the afternoon. 

Those interested in attending should contact the Club's Commercial Team on 01786 450399.

Hospitality packages are also available for our fixture against Dundee F.C. in the Third Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup on November 19 - places can again be booked by contacting the Club at the number above.

Albion fans are reminded that voting closes today in the poll to choose our new away strip for next season, from a choice of three designs in two different colour schemes.

All members of the Supporters Trust are eligible to take part via the link below.

http://www.safctrust.org.uk/new-away-strip1213/

Stirling Albion's SFA Youth Cup third-round tie against St Mirren will take place at St Mirren Park on Sunday November 13, kick-off 1pm.

Stirling manager Jocky Scott bemoaned a poor first-half display as the Binos went down 1-0 at home to Dumbarton on Saturday.

A deflected Scott Agnew shot six minutes from time proved decisive but Scott felt much of the damage was done before the break when Albion struggled to impose themselves on the match.

He said: "You can't expect to turn up for 45 minutes and win a game. We looked so lethargic in the first half and couldn't pass the ball. We did a bit better in the second half and it was harsh to lose but there is always that danger.

"It's a worry when you are not scoring and Darren Smith's chance at the end summed up our day. For their goal, initially it was a foul throw but we should have been able to defend the situation."

Dumbarton boss Alan Adamson said: "It was a very tight game like so many in this league. I think over the piece we deserved it - I thought we dominated the first half but Stirling had some chances in the second half. Our away form has been good this season and maybe that's because we do well on the counter-attack and get the full-backs forward."

Dumbarton gained revenge for the 5-1 defeat inflicted by Albion back in August to climb above the Binos in the table thanks to a deflected 84th-minute strike from Scott Agnew.

Stirling had a poor first half when they struggled to create openings and were fortunate not to fall behind when Pat Walker was denied by a fine save by Sam Filler then ex-Bino Bryan Prunty fired over when he had a team-mate unmarked to his left.

Albion were much brighter after the interval and almost went ahead when Darren Smith’s shot squirmed through the hands of Stephen Grindlay, only for the keeper to recover to snatch the ball on the line.

Smith was then thwarted by a terrific last-ditch tackle and Gary Thom sent a header inches wide from a Daly McSorley delivery – the midfielder was back in the starting line-up in place of Gavin Macpherson after more than a month out with a broken jaw.

Alan Adamson’s men broke the deadlock with six minutes remaining when midfielder Agnew’s low drive from the edge of the box took a nick off Devon Jacobs and flew into the corner of the net.

Albion should have equalised in a frantic finish that saw defender Shaun Dillon arrow a diving header agonisingly past the post and Smith unable to beat Grindlay when one-on-one with the Dumbarton keeper in stoppage time, just seconds after Prunty missed at the other end.

The result was a third successive league loss without scoring a goal and only two points now separate the bottom five clubs as the Binos look ahead to Saturday’s local derby at Stenhousemuir.

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, Crawley, Dillon, Allison, Thom, McSorley (Flood 70), Smith, Davidson, McCulloch, Cook (Fagan 73). Subs (not used): McLeish, Nicholas, Kerr (GK).

Dumbarton: Grindlay, Nugent, Creaney, Lithgow, McNiff, McKinnon (Borris 66), Gilhaney, Nicoll, Prunty, Agnew, Walker (Winters 66). Subs (not used): Brannan, Wallace, Ewings (GK).

Scorer: Agnew 84

Referee: Mat Northcroft

Crowd: 602

Stirling Albion (6th) v Dumbarton (8th) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news Albion’s injury situation is improving, with midfielder Daly McSorley able to take part in full training on Thursday for the first time since breaking his jaw last month. Shaun Fagan is hoping to shake off the thigh strain that saw him miss the 1-0 reverse at East Fife. Long-term absentees Callum Reidford and Greig McDonald both took part in a bounce match on Tuesday but are still short of match fitness.

Match info Albion are a point ahead of Alan Adamson’s side but have won just once in eight games since a 5-1 victory at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium. Dumbarton have scored more away goals than anyone other than leaders Cowdenbeath. Our only home defeat in five games so far was 4-2 to Forfar. Dumbarton won 2-1 here on their last visit in April 2010. Ex-Binos Paul Nugent, Alan Lithgow, Mark Gilhaney and Bryan Prunty all started the 1-1 draw with Airdrie last week. Ryan Borris was on the bench.

League form this season Stirling Albion WWDLDLDWLL Dumbarton LLDWLLWLWD

Top league scorer Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5), Dumbarton - Bryan Prunty (6)

Shut-outs Stirling Albion 2, Dumbarton 2

Last league meeting Dumbarton 1-5 Stirling Albion, 13/08/11

Next meeting Dumbarton v Stirling Albion, 25/02/11

Referee Mat Northcroft

Admission £14 adults, £8 senior citizens/students, £5 children U17

Guests Stirling Albion would like to welcome the youngsters and coaches of Milton FC

Albion Bar In the Dumyat Suite overlooking the pitch this week. All welcome

Magazine October issue still on sale, priced £3.50. If you didn’t get a copy at the Brechin match, make sure you pick one up tomorrow

Club shop Open before the game. Never too early to start your Christmas shopping!

Lottery tickets Available before the match. Wednesday’s jackpot is £2,000

Parking An event at The Peak is likely to make the area busier than normal

Next three fixtures Nov 5 Stenhousemuir (A), Nov 12 Arbroath (H), Nov 19 Dundee (H)

Dumbarton make their 14th visit to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday. We hold the upper hand in previous encounters with six wins to three, although the Sons came out on top in their last trip to Stirling in April 2010. There have been four draws.

August 7, 1993 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-0 Dumbarton
Crowd: 939

January 11, 1994 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 0-0 Dumbarton
Crowd: 828

August 20, 1994 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-1 Dumbarton
Crowd: 714

December 19, 1994 – Scottish Cup R1 replay
Stirling Albion 3-0 Dumbarton
Crowd: 787

May 13, 1995 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 0-2 Dumbarton
Crowd: 3,103

September 19, 2001 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 4-5 Dumbarton
Crowd: 446

January 19, 2002 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-1 Dumbarton
Crowd: 555

December 4, 2004 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-0 Dumbarton
Crowd: 688

April 16, 2005 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 3-0 Dumbarton
Crowd: 705

December 7, 2005 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 0-0 Dumbarton
Crowd: 520

March 25, 2006 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 3-1 Dumbarton
Crowd: 604

December 15, 2009 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-2 Dumbarton
Crowd: 462

April 3, 2010 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-2 Dumbarton
Crowd: 568

Total: Stirling Albion 6 wins, Dumbarton 3 wins, 4 draws

Would all supporters please note that there is expected to be increased pressure on parking facilities this Saturday at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

This is due to events which are taking place at The Peak all day on Saturday.

We would advise supporters to leave extra time in order to enable them, if required, to park further away and walk to the ground.

We appreciate your assistance in this matter.

Stirling Albion have been drawn at home to Dundee in the third round of the William Hill Scottish Cup. The tie will be played on Saturday November 19.

It's one of the toughest games Jocky Scott's side could have faced at this stage and our record against the Dark Blues is not good - our last victory against them was in 1978!

Albion and Dundee last met in the Scottish Cup in 1991/92 when Dundee won 1-0 in a replay at McDiarmid Park - Annfield was ruled out due to our plastic pitch - after a 1-1 draw at Dens Park.

William Hill Scottish Cup third-round draw
Spartans v Partick Thistle
Ayr United v Montrose
Irvine Meadow v Livingston
Stirling Albion v Dundee
Stenhousemuir v Alloa Athletic or Annan Athletic
Morton v Deveronvale
Airdrie United v Gala Fairydean
Keith v Arbroath
Fraserburgh or Elgin City v Queens Park
Stranraer v Forfar Athletic
Clachnacuddin or Inverurie Loco Works v Peterhead
Ross County v Albion Rovers
Bo’ness United v Cowdenbeath
Auchinleck Talbot v Vale of Leithen
Brechin City v Dumbarton
East Fife v East Stirlingshire or Buckie Thistle

Ties to be played on Saturday November 19

Goalkeeper Callum Reidford has been given the all clear to resume full training after undergoing knee surgery last month and featured in a bounce game against Camelon on Tuesday night.

Defender Greig McDonald, out since February with an Achilles injury, also took part in the match and the pair will now be hoping to force their way back into the first-team reckoning.

The draw for the third round of the William Hill Scottish Cup third round takes place at Musselburgh Racecourse at 11am on Wednesday. Stirling Albion are No 30 in the hat and our potential opponents are listed below. Ties are due to be played on Saturday November 19.

1. Airdrie United
2. Albion Rovers
3. Alloa Athletic or Annan Athletic
4. Arbroath
5. Auchinleck Talbot
6. Ayr United
7. Bo’ness United
8. Brechin City
9. Clachnacuddin or Inverurie Loco Works
10. Cowdenbeath
11. Deveronvale
12. Dumbarton
13. Dundee
14. East Fife
15. East Stirlingshire or Buckie Thistle
16. Forfar Athletic
17. Fraserburgh or Elgin City
18. Gala Fairydean  
19. Greenock Morton
20. Irvine Meadow
21. Keith
22. Livingston
23. Montrose  
24. Partick Thistle
25. Peterhead
26. Queens Park
27. Ross County
28. Spartans
29. Stenhousemuir
30. STIRLING ALBION
31. Stranraer
32. Vale of Leithen

Albion midfielder Daly McSorley could return to action against Dumbarton on Saturday after a more than a month on the sidelines with a broken jaw sustained in an accident at work.

The 19-year-old has been hit hard by injuries this season and has only started one league game - the 1-0 win over East Fife on the opening day - but will resume full training on Thursday night if he receives the green light from the specialist.

Mat Northcroft has been appointed by the SFA to take charge of our Irn-Bru Division Two game at home to Dumbarton on Saturday.

It will be his second visit to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium this season - Mat was the man in the middle for our 2-2 draw against Albion Rovers on August 20.

Members of the Stirling Albion Supporters Trust are being asked to help choose the club’s away kit for next season from a choice of three designs in two different colour schemes.

The players will sport a Puma strip in either black with yellow trim or sky blue with white for 2012/13 but we will continue to use this season’s home kit next year.

Select your favourite now at the new Trust website below – voting closes on October 31.

VOTE NOW FOR NEXT SEASON'S AWAY STRIP

Binos boss Jocky Scott praised his players for an improved showing after last week’s defeat at Cowdenbeath but was left frustrated as a deflected effort from Ryan Wallace two minutes from time earned East Fife a 1-0 victory at New Bayview on Saturday.

Scott said: "I thought we worked very hard and did well in the game. We gave the ball away too often at times but overall I’m a lot happier with the performance this week than last week. It’s just disappointing to lose to a deflected goal late on. We had a lot of clear-cut chances but didn’t work their goalkeeper enough when you consider the opportunities we created."

East Fife manager John Robertson felt there wasn’t much between the teams but was thrilled that his side had notched up a third straight win, particularly after on-loan Hearts striker Rob Ogleby saw his second-half spot-kick saved by Sam Filler.

Robertson said: "Their goalkeeper had some great saves, including the penalty, and it looked like it was going to be a frustrating day. We’ve not been getting much luck recently but we got it with the deflection which took the ball away from big Sam. I thought we just about did enough to get the three points but if it had finished 0-0 I would have had no complaints."

A late goal from Ryan Wallace earned East Fife their third win on the trot as Stirling suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time this season.

There were just two minutes left when the Methil men’s top scorer unleashed a 25-yard shot that took a deflection and looped up and over keeper Sam Filler to deny Albion a precious point.

Filler had no chance with goal and looked set to be the headline maker when he saved a weak penalty from Rob Ogleby in 65 minutes after the on-loan Hearts hitman had been held in the box by Brian Allison as Jocky Scott’s men defended a free-kick.

There were three changes to the team that lost at Cowdenbeath, with Shaun Dillon, Gavin Macpherson and Darren Smith coming in for Lewis Bonar, Josh Flood and the injured Shaun Fagan.

The performance was an improvement on the disappointing 2-0 reverse at Central Park but Albion failed to take the chances that came their way and were eventually caught out at the back by an East Fife outfit who had scored seven times in their previous two fixtures.

Smith missed a good early opportunity when he fired wide with just Mark Ridgers to beat, then he and Alan Cook both had efforts saved in the closing stages when they might have done better.

East Fife, who play Kilmarnock in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Communities League Cup at Rugby Park on Tuesday night, also squandered clear openings through Wallace and Ogleby while Filler made a magnificent save to turn the latter’s drive on to the woodwork.

With time running out, Wallace grabbed his fifth Division Two of the season to lift John Robertson’s team into the play-off zone and end Albion’s run of four straight New Bayview victories, with the Binos hoping to bounce back at home to Dumbarton next weekend.

East Fife: Ridgers, Durie, Park, Ovenstone, White, Muir (Sloan 33), Linn, Smith, Ogleby (McQuade 83), Wallace, Johnstone (Cook 75). Subs (not used): Hislop, Brown (GK).

Scorer: Wallace 88

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, Crawley, Dillon, Allison, Thom, Macpherson (Flood 74), Smith (Nicholas 86), Davidson, McCulloch, Cook. Subs (not used): McLeish, Bonar, Kerr (GK).

Referee: Frank McDermott

Crowd: 617

East Fife (8th) v Stirling Albion (4th) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news Stirling striker Darren Smith is set to return after missing last week’s defeat at Cowdenbeath with a hamstring injury but midfielder Shaun Fagan is doubtful with a thigh strain. Goalkeeper Callum Reidford is progressing well after knee surgery but the game comes too soon and midfielder Daly McSorley is still out after breaking his jaw last month. East Fife are without forward Scott Dalziel, who has a pelvic injury.
 
Match info East Fife are four places below Albion in the table but will go above the Binos if they win their third league game in a row. Stirling have lost only twice in 10 league visits to New Bayview and have won the last four meetings between the teams in Fife.

John Robertson’s team have knocked Dunfermline and Aberdeen out of the League Cup and face Kilmarnock in the quarter-finals at Rugby Park on Tuesday. The Methil men have lost four out of five away games but have suffered just one defeat in four home matches. Albion followed their two previous defeats to Arbroath and Cowdenbeath by drawing against Stenhousemuir and Airdrie United.

League form this season East Fife LWLLLDLWW Stirling Albion WWDLDLDWL

Top league scorer East Fife – Ryan Wallace (4) Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5)

Shut-outs East Fife 2, Stirling Albion 2

Last league meeting Stirling Albion 1-0 East Fife, 06/08/11

Last time out Albion Rovers 0-3 East Fife, Cowdenbeath 2-0 Stirling Albion

Referee Frank McDermott

Admission £13 adults, £7 concessions, £17 parent & child

Supporters bus Leaves the Anchor Bar 12.40pm, Stirling station 12.50pm and Pepe’s Bar in Alloa at 1.05pm. Non-members welcome

Bar Albion fans are welcome in Sid’s Bar and the Lounge Bar at New Bayview from 12.30pm

Next three fixtures Oct 29 Dumbarton (H), Nov 5 Stenhousemuir (A), Nov 12 Arbroath (H)

Albion striker Darren Smith is set to return to the squad for Saturday's trip to East Fife after missing last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Cowdenbeath due to a hamstring injury.

The former Motherwell player, who joined from Ross County during the summer, took part in training on Thursday night and will be available for selection if he suffers no adverse reaction.

Midfielder Shaun Fagan is a doubt for the New Bayview clash with a thigh problem.

The SFA have announced that the draw for the third round of the William Hill Scottish Cup will take place at Musselburgh Racecourse next Wednesday at 11am.

Jocky Scott will be hoping for a favourable pairing as we bid to book a place in round four, when the SPL clubs and the leading quartet from last year’s Division One enter the competition.

The furthest Albion have ventured in the Scottish Cup is the quarter-finals, most recently in 1990/91, but we lost 3-1 at home to Partick Thistle in last season’s third round.

This year’s third-round ties are scheduled for Saturday November 19.

Details of Saturday’s second-round fixtures can be found here…

The draw for this week's Albion Lotto has been made by Christine Steven at Back O' Hill Bar and we can reveal that the winning numbers are:

4      18      21      33

Again, there is no jackpot winner - so next week's grand prize rises to £1750 - however we do have one lucky 3 Number winner - Alex Caddies, a bar man at Claymores Bar in Stirling who successfully matched 18, 21, and 33. Alex was only 2 numbers away from snatching the jackpot - his 4th number was '6'!

Congratulations Alex!

Remember, Remember the 05^th of November? It’s usually a time for bonfires and Guy Fawkes, but this 05^th November, will be somewhat of a different event to note down. Sparks will be seen, but will be seen in The SCOTT GROUP Stirling Branch,( 10 Munro Road, Springkerse Ind Est, Stirling), from the 03^rd November to 05^th November- A Trade week- where sparks and heat will be off the latest technology in construction, tools, packaging, fasteners and fixings.

The SCOTT Group- a brand associated, with Local, supporting local industries, using local suppliers and of course supporting the local community- have opened up their doors to all local tradespeople and industries in the area- to see their top suppliers bring the latest in technology and products to Stirling. The Scott Group- a brand associated with excellence and top quality products, services and customer services – have kept that very tone in mind, when Inviting C-TEC The Building Product Specialist- to open the week beginning on the 03^rd November.

C-TEC The Building Product Specialist- are the people who brought to the market the revolutionary CT1- The Snag List Eliminator, as its commonly known amongst the trade. CT1, has changed the world or construction sealants and adhesives- You can see for yourself, live demonstrations from 03^rd November to 05^th- How CT1, can seal a leak immediately, whilst still leaking and even UNDERWATER! While, at the same time forming the strongest construction bond on the market. This product is the only sealant on the market that has an ETAG certificate and is also an approved product by the Scottish Passive Housing Centre.

You can ask our top technical sales representative any question, and find out the multiple uses for any trade and see for yourself why it is in fact The Snag List Eliminator. Live demonstrations from the 03^rd - 05^thNovember. You will also get the pleasure of witnessing the latest in heavy duty vertical bonding. C-TEC Will also be demonstrating their mind blowing Power Grab N Bond!

You can witness how this heavy duty bonding product can bond stone, cladding, metal to a wall with instant grab and with no fixings! Marvel at its strength and be intrigued by the latest in building technology.

The SCOTT Group Stirling Branch, encourage all tradepeople to visit between November the 03^rd and 05^th, where their top supplier, C-Tec Scotland, Draper, Britool, Dickies, Regatta, Sykes Pickavant, Harrison & Clough, Polyco, Helley Hansen ,Footsure and Makita will all be there to demonstrate their products and answer your questions. Perfect way to network with local tradespeople, gain new information, witness live demonstrations and keep in from the cold on a chilly November Morning!

Stirling Albion are looking to extend an excellent away record against East Fife on Saturday. We won on our first visit to New Bayview 13 years ago thanks to an Alex Bone hat-trick and have come out on top in the last four meetings between the teams in Methil.

Our complete league record at New Bayview is five wins, three draws and just two defeats:

November 28, 1998
East Fife 2-3 Stirling Albion
Division Two - crowd 882

March 20, 1999
East Fife 1-0 Stirling Albion
Division Two - crowd 614

October 27, 2001
East Fife 1-1 Stirling Albion
Division Three - crowd 495

March 9, 2002
East Fife 1-1 Stirling Albion
Division Three - crowd 477

September 21, 2002
East Fife 1-1 Stirling Albion
Division Three - crowd 588

February 11, 2003
East Fife 2-1 Stirling Albion
Division Three - crowd 602

December 13, 2008
East Fife 0-1 Stirling Albion
Division Two - crowd 592

May 2, 2009
East Fife 0-3 Stirling Albion
Division Two - crowd 569

November 14, 2009
East Fife 1-2 Stirling Albion
Division Two - crowd 633

March 20, 2010
East Fife 0-3 Stirling Albion
Division Two - crowd 709

Stirling Albion have been drawn away to St Mirren in the third round of the SFA Youth Cup, after knocking out Cowdenbeath with a 3-1 win at Central Park on Sunday.

SFA Youth Cup third-round draw
Stenhousemuir v Raith Rovers
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v East Fife
Dunfermline Athletic v St Johnstone
Livingston v Peterhead
Fort William v Falkirk
Berwick Rangers v Queen of the South
Celtic v Kilmarnock
Brechin City v Ayr United
St Mirren v STIRLING ALBION
Morton or Forfar Athletic v Clyde
Rangers v Dundee United
Gala Fairydean v Aberdeen
Cove Rangers v Montrose
Hibernian v Hearts
Coldstream v Airdrie United
Motherwell v Hamilton Accies

Ties to be played on Sunday November 13

As Stirling prepare to begin phase two of the Second Division campaign away to East Fife on Saturday, we look back at some of the facts and figures from the first quarter:

Totals Won 3, Drawn 3, Lost 3

Form sequence WWDLDLDWL

Points gained 12 (home 8, away 4)

Goals scored 16 (first half 7, second half 9)

Goals conceded 16 (first half 6, second half 10)

Goalscorers
5 - Scott Davidson
3 - Alan Cook, Darren Smith
2 - Shaun Dillon
1 - John Crawley, Josh Flood, Devon Jacobs

Scored first 4

Conceded first 5

Shut-outs 2

Failed to score 1

Started every game Scott Davidson, Sam Filler, Devon Jacobs, Marc McCulloch

Players used 19

Red cards 1 (Gary Thom v Arbroath)

Average crowd 612

Frank McDermott will take charge of our Irn-Bru Division Two game against East Fife at New Bayview on Saturday.

His last appointment to an Albion match was the 2-1 home defeat to Raith Rovers in April.

Stirling Albion's U19 team enjoyed a more successful trip to Central Park than their senior colleagues, knocking Cowdenbeath out of the SFA Youth Cup with a 3-1 win on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from Scott Jarvie, Stephen Day and Jamie Clarke sent the Binos into the third round of the competition, just 24 hours after we lost 2-0 to Cowdenbeath at the same venue in Division Two.

The draw for the third round of the SFA Youth Cup takes place on Tuesday afternoon.

For all youth reports from the weekend, click here.

Stirling Albion boss Jocky Scott admits his side were well below par as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to new leaders Cowdenbeath at Central Park, where Jordan Morton’s penalty and a Marc McKenzie goal gave the Blue Brazil a comfortable victory.

He said: “I was very disappointed in the performance – we just weren’t at it. Our passing was poor and the goals we lost were bad goals. The goalkeeper maybe made the wrong decision for the first goal, coming out as far as he did, but he made a lot of good saves that prevented a real drubbing.

“We just never got going and kept giving the ball away. We created very little and didn’t really threaten them. You could say Darren Smith was a miss but it’s up to others to come in and show what they can do. He has a hamstring injury and, at this stage, I would say he is still doubtful for next week. The important thing now is how we react in another away game against East Fife.”

Cowdenbeath player/manager Colin Cameron said: “In the last few games we have been a bit sloppy in the second half but this time the lads were different class. We were without a few players through injury but still had a strong team and our goalkeeper didn’t have much to do.”

Saturday's match report from Central Park...

Albion were well beaten at Central Park as the Blue Brazil maintained their 100% home record to go above Arbroath on goal difference at the top of Division Two thanks to a first-half Jordan Morton penalty and a goal from Marc McKenzie early in the second period .

Jocky Scott’s side turned in a disappointing display as they completed the first quarter of the campaign and failed to score for the first time this season – in truth Stirling rarely troubled a solid home defence as they suffered a fifth straight defeat to the Fifers.

The Binos were hoping to build on a good win against Brechin before the international break but had to do without striker Darren Smith with a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Alan Cook. Skipper Brian Allison and midfielder Shaun Fagan were both passed fit to play.

Cowdenbeath beat Albion four times out of four in Division One last term but neither team offered much threat in the first quarter of the match. Cook was almost in when he latched on to a clearance from Sam Filler but a poor touch allowed Cowden keeper Thomas Flynn to make the save.

The hosts almost took the lead on the half hour when player-manager Colin Cameron was released by Greg Stewart but the 38-year-old saw his lob come back off the bar.

Cowden took a controversial lead in 32 minutes. Jordan Morton looked offside when he latched on to a long ball from Scott Linton but play continued and keeper Sam Filler conceded a penalty after clattering into the on-loan Hearts midfielder at the corner of the box.

Morton thumped the spot-kick low past Filler and Albion’s hopes of a comeback were all but over two minutes after half-time when a quick break allowed former East Stirling midfielder Marc McKenzie to run clear and tuck a composed finish into the corner.

Cowdenbeath dominated the remainder of the second half and Kenny Adamson hit the bar from 25 yards while Filler, perhaps fortunate to escape a second yellow card when he appeared to handle outside the box, made several fine saves to keep the score at 2-0.

Cowdenbeath: Flynn, Cowan, Adamson, Cameron (Winter 46), Armstrong, Mbu, McKenzie (Miller 89), Robertson, Linton, Stewart, Morton (Coult 58). Subs (not used): Milne, Bejaoui (GK).

Scorers: Morton (pen) 32, McKenzie 47

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, Crawley, Fagan, Allison, Thom, Bonar (Nicholas 63), Cook (Macpherson 74), Davidson, McCulloch, Flood (McLeish 84). Subs (not used): Dillon, Kerr (GK).

Referee: Gary Hilland

Attendance: 312

Friday evening update - Kerr signs on

Albion this afternoon completed the signing of goalkeeper William Kerr from Arkleston Amateurs.

The 24-year-old has been on the bench as a trialist for the past three games - the maximum permitted under SFL rules. He has agreed a deal for a month as back-up to Sam Filler, with Callum Reidford still a few weeks away from a return following knee surgery.

Cowdenbeath (2nd) v Stirling Albion (4th) – Saturday, 3pm

Interview with Darren Smith in Friday's SFL newsletter

Team news Stirling skipper Brian Allison has recovered from the knee injury he picked up against Brechin a fortnight ago and is fit for the trip to Central Park. Midfielder Shaun Fagan is also expected to make it despite limping off against Jim Weir's team but striker Darren Smith, who has started every league game, remains a doubt with a hamstring injury. Goalkeeper Callum Reidford and midfielder Daly McSorley are definitely out.

Match facts Colin Cameron's men have won their three home league games to date. The Blue Brazil came out on top in all four meetings between the teams last season. Cowdenbeath and Stirling are the only clubs in Division Two to have scored in every game this season. Tomorrow's match marks the end of the first quarter of the campaign. Cowden's sole defeat was 3-1 away to Stenhousemuir. Albion's away fixtures have yielded a 5-1 win at Dumbarton, a 4-2 defeat against Arbroath and a 1-1 draw at Airdrie United.

League form this season Cowdenbeath DWWLWWWD Stirling Albion WWDLDLDW

Top league scorer Cowdenbeath - Scott Linton, Jordan Morton, John Robertson (3).
Stirling Albion - Scott Davidson (5)

Shut-outs Cowdenbeath 1, Stirling Albion 2

Last league meeting Cowdenbeath 1-0 Stirling Albion, 30/04/11

Last time out Arbroath 1-1 Cowdenbeath, Stirling Albion 1-0 Brechin City

Referee Gary Hilland

Admission £14 adults, £7 concessions, £15 parent & child

Our next three fixtures Oct 22 East Fife (A), Oct 29 Dumbarton (H), Nov 5 Stenhousemuir (A)

Ahead of Saturday's game at Cowdenbeath, we recall our last 10 visits to Central Park, which have resulted in three wins, four defeats, two draws and an early finish due to a blizzard!

Saturday 1 November, 2003
Cowdenbeath 2-0 Stirling Albion
Division Three - crowd 471

Saturday 15 May, 2004
Cowdenbeath 0-5 Stirling Albion
Division Three - crowd 692

Tuesday 15 August, 2006
Cowdenbeath 4-0 Stirling Albion
Challenge Cup - crowd 497

Saturday 30 September, 2006
Cowdenbeath 2-2 Stirling Albion
Division Two - crowd 693

Tuesday 6 March, 2007
Cowdenbeath 1-2 Stirling Albion
Division Two - crowd 300

Saturday 26 September, 2009
Cowdenbeath 1-2 Stirling Albion
Division Two - crowd 451

Tuesday 30 March, 2010
Cowdenbeath 0-0 Stirling Albion
Abandoned after 18 minutes - snow

Tuesday 27 April, 2010
Cowdenbeath 3-3 Stirling Albion
Division Two - crowd 1,084

Saturday 6 November, 2010
Cowdenbeath 5-1 Stirling Albion
Division One - crowd 507

Saturday 30 April, 2011
Cowdenbeath 1-0 Stirling Albion
Division One - crowd 415

There was again no jackpot winner in this week's Albion Lotto.

The numbers drawn this afternoon by M. Waugh in the Falcon Bar were:

19, 22, 24 and 38

There were also no successful "3 number" winners.

Next week's jackpot rises to £1500 - tickets are available now - see the Albion Lotto tab for more details.

Albion head for Cowdenbeath on Saturday looking to maintain a record of having scored in every Second Division match. The Blue Brazil are the only other team to have netted in all eight games.

2011/12 league goals
5 - Scott Davidson
3 - Alan Cook
3 - Darren Smith
2 - Shaun Dillon
1 - John Crawley
1 - Josh Flood
1 - Devon Jacobs

Stirling Albion still have injury doubts over skipper Brian Allison (knee), midfielder Shaun Fagan (thigh) and Darren Smith (hamstring) ahead of Saturday's trip to face second-top Cowdenbeath.

The trio are unlikely to be fit enough to train on Tuesday and boss Jocky Scott will hope they are able to participate on Thursday evening as he looks to build on the 1-0 home win over Brechin last time out against a Blue Brazil outfit who are undefeated at Central Park in the league.

The Binos are already without goalkeeper Callum Reidford, who could return to training in a fortnight after his recent knee surgery, and midfielder Daly McSorley, who is continuing his recovery from a broken jaw.

Gary Hilland has been appointed as the referee for Albion's Irn-Bru Second Division match away to Cowdenbeath on Saturday.

Stirling Albion's SFA Youth Cup tie away to Cowdenbeath - originally scheduled for today - has been rearranged for next weekend.

It will now be played on Sunday October 16, with a 1pm kick-off at Central Park.

A very limited stock of Puma Stadium Jackets, which proved to be so popular with supporters last year are now available in the club shop.

These are available in sizes M-XXL and are priced at £55.

The jackets are the same as those sported by The Albion's backroom staff on matchdays and at training.

If you wish to make a purchase, pop along to the club shop in office hours, or call the club to make a reservation. Act quickly to avoid disappointment - all stocks sold out in double quick time last season.

Jocky and John wearing the stadium jackets on the touchline. Judging by this week's weather - the jackets will become an ever present!

Week 1 numbers - Wednesday October 5

2, 17, 18, 27

The first week of the Albion Lotto failed to produce a winner, and no-one matched three numbers out of four, so next Wednesday's jackpot rises to £1,250. Tickets are on sale now.

Agents selling tickets are listed below and you can also play by standing order using this form.

The lottery costs £1 per line and is a great chance to help raise funds for the club while giving you the opportunity to win a weekly jackpot of between £1,000 and £20,000.

Stirling
Allan Park Newsagents - Allan Park
Best One Off-Licence - Baker Street
Centre News - Port Street
Claymores Bar - Baker Street
Corn Exchange - Corn Exchange
Drouthy Neebors - Baker Street
Fountain Cafe - Viewfield Street
No2 Baker Street - Baker Street
Port Street News - Port Street
Rob Roy Bar - Wallace Street
Spar - Murray Place

Raploch
Back O'Hill Tavern - Drip Road
Rendall Quality Butchers - Drip Road

St Ninians
Falcon Bar - Borestone Crescent
Scots Wha Hae - Main Street
1314 Inn - Glasgow Road
Turnbull Newsagents - Glasgow Road
Weaver Row Newsagents - Weaver Row

Riverside
Riverside News - Forth Crescent

Bannockburn
BetAllsports Bookies
News Plus

Hillpark
Bannockburn Miners Welfare

Causewayhead
William Wallace Pub

Whins of Milton
Whins of Milton Post Office - Glasgow Road

Plean
Keystore
Lifestyle Express

Cambusbarron
Cambusbarron Post Office & Village Store

Bridge Of Allan
Crooked Arm Pub - Allanvale Road
Strathallan Pharmacy - Henderson Street
Paparazzi - Henderson Street
Rising Sun - New Street

Dunblane
Keystore - George Street
Tappit Hen - Kirk Street

Doune
Red Lion Inn

Tillicoultry
Woolpack Inn

The attention of Stirling Albion has been drawn to an article appearing in this morning’s Herald entitled “How the sizzle lost its spark”.

This article is centred upon former Director and paid consultant, Paul Goodwin, and contains reported views attributable to him some of which either have no foundation in fact or are misrepresented.

In particular, it refers to complimentary tickets having been “scrapped” to cut costs and is embellished with a comment attributed to Mr Goodwin that, “On three occasions referees complained that they weren’t getting their free tickets.  Maybe it was just a coincidence but in two of those games we had a player sent off”.

The fact of the matter is that there was a single instance where the Club declined to afford a referee complimentary tickets, not realising that we were required by SFA Rule to do so.  The matter was rectified immediately upon being drawn to our attention and all referees have since been given access to complimentary tickets should they wish them.

It is inaccurate to suggest in that article that any players subsequently sent from the field of play were somehow linked with a refusal (on one occasion) to grant a referee complimentary tickets.  There is no foundation whatsoever for making such a link and earlier today we advised the SFA and SFL that Stirling Albion FC repudiates unreservedly Mr Goodwin’s reported remarks. 

The article also suggests that Mr Goodwin was at some stage the Chairman of Stirling Albion.  This is incorrect since, prior to his own departure from the Executive Board, Steven Leiper held that post throughout Mr Goodwin’s tenure as a Director. 

Mr Goodwin suggests that at the time of his departure from the Club there was no “succession plan”.  That is correct, but the statement has to be put in the context of subsequent events. 

Following on from his departure, a business plan is now in place and a properly- structured financial budget has been established. 

Recently, the efforts of the current Directors and others have led to the Club being placed on a sounder footing and we are confident that this will prevail into the future.

It's not too late to buy tickets for the first week of the Stirling Albion lottery and the chance to win £1,000 in Wednesday's draw.

Agents selling tickets are listed below and you can also play by standing order using this form.

The lottery costs £1 per shot and is a great chance to help raise funds for the club while giving you the opportunity to win a weekly jackpot of between £1,000 and £20,000.

Stirling
Allan Park Newsagents - Allan Park
Best One Off-Licence - Baker Street
Centre News - Port Street
Claymores Bar - Baker Street
Corn Exchange - Corn Exchange
Drouthy Neebors - Baker Street
Fountain Cafe - Viewfield Street
No2 Baker Street - Baker Street
Port Street News - Port Street
Rob Roy Bar - Wallace Street
Spar - Murray Place

Raploch
Back O'Hill Tavern - Drip Road
Rendall Quality Butchers - Drip Road

St Ninians
Falcon Bar - Borestone Crescent
Scots Wha Hae - Main Street
1314 Inn - Glasgow Road
Turnbull Newsagents - Glasgow Road
Weaver Row Newsagents - Weaver Row

Riverside
Riverside News - Forth Crescent

Bannockburn
BetAllsports Bookies
News Plus

Hillpark
Bannockburn Miners Welfare

Causewayhead
William Wallace Pub

Whins of Milton
Whins of Milton Post Office - Glasgow Road

Plean
Keystore
Lifestyle Express

Cambusbarron
Cambusbarron Post Office & Village Store

Bridge Of Allan
Crooked Arm Pub - Allanvale Road
Strathallan Pharmacy - Henderson Street
Paparazzi - Henderson Street
Rising Sun - New Street

Dunblane
Keystore - George Street
Tappit Hen - Kirk Street

Doune
Red Lion Inn

Tillicoultry
Woolpack Inn

Stirling Albion boss Jocky Scott admits his side made hard work of securing a 1-0 win against 10-man Brechin City at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium despite a great start to Saturday’s game.

Darren Smith’s third goal of the season after 19 minutes was just reward for Albion’s early dominance and they looked to be in control when the visitors had striker Jim Lister sent off by referee Brian Winter for kicking out at Gary Thom 10 minutes later.

But, even with the extra man, the Binos struggled in the second half and Jim Weir’s team were denied a point when substitute Paul McManus hit the post from close range late on.

Scott said: “The first 25 minutes is the best we have played since John Blackley and I came to the club in January. We played at a high tempo and looked sharp. The worst thing that happened to us was Brechin having a player sent off as we thought the game was won. We dropped the tempo and kept giving the ball away. The only good thing about the second half is that they didn’t score.”

Albion lost skipper Brian Allison and Shaun Fagan to injuries and Scott said: “They both got bad ones. Shaun got a strain or a pull on his thigh and Brian went over on his knee twice in quick succession. Hopefully, it won’t be anything that keeps them out of the next game (away to Cowdenbeath) because it is two weeks away.”

Brechin No 2 Kevin McGowne said: “The first half was unacceptable and we had a long chat after the game about what is required at this club. We had a better performance against Arbroath last week, when we were unlucky to lose, and we were looking for a reaction but the first 30 minutes were very disappointing and that ultimately decided the outcome of the game.”

Darren Smith’s third goal of the season was enough to end Albion’s five-match winless run against 10-man Brechin at a rainy Doubletree Dunblane Stadium and lift us into the play-off places.

The former Motherwell striker made no mistake in 19 minutes after good work by Josh Flood on the left wing, thumping a low shot past 40-year-old keeper Craig Nelson.

City’s hopes of a comeback suffered a massive blow 10 minutes later when ex-Alloa striker Jim Lister was sent off for aiming a kick at Gary Thom after the two players had gone in for a tackle.

Jocky Scott named the same team that had drawn 1-1 at Airdrie but Shaun Dillon was fit enough for a place on the bench after missing two games with a hamstring strain. Brechin included former Binos David McKenna and Scott Buist as they looked to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat to Arbroath

Stirling dominated early on, with some incisive attacking football. Leading marksman Scott Davidson fired just wide when he gathered a Flood corner and outfoxed his marker, before the on-loan Falkirk hitman smashed a terrific shot against the underside of the bar.

The Binos lost their way after Lister saw red and Brechin were more of a threat in the second half. Top scorer Paul McManus, on as a substitute, sent a good header narrowly wide then the former East Fife man diverted the ball against the post following a corner with 10 minutes left.

Smith wasted Albion’s best chance of the second period when he shot weakly at Nelson but his first-half goal proved decisive as Jim Weir’s men continue to struggle in Division Two despite being installed as pre-season title favourites by the bookies.

Stirling have no game next Saturday due to the international break then face an away double header against Cowdenbeath and East Fife before we entertain Dumbarton on October 29.

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, Crawley, Fagan (Dillon 71), Allison (Cook 83), Thom, Bonar, Smith, Davidson, McCulloch, Flood (Nicholas 71). Subs (not used): Macpherson, Trialist (GK).

Scorer: Smith 19

Brechin City: Nelson, McLean, Smith, Buist, Dunlop, Janczyk, Crawford (McManus 66), Fusco (King 81), Lister, Weir, McKenna (Brady 27). Subs (not used): McCallum, Scott (GK).

Referee: Brian Winter

Crowd: 555

Stirling Albion (5th) v Brechin City (6th) – Saturday, 3pm

Team news Defender Shaun Dillon returned to training on Thursday night and should be back in the squad after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury. Goalkeeper Callum Reidford (knee) and midfielder Daly McSorley (broken jaw) face a few more weeks out. Boss Jocky Scott this week failed in a bid to sign keeper Jamie Langfield on loan from Aberdeen so William Kerr will be on the bench as a trialist for the third and final time.

League form this season Stirling Albion WWDLDLD Brechin City WLDWLDL

Top league scorer Scott Davidson 5 (Stirling), Paul McManus (Brechin) 4

Shut-outs Stirling Albion 1, Brechin City 1

Last league meeting Brechin City 1-1 Stirling Albion, 01/05/10

Overall Forthbank record Stirling Albion 6 wins, Brechin 8 wins, 0 draws

Last week Airdrie United 1-1 Stirling Albion, Brechin City 2-3 Arbroath

Referee Brian Winter

Admission £14 adults, £8 senior citizens/students, £5 children U17

Albion Bar Open before and after the game in the Castle Suite. All welcome

Magazine The October edition of The Albion magazine goes on sale tomorrow, priced £3.50

Club Shop Open before the game for strips and souvenirs

Albion Lotto Tickets on sale before the game, giving fans the chance to land a weekly jackpot of at least £1,000. The first draw is on Wednesday.

Guests Stirling Albion are pleased to welcome footballers from Cowie United to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium. The youngsters are taking part in a sponsored walk on Saturday morning to raise funds for their club and will then be guests of Stirling Albion for the Brechin match. Let’s hope they can help cheer us on to our second home win of the season!

Stirling Albion boss Jocky Scott has revealed he tried to sign Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield on loan but the 31-year-old has instead opted to fight for his place at Pittodrie.

The ex-Dundee and Partick Thistle keeper suffered a seizure in May and hasn't played for the Dons this season but is now close to a return and Aberdeen boss Craig Brown had been reported as saying Langfield might benefit from first-team experience elsewhere to get his match fitness back.

However, it appears the Scotland B internationalist is keen to battle it out with Colombian David Gonzalez, on loan from Manchester City, and Welshman Jason Brown, a summer signing from Blackburn, for the No 1 jersey at the SPL club.

Binos boss Scott said: "With Callum Reidford out injured following the operation on his knee, I've tried twice in the last couple of weeks to see if we could get Jamie Langfield on loan from Aberdeen but unfortunately that has proved unsuccessful."

Meanwhile, there is better news on defender Shaun Dillon, who took part in full training on Thursday night and will be in the squad for Saturday's home game with Brechin if he suffers no reaction to the hamstring strain that kept him out of the last two matches.

Tickets are now on sale for the new Stirling Albion lottery, with the first weekly draw taking place next Wednesday, October 5.

Agents selling tickets are listed below and you can also play by standing order using this form.

Tickets will also be available in the Thistle Centre (near M&S) on Thursday and Monday and at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium before Saturday's home game with Brechin.

The lottery costs £1 per shot and is a great chance to help raise funds for the club while giving you the opportunity to win a weekly jackpot of between £1,000 and £20,000.

Stirling
Allan Park Newsagents - Allan Park
Best One Off-Licence - Baker Street
Centre News - Port Street
Claymores Bar - Baker Street
Corn Exchange - Corn Exchange
Drouthy Neebors - Baker Street
Fountain Cafe - Viewfield Street
No2 Baker Street - Baker Street
Port Street News - Port Street
Rob Roy Bar - Wallace Street
Spar - Murray Place

Raploch
Back O'Hill Tavern - Drip Road
Rendall Quality Butchers - Drip Road

St Ninians
Falcon Bar - Borestone Crescent
Scots Wha Hae - Main Street
1314 Inn - Glasgow Road
Turnbull Newsagents - Glasgow Road
Weaver Row Newsagents - Weaver Row

Riverside
Riverside News - Forth Crescent

Bannockburn
BetAllsports Bookies
News Plus

Hillpark
Bannockburn Miners Welfare

Causewayhead
William Wallace Pub

Whins of Milton
Whins of Milton Post Office - Glasgow Road

Plean
Keystore
Lifestyle Express

Cambusbarron
Cambusbarron Post Office & Village Store

Bridge Of Allan
Crooked Arm Pub - Allanvale Road
Strathallan Pharmacy - Henderson Street
Paparazzi - Henderson Street
Rising Sun - New Street

Dunblane
Keystore - George Street
Tappit Hen - Kirk Street

Doune
Red Lion Inn

Tillicoultry
Woolpack Inn

Saturday sees the 15th meeting of Albion and Brechin City at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium and it's our visitors who hold the upper hand with eight wins to six - although it was 6-2 for Stirling in the last encounter in April 2010.

Previous meetings at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium

November 9, 1993 – Division One
Stirling Albion 2-1 Brechin City
Crowd: 514

May 14, 1994 – Division One
Stirling Albion 0-3 Brechin City
Crowd: 528

December 24, 1994 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-0 Brechin City
Crowd: 850

April 15, 1995 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-0 Brechin City
Crowd: 666

August 18, 2001 – Division Three
Stirling Albion 1-3 Brechin City
Crowd: 626

March 19, 2002 – Division Three
Stirling Albion 1-3 Brechin City
Crowd: 315

October 16, 2004 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-5 Brechin City
Crowd: 736

April 30, 2005 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-2 Brechin City
Crowd: 667

October 21, 2006 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-1 Brechin City
Crowd: 701

April 21, 2007 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 0-1 Brechin City
Crowd: 564

October 18, 2008 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-2 Brechin City
Crowd: 577

March 14, 2009 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 2-3 Brechin City
Crowd: 544

August 22, 2009 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 1-0 Brechin City
Crowd: 608

April 14, 2010 – Division Two
Stirling Albion 6-2 Brechin City
Crowd: 357

Former Falkirk forward Lewis Bonar insists he was robbed of his first league goal for the Binos in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Airdrie United at the Excelsior Stadium.

With 63 minutes on the clock, the 19-year-old side-footed a Darren Smith cross towards goal and the ball appeared to have crossed the line before keeper Paul McKane pushed it out.

Bonar scored twice on his debut against Deveronvale in the Ramsdens Cup and thought he had grabbed the winner on his second league start, only for referee Des Roache to wave play on.

He said: "I don’t think it was over the line, I know it was! It was at least three feet over the line and the goalie and the left-back said to me afterwards that I was unlucky. The linesman has run back up the line thinking it is in and the boys behind me are celebrating.

"The goalkeeper just about hit the net trying to get the ball. I said to him it’s over, and he agreed, but what can you do? It was on my bad foot and I was trying to guide it in but I should have just burst the net with the shot."

Airdrie keeper Paul McKane refused to concede he had been beaten and said: "I only had eyes for the ball and the linesman didn’t give it, so I take it I kept it out. Did I think it was in? No comment!"

Stirling Albion midfielder Daly McSorley will be out for between four and six weeks after breaking his jaw when he fell off a ladder while working in Inverness last week.
 
The 19-year-old, who missed a number of recent games due to an ankle injury, was taken to hospital in Inverness but, rather than having surgery there, he opted to be referred to his local hospital - Monklands. Immediate surgery was advised and he was operated on the same day.

It was good to see Daly having recovered sufficiently to watch our 1-1 draw at Airdrie yesterday and everyone at the club wishes him a swift comeback.

Meanwhile, defender Shaun Dillon, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem, hopes to return to training this week ahead of Saturday's home match with Brechin City.

Scott Davidson’s fifth goal of the season earned Albion a point in an enthralling encounter on the plastic pitch at the Excelsior Stadium - but Jocky Scott’s side had enough chances to have won.

The Diamonds went ahead inside four minutes when former Auchinleck Talbot striker John Boyle lashed a fine shot beyond Sam Filler but great work from Lewis Bonar allowed him to pick out Davidson to equalise from close range eight minutes before half-time.

The biggest surprise was that the game produced only two goals as Albion in particular passed up a series of clear-cut chances, none better than in stoppage time when sub Alan Cook found Darren Smith, only for keeper Paul McKane to somehow keep out his close-range effort.

Stirling thought they had grabbed a second goal in 63 minutes when Smith picked out Bonar at the far post. His finish lacked conviction but looked in before McKane scooped the ball away and the ex-Falkirk teenager was adamant after the game that the ball had crossed the line.

The Binos were also unhappy at not being awarded a first-half penalty when Davidson went down under a challenge from McKane. There was a suggestion the former Cliftonville keeper had got a touch on the ball first, although that was hard to see from a distance.

Albion boss Scott was looking for a reaction after a 4-2 home defeat to Forfar and certainly got one as Stirling turned in some sparkling attacking football at a venue where we lost 5-0 in the first round of the Scottish Communities League Cup at the end of July.

The Binos got in behind the home defence on several occasions and Bonar fired wide when clean through before Smith failed to convert a Josh Flood cross when he looked certain to score. The former Motherwell man was again frustrated when McKane kept out another effort.

In fairness to Airdrie, beaten 2-0 here by Dundee United in the League Cup on Tuesday, they also created a number of good chances and Ryan Donnelly should have scored early in the second half when he hit his shot into the ground and it bounced over the bar.

Stirling had a fortunate escape with 17 minutes left when Jamie Stevenson was thwarted by Filler, hit the post with the rebound then substitute Derek Holmes stuck away the loose ball, only to be penalised for controlling it with his hand first.

The result leaves us fifth in the table going into Saturday’s home match with Brechin City, who are a point back in sixth spot following a 3-2 home defeat to leaders Arbroath.

Airdrie United: McKane, Bain, Malone, Stallard, Lilley (Hill 57), Lynch, Keast, Owens (Johnston 46), Boyle (Holmes 66), Donnelly, Stevenson. Subs (not used): Devlin, Fairley (GK).

Scorer: Boyle 4

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, Crawley, Fagan, Allison, Thom, Bonar (Macpherson 88), Smith, Davidson, McCulloch, Flood (Cook 77). Subs (not used): McLeish, Nicholas, Trialist (GK).

Scorer: Davidson 37

Referee: Des Roache

Crowd: 709

Albion head for New Broomfield on Saturday hoping for better fortune than on their last visit at the end of July, when Shaun Fagan and Sam Filler were sent off in a 5-0 defeat in the Scottish Communities League Cup.

Jimmy Boyle's men went on to reach the third round of the competition but their progress was halted by a 2-0 home defeat to Dundee United on Tuesday night.

The Diamonds are two points below Stirling in the Second Division table, having beaten Dumbarton and Albion Rovers convincingly on their artificial pitch but suffering three away defeats out of three.

Team news Defender Shaun Dillon will again miss out with the hamstring injury he picked up in the 2-2 draw with Stenhousemuir a fortnight ago and goalkeeper Callum Reidford remains on the sidelines following knee surgery.

League form this season Stirling Albion WWDLDL Airdrie United WLLLWL

Last week Stirling Albion 2-4 Forfar, Arbroath 3-1 Airdrie United

Referee Des Roache

Admission £15 adults, £10 concessions, £7 children U16

Albion saw their unbeaten home record ended as Forfar ran out deserved winners at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium to leapfrog the Binos in the table thanks to a third straight victory.

Former Stirling striker Chris Templeman weighed in with a double, with on-loan Aberdeen duo Joe Shaughnessy and Nicky Low also on target for Dick Campbell’s side.

Scott Davidson kept up his record of scoring in every home game this season when he converted a soft-looking penalty at the end of the first half after Josh Flood tumbled under a challenge from Greg Ross and Darren Smith claimed a late consolation.

But it was a hugely disappointing afternoon overall and Stirling have now conceded 12 goals in the past four matches as they prepare for a run of three away fixtures out of four, starting against Airdrie United at New Broomfield on Saturday.

There were three changes to the team that started the 2-2 home draw with Stenhousemuir the previous week. Defender Shaun Dillon missed out with a hamstring injury but Gary Thom returned from a one-match ban, Flood came in for Steven Nicholas and Craig McLeish got the nod ahead of Alan Cook, although Cook replaced the ex-Falkirk midfielder at half-time.

Albion almost took the lead through a spectacular Smith effort that came back off the bar but Forfar always looked more of a threat and it was no surprise when they went ahead in 34 minutes - Irish defender Shaughnessy was left unmarked to head home a corner.

Templeman struck the bar before Stirling levelled from the spot but it all went wrong in the second half and the big striker profited from close range after a poorly-defended corner. On-loan St Mirren keeper Adam McHugh made a fine save to deny Davidson but the Binos were soon further behind thanks to a great run and finish from the impressive Low.

It was Templeman who smashed home the fourth with 11 minutes left after being set up by substitute Chris Hegarty before a late Albion rally saw Davidson hit the bar and Smith tuck away a cross from Devon Jacobs, but Forfar had already secured their first league win in Stirling since a 3-1 success at Annfield in a First Division game way back in September 1991. 

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, McCulloch, Fagan, Allison, Thom, Flood (McSorley 65), Smith, Davidson, McLeish (Cook 46), Crawley (Nicholas 73). Subs (not used): Bonar, Trialist.

Scorers: Davidson pen 45, Smith 83  

Forfar: McHugh, Ross, Tulloch (Bolochoweckyj 59), McCulloch, Shaughnessy, Wilson (Hegarty 59), Fotheringham, Mowat, Templeman, Crawford, Low (Gibson 79). Subs (not used): Brown, Paterson.

Scorers: Shaughnessy 34, Templeman 62, 78, Low 75

Referee: Craig Charleston

Crowd: 551

Team news Defender Shaun Dillon is out with the hamstring injury picked up in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Stenhousemuir and the game comes too soon for midfielder Daly McSorley after an ankle problem. Gary Thom returns from a one-match ban but keeper Callum Reidford is out for around six weeks following knee surgery at the end of last week. Youngsters Gary Brass (Camelon) Danny Ashe (Sauchie) and Andy Hunter (Dunipace) have been farmed out on loan until January.

Forfar boss Dick Campbell has signed midfielder Jordon Brown on loan from Aberdeen. The teenager joins fellow Pittodrie loanees Nicky Low and Joe Shaughnessy at Station Park.

League form this season Stirling Albion WWDLD Forfar DLLWW

Last league meeting Forfar 0-2 Stirling Albion, 31/03/07

Last week Stirling Albion 2-2 Stenhousemuir, Brechin 0-1 Forfar

Referee Craig Charleston

Admission £14 adults, £8 senior citizens/students, £5 children U17

Albion Bar Open before and after the game in the Castle Suite. All welcome.

Magazine If you didn’t get your copy of September’s edition of The Albion last week, make sure you pick up one on Saturday, priced £3.50.

Club Shop Open before the game. New kit available.

Lottery Leaflets with details of the launch on Wednesday October 5 will be available.

Following discussion between Jocky Scott and Club Operations Director, Stuart Brown, it was agreed that putting some of the young fringe squad players out on loan would be in the best interests of the Club and the players.

With the squad size increased with the recent additions of Stevie Nicholas and Craig McLeish, the opportunities for "pitch time" for several players is likely to be limited.

During the course of this week, Stuart Brown has negotiated and signed deals for Gary Brass at Camelon Juniors, Danny Ashe at Sauchie Juniors and paperwork for Andy Hunter to sign for Dunipace Juniors will be completed early next week.
 
Jocky Scott has assured the three players, all of whom are on two year contracts, that they are still very much part of the squad and that the loan deals are seen as part of their development, rather than a step down. 

For their part, Gary, Danny and Andy are delighted to be getting the opportunity to establish themselves as starting 11 players with their respective loan clubs but they are fully aware that there are no guarantees of an automatic place.

All of the deals are, for the moment, up to the beginning of January 2012 and the boys will continue to train with us on Tuesday evenings.

SAFC wishes all three of them every success for the duration of their loan and looks forward to welcoming them back with the benefit of their experiences behind them.

The Albion Lottery is on track to launch on Wednesday October 5 and volunteers are sought before the Forfar match on Saturday to hand out standing order forms.

The starting jackpot has been set at £1,000 and will roll over by £250 each week if not won, with organisers urging as many fans as possible to take part to help boost club funds.

Anyone who can help this weekend should contact James Smith at mifthebino@msn.com

Defender Shaun Dillon will miss Saturday's home game against Forfar after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Stenhousemuir that is likely to keep him out for a couple of weeks.

The ex-Kilmarnock man, signed from Pollok Juniors in the summer, is also a major doubt for the trip to Airdrie on September 24, having been forced off after just 10 minutes at the weekend.

Midfielder Daly McSorley, whose only league appearance came in the 1-0 win over East Fife on the opening day, is recovering from an ankle problem but could return to full training this Thursday.

Goalkeeper Callum Reidford is expected to be out for around six to eight weeks following knee surgery at the end of last week.

Alan Cook slammed home a hotly-disputed last-minute penalty to earn Albion a draw in a dramatic derby as the Warriors saw their three-match winning run ended.

Cook went down under a challenge from Willie Lyle with time running out and referee John McKendrick upset the visitors by pointing to the spot. Cook made no mistake, thumping the ball down the middle as keeper Ally Brown guessed incorrectly.

Stenhousemuir had taken the lead after 39 minutes with a controversial penalty of their own - Andy Rodgers went past Shaun Fagan but then appeared to simply run into Marc McCulloch. Eric Paton found the right-hand corner from 12 yards.

Scott Davidson missed a great early chance for the Binos when he curled a shot just wide but Davie Irons’ men hit back and posed a real threat from set-pieces, with Brown Ferguson twice hitting the bar with headers and Sam Filler saving superbly from Stewart Kean.

Stirling equalised in 59 minutes when Davidson drilled home a terrific angled drive after being picked out by Stevie Nicholas but Stenny were back in front when Iain Thomson found the net with a composed finish after Filler was unable to gather a corner.

Cook’s penalty denied the visitors all three points and Albion had a great chance to grab all three points in stoppage time but Darren Smith failed to convert Davidson’s cross from close range to leave us fourth in the table going into next week’s home match with Forfar.

Daly McSorley again missed the game with an ankle injury and Shaun Dillon limped off with a hamstring problem after just 10 minutes. Goalkeeper Callum Reidford underwent successful knee surgery on Thursday and is expected to be out of action for six weeks. Stenhousemuir included ex-Stirling defender Martyn Corrigan but former Bino Paul McHale was injured.

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, Dillon (Macpherson 10), McCulloch, Allison, Fagan, Nicholas (Bonar 76), Smith, Davidson, Cook, Crawley (McLeish 76). Subs (not used): Flood, Brass.

Scorers: Davidson 59, Cook pen 89

Stenhousemuir: Brown, Lyle, Dickson (McCafferty 84), Corrigan, McMillan, Thomson, Ferguson, Rodgers (Quinn 80), Kean, Paton (Plenderleith 76), Murray. Subs (not used): Fraser, McCluskey.

Scorers: Paton pen 39, Thomson 68

Referee: John McKendrick

Crowd: 649

Stirling Albion boss Jocky Scott has boosted his squad ahead of tomorrow's derby match with Stenhousemuir by signing ex-Falkirk midfielder Craig McLeish until the end of the year.

The 21-year-old, who was released by the Bairns in the summer, has been training with the Albion squad for several weeks and could now be involved against Davie Irons' joint-top Stenny side at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

Craig spent time on loan at Dumbarton in the 2009/10 season, scoring twice in 10 league games, and previously had a loan stint with Stirling University.

The Club requires a  volunteer to assist with sales of The Albion magazine on matchdays, on an ongoing basis. You will be required for less than one hour before kick off on home matchdays.

If you think that you can assist in either of those roles, please contact the club on either 01786 450399, or by emailing:  stirlingalbion@btconnect.com

Stirling Albion keeper Callum Reidford will undergo minor knee surgery on Thursday and is expected to be out of action for around six weeks.

The 24-year-old former Clyde No 1 has done some training and has been on the bench this season but specialist advice confirmed that a tidy-up procedure is required to cure the cartilage problem.

Callum bravely returned to the team just two months after sustaining a serious facial injury against Raith Rovers last season and we wish him another speedy recovery.

Binos boss Jocky Scott is now looking to bring in a goalkeeper on loan to provide cover for Sam Filler, who has impressed since joining from Stirling University in the summer.

Jocky Scott's side return to action this weekend when joint Second Division leaders Stenhousemuir visit the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

Albion will be without defender Gary Thom following his red card in the 4-2 defeat at Arbroath on August 27 but skipper Brian Allison and winger Josh Flood are expected to return. Midfield duo Shaun Fagan (hamstring) and Daly McSorley (ankle) are making progress and will be assessed later in the week to see if they can take part against Davie Irons' team.

Stirling are unbeaten in their last eight games against the Warriors, stretching back to a 3-2 defeat at Forthbank in November 2000.

Saturday's referee is John McKendrick.

A reminder that Stirling have no game this weekend due to the international break, with Scotland's Euro 2012 qualifier against the Czech Republic at Hampden taking centre stage on Saturday.

The Binos return to action on September 10 when local rivals and joint leaders Stenhousemuir are the visitors to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium. Boss Jocky Scott will hope to have Daly McSorley, Shaun Fagan, Josh Flood and Brian Allison - who all missed Saturday's 4-2 defeat at Arbroath - back in contention for that one but defender Gary Thom is suspended after his red card at Gayfield.

We are at home again on September 17, when Forfar are our visitors, and travel to Airdrie the following week, seeking revenge for our 5-0 reverse at the Excelsior Stadium in the first round of the Scottish Communities League Cup at the end of July.

Arbroath inflicted Albion's first league defeat of the season to go top of Division Two on goal difference as our recovery from the loss of an early goal proved in vain.

The big turning point came in 51 minutes when, with the Binos 2-1 ahead, Gary Thom was sent off for bringing down Josh Falkingham to concede a penalty - a decision that angered boss Jocky Scott, who was already without captain Brian Allison, midfielders Daly McSorley and Shaun Fagan and winger Josh Flood for the Gayfield clash.

Steven Doris converted the penalty and within five minutes player/manager Paul Sheerin finished off a fine move to give last season's Third Division champions the lead. Gavin Swankie capitalised on an error by Gavin Macpherson to seal a third home win of the season for the Red Lichties.

Doris hit the post early in the match as Stirling made a slow start and it was no surprise when Arbroath took the lead in nine minutes when Macpherson - making his league debut alongside Lewis Bonar in midfield - turned a Doris cross into his own net.

Albion battled back and equalised in 38 minutes when Alan Cook headed a Scott Davidson cross in off the post and Cook turned supplier four minutes after the interval when his corner was met by Shaun Dillon, who thumped a header past keeper Darren Hill.

It was looking good for Scott's side at that stage but it all went wrong after Thom saw red and he will now miss our next match against his old club Stenhousemuir at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday September 10, following the international break.

Arbroath: Hill, Sibanda, Girvan, Ardallany (Bryce 67), Wedderburn, Busch, Falkingham, Kerr, Doris (Birse 83), Swankie, Sheerin (Strachan 90). Subs (not used): Mair, White (GK).

Scorers: Macpherson og 9, Doris pen 51, Sheerin 57, Swankie 65

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, Crawley, McCulloch, Dillon, Thom, Macpherson (Nicholas 81), Smith, Davidson, Bonar (Ashe 61), Cook. Subs (not used): Hunter, Brass, Reidford (GK).

Scorers: Cook 38, Dillon 49

Referee: Kevin Clancy

Crowd: 670

Stirling Albion are pleased to announce that former Albion star, Stevie Nicholas, has re-signed for the Club. The 30 year old former Motherwell and Partick Thistle player has impressed the managment team over the past few months in training and has agreed to sign a short-term deal until Christmas. He will be available for selection for tomorrow's trip to Arbroath.

Stevie may well be best remembered in an Albion shirt for his goal against Hibernian at Easter Road, in the Scottish Cup, as a 17 year old. His performances that season impressed enough to earn him a move to Motherwell, where he made 60 appearances and scored 5 goals. He also had a spell at Northwich Victoria, and most recently featured for Montrose.

Everyone at Stirling Albion would like to welcome Stevie back to the club, for his third spell at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

William Hill, the UK’s No.1 bookmaker, has signed a seven-figure deal with the Scottish FA to become title sponsor of the Scottish Cup.

The three-year partnership means the famous cup competition will be renamed the William Hill Scottish Cup.

William Hill, which operates over 300 betting shops in Scotland and over 2364 across the UK and Ireland, is already the official betting partner of the Scottish Premier League. The Scottish Cup sponsorship deal reaffirms their strong association with Scottish football. The agreement will also allow the bookmaker to showcase its online, mobile and retail products to Scottish football fans the length and breadth of the country.

The William Hill Scottish Cup first round draw will take place in Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries Shopping Centre on Monday, August 29, at 10am. The draw will be conducted by last year's victorious captain, Celtic's Scott Brown, the Scottish FA President, Campbell Ogilvie, and Kristof Fahy, William Hill’s Group Brand and Marketing Director.

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: "We are proud to have a leading brand like William Hill as sponsor of the Scottish Cup for the next three seasons. The new 2011/12 William Hill Scottish Cup begins in just a few weeks' time and with the competition now securing a new sponsor, we can now look forward another exciting season ahead."

Gareth Davis, Chairman of William Hill PLC, said: “It seems fitting for the most established and biggest bookmaker in Scotland to be attached to the oldest Association trophy in world football and we at William Hill consider it an honour to be able to put our name to the Scottish Cup.”

Albion enter this season's Scottish Cup in the third round on Saturday November 19.

Why not consider sponsoring a player for the 2011/2012 season?

It's a fantastic way to support the club - and also your favourite Albion star.

Sponsorship of a player is priced at £150 for the season.

The following players HOME SHIRTS are already snapped up:

Brian Allison, Danny Ashe, Lewis Bonar, Alan Cook, John Crawley, Scott Davidson, Shaun Dillon, Shaun Fagan, Sam Filler, Josh Flood, Andy Hunter, Devon Jacobs, Marc McCulloch, Gavin Macpherson, Greig McDonald, Daly McSorley, Callum Reidford, Darren Smith, Gary Thom and the management duo of Jocky and John.

The following players' HOME SHIRTS are still available: Gary Brass and Stevie Nicholas.

All of the members of the playing squad's AWAY SHIRTS are also available for sponsor.

Stirling were forced to settle for a draw as Rovers netted twice in the final eight minutes to earn a deserved point at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday.

The Binos remain unbeaten and trail Division Two leaders Cowdenbeath only on goal difference but Paul Martin's men were the better team and Stirling were a pale shadow of the side that thrashed Dumbarton 5-1.

Devon Jacobs gave us the lead with his first senior goal - a fine low drive from the edge of the box after 34 minutes - and Scott Davidson converted a 76th-minute penalty after he had been fouled by Todd Lumsden.

That scoreline was very harsh on the visitors, who forced Sam Filler several fine saves and had a goal chalked off for offside, before they eventually scored through Scott Chaplain's header from a Barry Russell cross in 82 minutes.

With just two minutes remaining, full-back Russell, a summer signing from East Kilbride Thistle, smacked a 25-yard shot in off the post to equalise in what was the first league meeting between the teams since 2004.

Midfielder Alan Cook was left out of the starting line-up after suffering a knock in training but Shaun Fagan returned from a hamstring injury on a day when boss Jocky Scott was just grateful for a point.

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, Dillon, Fagan, Allison, Thom, Flood (Cook 71), Smith, Davidson (Bonar 86), McCulloch, Crawley. Subs (not used): Ashe, Macpherson, Reidford (GK).

Albion Rovers: Fahey, Reid, Russell, Stevenson, Donnelly, Lumsden, Scott (Hamilton 79), McStay, Gilmartin (Acquah 70), Chaplain, Boyle (Love 70). Subs (not used): Canning, Trialist (GK).

Referee: Mat Northcroft

Crowd: 617

Stirling will be without midfielder Daly McSorley for tomorrow's Irn-Bru Division Two game with Albion Rovers at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

The 19-year-old missed last week's 5-1 win at Dumbarton with an ankle injury and was unable to take part in training last night, ruling him out against Paul Martin's promoted side.

There was better news on fellow midfielder Shaun Fagan who did take part in training and will come into contention, assuming he suffers no reaction to his recent hamstring strain.

Jocky Scott's league leaders are aiming for a third straight league win after beating East Fife and Dumbarton - our best start since 2004/05 - while Rovers bounced back from an opening-day 6-2 defeat at Arbroath to see off Forfar 1-0 last weekend.

SFL newsletter - interview with John Crawley

Match details

Referee: Mat Northcroft

Suspended: Stirling - none, Albion Rovers - John Gemmell

Last league meeting: Albion Rovers 3-5 Stirling Albion, April 2004

Admission prices: £14 adults, £8 senior citizens/students, £5 children under 17. Season tickets and Bino bonds valid.

Season tickets: It's not too late! Adults £200, senior citizens/students £130, children under 17 £50 (£25 if purchased with an adult/senior/student).

Club shop: Our new home kit will be on sale before the game.

Albion magazine: Copies of the August issue are still available, priced £3.50

Supporters bar: Open in the Castle Suite before and after the match. All welcome.

Stirling Albion are seeking a third league victory of the season when Paul Martin's Albion Rovers visit the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday.

Not since 2004/05 have we triumphed in our opening three matches - on that occasion Allan Moore's men notched up five wins on the spin in the Second Division but finished in fifth place.

Midfield duo Shaun Fagan and Daly McSorley both missed the 5-1 victory at Dumbarton due to injury but will be assessed at training on Thursday night and could return to the squad.

Binos boss Jocky Scott said: "The second-half performance against Dumbarton was excellent but Albion Rovers had a good win against Forfar so it will be a hard game."

Former Bino, Andy Gibson has joined Junior side Glasgow Perthshire.

Andy left the Club in May 2011 having made 13 starts and 8 substitute appearances during the course of the season 2010/11. He scored one goal in our 2-1 league win at Firhill, in September 2010.

Our best wishes to Andy in his "new" career at Junior level. 

Stirling Albion sit proudly at the top of the Irn-Bru Second Division with maximum points from two games thanks to a terrific performance from Jocky Scott's side at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

At a venue where we won twice en route to promotion in 2009/10, Darren Smith opened the scoring after just four minutes and, although Scott Agnew soon equalised for the Sons with a stunning 35-yard free-kick, Albion were outstanding in the second half.

Alan Cook restored Stirling's advantage with a fine strike against his former club (46) then Josh Flood (48), Shaun Dillon (56) and John Crawley (69) were all on target as we celebrated our first away victory since beating Raith Rovers 2-0 on October 2 last year.

It was an afternoon to remember as Albion bounced back in style from the 5-0 midweek defeat to Livingston in the Ramsdens Cup and followed up last week's 1-0 triumph over East Fife to become the only team in Division Two with a 100% record.

Shaun Fagan and Daly McSorley missed out through injury against a Dumbarton team that included four former Binos - captain Paul Nugent, Alan Lithgow, Mark Gilhaney and Bryan Prunty. Another of our ex-players, Ryan Borris, was ruled out of Alan Adamson's line-up.

Dumbarton: Ewings, Monaghan, Creaney, Nugent, Lithgow, Agnew, Gilhaney (Ramage 70), Nicoll, Prunty (Walker 46), McNiff, Winters (Hempstead 70). Subs (not used): Lyden, Grindlay.

Stirling Albion: Filler, Jacobs, Crawley, Dillon, Allison, Thom, Flood (Bonar 75), Smith, Davidson (Brass 84), McCulloch, Cook. Subs (not used): Ashe, Macpherson, Reidford.

Referee: Charlie Richmond

Crowd: 706

Read RedWeb's report       View league table

The club has now recieved the latest shipment of replica shirts in Children's sizes.

The shirts range from size XS to XL, and are priced at £30. A limited number of Children's shorts are also available to purchase.

All items can be purchased from the Club Shop in office hours, and on matchdays. Items are also available via our Online Shop partners at ACA Sports. The link for the Online Shop can be found on the right-hand sidebar of this page.

Stirling Albion Supporters Trust are pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Brown as Operations Director for Stirling Albion Football Club.

He succeeds Steven Leiper in this important role, who recently stood down for business and personal reasons.

Stuart has been a Director of the Club since the Supporters Trust bought the majority shareholding in July 2010 and has been a Stirling Albion supporter for over 50 years.

He will chair the Executive Board and working in conjunction with the Trust Board, is seeking to ensure further vacancies on the Board are filled in the very near future.

E-MAIL TO BBC SPORT 

To: Sport Interactive
Subject: Style/accuracy/grammar errors
-------------------------------------------------- 
Please note and correct the name/spelling of one of our players
You have referred to the player as "Davieson".
His correct name is "Davidson".

RESPONSE

Good afternoon,
Thank you for your email. That error has now been rectified.
Regards,
Jimmy
BBC Sport Interactive

SAFC would like to thank the BBC for their prompt action and apologise to Chris Aikpen for not having taken the same course of action, last season.  

Livingston FC have asked that we advise travelling supporters that the Almondvale Suite under the South Stand will be open from 17:30 on Tuesday evening.

Last orders are at 19:00 and the Suite closes at 19:15.

For further details on this match please see the sidebar entry under Upcoming Matches.

SAFC are proud to announce another new partnership - we have teamed up with our unofficial website, RedWeb, to provide you with a direct link to their excellent match reports...

http://www.stirlingalbionfc.com/2011/08/stirling-albion-1-east-fife-0/

It's worth a read even just for his bizarre thoughts on the half time snacks.

We are delighted to be in a position to formally announce a brand new partnership between Create and Prosper Financial Services Ltd and SAFC.

Create and Prosper is now the Club’s official Financial Adviser and one of our Corporate Sponsors.

Create and Prosper, a local firm of Chartered Financial Planners, provides independent financial advice and develops suitable strategies for all personal and business needs. They provide advice on investment solutions including tax efficient savings, inheritance tax planning, retirement solutions, and all your mortgage and protection needs.

The Directors of Create and Prosper are members of the Supporters Trust and have agreed to make a significant financial contribution to the Trust every time one of our fans becomes their client. In addition every new client will benefit from an exclusive SAFC discounted rate.

We will be sending members quarterly updates by e-mail on personal financial planning issues and how Create and Prosper can assist you in the current financial climate. The Supporters Trust and SAFC encourage you to contact Create and Prosper on their Freephone number - 0800 072 4972 - whenever you have a financial issue you wish to discuss.

For more information on how they can help you plan for future success visit:

www.createandprosper.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE: ANY BUSINESS ENTERED INTO IS PERSONAL BETWEEN CREATE AND PROSPER AND THE INDIVIDUAL CONCERNED.  SAFC  PLAY NO PART AND THEREBY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER IN ANY SUCH ARRANGEMENT.

We have been advised, late this afternoon, that due to an epidemic of staff sickness at ACA Sports today, our new white shirts and shorts will not be badged and numbered in time for tomorrow's game.

As a result we will be forced to wear last season's red shirts, red shorts and red socks.

ACA have promised to do everything they can to have the white kit ready for Tuesday evening's game v Livingston.

The new season Red/White Shirts arrived safely today at DDS after their around the world tour by truck and we now need to get these badged and numbered as soon as possible.

Looking on the bright side, fans will be able to model the new shirts before the players - see Replica Kit update below.

We are delighted to announce that a substantial delivery of new Home Shirts arrived at the club this morning and will be on sale before tomorrow's League opener.

Replica Shirts are now available in the following types and sizes:

Short Sleeved - Adult - S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL - £35

Long Sleeved - Adult - M/L/XL/XXL - £35

We have been advised that this years kit is a little more 'figure-hugging' - so it would be wise to take this into consideration when selecting your shirt!

It is anticipated that the remainder of our stock, including children's sizes, will arrive in the very near future and this website will be updated accordingly.

Iain Macintosh spent the afternoon behind the scenes at the Cliftonville game.

The outcome of his visit can be found at

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/iain_macintosh/07/30/stirling.albion/

With just over week to go until the League season kicks off, SAFC would like to remind fans that Season Tickets are available from the Club Office at DDS during normal office hours (9 - 6).

In addition we will be selling season tickets at the Club Shop from 2:00 p.m. on the day of our first home game v East Fife - Saturday 6 August.

For prices see further down this page.

A Season Ticket represents tremendous value and every sale helps the Club with early season cash flow!

At half time at yesterday's game v Cliftonville, Stirling Albion FC formally recognised the tireless enthusiasm, dedication and contribution given to the Young Reds by Ian Jones over a period of 14 years.

Jason Bolam, Head of Community Coaching presented Ian with a Season Ticket for 2011/12 and a Log Book of messages of thanks and appreciation signed by those that have worked alongside Ian over the period of his involvement.

Ian - you are a (living!) legend.

Stirling Albion were on the wrong end of a 3 - 2 score line in the Ladbrokes Supporters Cup against the Northern Ireland fans owned side, Cliftonville FC, in a full-blooded encounter at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

The Binos again lined up with a mixture of signed players and trialists, including a large bench, as Messrs Scott and Blackley ran their eye over proceedings as the club moves towards its' first truly competitive game of the season next week.

Cliftonville took the lead through Joe Gormley on the 28th minute, and the goalscorer was subsequently felled in the box by Shaun Dillon in the 31st – a penalty resulted and George McMullan coolly stroked past trialist Sam Filler in the Albion net.

Stirling pulled a goal back before the break through trialist Alan Cook, in the 43rd minute. It was the first time in the game that the Albion had convincingly passed the ball in the Cliftonville danger zone, and neat link up play from Kevin McCann and Lewis Bonar fed through the ex-Dumbarton man to stroke past the visiting net-minder. A goal at this crucial stage must have fuelled Albion ambitions after what had perhaps been a disappointing first half.

Such hopes were diminished somewhat just 6 minutes after the restart. George McMullan and Joe Gormley again combined as the former played a long straight ball up to the edge of the Albion area. Gormley lost both his markers in a two-on-one situation and lifted the ball over the outrushing Filler.

A raft of changes ensued for the Albion in order to allow the management team to cast their eyes over the assembled players.

The changes bore fruit for the Binos in the 60th minute – in what was probably the finest goal of the day. SYTYAGE trialist John Crawley played a lovely one-two with Alan Cook close to the dugouts, allowing Cook to break free and deliver a sumptuous cross which was convincingly sent home by another trialist – this time, ex-Motherwell and Ross County man Darren Smith.

Stirling had the better of the remainder of the game and forced the Cliftonville players into some exceedingly strong challenges, one of which saw youngster Daly McSorley stretchered off. Indications after the match were that Daly's injury was not as bad as first feared. This will be monitored in the coming days.

In other injury news, this writer is pleased to report that the left side corner flag at the Monument End is recovering well after the brutal and unprovoked attack by a Cliftonville defender!

Albion could have forced penalties near the death when the tricky Josh Flood, on as a substitute, had a glorious one-on-one chance turned round the far post by Duffin in the Cliftonville goal.

It was not to be for the Albion today, and Cliftonville retained the Ladbrokes Supporters Cup in front of a healthy travelling support.

SAFC are indebted to the Provost of Stirling, Fergus Wood, for the post match Civic Reception held in the McKenzie Suite for players and officials of both sides

Jocky Scott has agreed terms with Marc McCulloch who has featured in the last two friendly fixtures and all being well the paperwork will be completed tomorrow before the match against Cliftonville.

Update Saturday evening - SAFC are delighted to announce that Marc McCulloch signed the necessary documentation and is now on board for season 2011/12.  The midfielder will add further much needed experience to our young squad.

Former under 19 players, Daly McSorley and Andy Hunter have also agreed terms with Jocky Scott and are likely to be formally signed up on Tuesday evening at training.

With a little help from SAFC’s coach sponsors, Hunters Coaches of Alloa, the travelling party from Cliftonville FC arrived at Doubletree Dunblane Hydro this afternoon.  After a checking in, the squad headed for DDS for a light training session on the main stadium pitch, under the experienced eye of Manager Tommy Breslin.

It was clear, from the skills on display that we are in for a stern test tomorrow afternoon as Cliftonville seek to defend the Ladbrokes Supporters Trophy they won last year with a 2-1 home victory over FC United of Manchester.

The team spirit also shone through with every routine being accompanied by a liberal smattering of Irish banter and laughter. Something that will hopefully become a permanent feature of the training ground and dressing room at DDS when Jocky has put the finishing touches to his completely revamped squad for the league campaign that lies ahead.

The following is an extract from the Cliftonville website on tomorrow’s match:

The Reds return to action tomorrow when they travel to face Scottish Second Division side Stirling Albion and Breslin is looking forward to the test.

"It will be a good game because, like us, they have been back in training for quite some time now and their competitive season actually kicks off next week so they should be in good shape," he explains.

"Since coming back ourselves, a lot of our work has been geared towards making preparations for Europe whereas now the focus is on getting ready for the League programme starting so there's a bit of a change in emphasis, but one thing I don't want changing is the players' attitude.

"They were fantastic in both of our European games and I think we can count ourselves very unlucky to have lost to TNS. Sometimes things just don't go your way and, when you're hitting the woodwork three times and the bounce of the ball isn't going in your favour, you know it's just going to be one of those nights.

"I praised the team for how they played in those matches and, though we were disappointed to go out, the one thing I asked was that they took the positives from it and brought them into the domestic campaign. We start working towards that when we play Stirling Albion on Saturday and, with a trophy to be defended, it's certainly a game we'll be doing our utmost to win."

With a trophy at stake, if the game finishes level at 90 minutes, the winners will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Reminder to Fans - Match Day Programmes will be on sale at the ground, priced £2.50 and commerative Pin Badges depicting the team logos of both sides, priced £3.00.

A crowd of over 1200 turned out at Doubletree Dunblane Stadium last night for Peter McKenzie's Testimonial Match against a young Glasgow Rangers XI. Behind the scenes over 80 guests, including former managers, players and the Provost of Stirling, Fergus Wood gathered in the Hospitality Suites to pay tribute to our former owner and chairman of 17 years, Peter "Mr Stirling Albion" McKenzie. Peter's daughter Tricia, son Jimmy and grandson Scott were present to share in the emotional celebrations.

On behalf of the Club, Stuart Brown presented Peter with a framed certificate conferring "Freedom of the Club" upon him, in recognition of his contribution to Stirling Albion FC - in simple terms, Peter has a lifelong open invite to attend DDS.

Provost Fergus Wood presented Peter with a magnificent silver miniature William Wallace Sword in appreciation of everything he has done over the years, not just for the Club but also the City of Stirling.

SAFC would like to extend their thanks to Glasgow Rangers FC for the part they played - over and above the 90 minutes of football - in particular their Management Team, Tommy Wilson and Billy Kirkwood, who ensured everything was in place in the lead up to the match and on the night itself.

Pre-match, the crowd were entertained by the Stirling City All Stars and at half time, the local youth teams, Fallin Violet and Cowie United took part in a 5-a-side Shoot Out.

The game itself gave both Clubs the ideal platform to continue their pre-season build up and for the record the only goal of the game was scored shortly before the full time whistle by Rangers number 9, Rhys McCabe.

The scoreline, however, was far less important than the reason behind the fixture - Peter McKenzie, everyone associated with Stirling Albion, past, present (and future) salutes you and thanks you for ensuring the City of Stirling has a senior football club to support.

Season Ticket Application Forms will be available prior to this week's matches versus Rangers and Cliftonville.

Completed Applcation Forms will be processed on the next working day and Season Ticket(s) posted out.

Please note that Season Tickets are also available for purchase during normal office hours (Monday - Friday 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs).

See further down the page for 2011/12 Prices.

The team representing Morrisons Landrover was a popular, as well as a run away winner of the Stirling Albion Am Am. The team reached the turn in 60, and had an amazing back nine of 59 to win by 5 strokes. Well done to Captain Ian Morrison and team members Bruce Hunter, Hunter Fletcher and Stuart McKenzie. In second place Executive Board Member, Stuart Brown’s Team beat the Rising Sun on the better inward half. Stirling Golf Club led by Vice Captain Murray McMillan finished fourth on 127 followed by the Stirling Albion team which included newly signed players Lewis Bonar and Daniel Ashe and Executive Board Member David McFarlane on 129. The Rising Sun Team captained by Jim Inglis won the Red Ball with an amazing score of 65. Well done to all prize-winners.

The day raised £3500 for the Club and donations were also made to Strathcarron Hospice and the Ayle and Chloe Fund (Cerebral Palsy), both organisations having close ties with the football club.

Whether a winner or not, the verdict was unanimous that the day had been most successful. Thanks are due to all of the sponsors, volunteer helpers, Stirling Observer, Stirling Golf Club and all of the Stirling Albion Supporters who sold Raffle tickets prior to the event.

A starting XI of six signed players and a mix of SYTYAGE and other trialists took to the park against a strong Cove team that took 36 points from their last 13 league games at the end of season 2010/11.

After a fairly uneventful first 40 minutes aside from several hefty challenges from Cove (most notably a crunching late challenge on Shaun Fagan that left him struggling with a back strain for the remainder of the game), Lewis Bonar brightened up proceedings with a rasping drive from 25 yards that was going nowhere else but the back of the net the moment it left his boot.

The second half saw Stirling put themselves under increasing pressure by giving the ball away in their own half far too frequently. One of these misplaced passes led to Cove's equaliser and their winner came from poor marking at a free kick from the right hand side that saw the scorer get in behind the defence and slot home with ease.

John Blackley, commenting after the game, was disappointed with the poor quality of passing, particularly in our defending half but wasn't too down about the overall performance. He feels that the intensive pre-season training will take a few games to translate into match fitness but will definitely pay dividends in the longer term.

Today was the first time half of the team had played together and several signed players were missing - Reidford, Flood and Dillon - so it would be wrong to start jumping to conclusions about where we will be at by the time the Deveronvale game comes around.  A much clearer picture will begin to emerge after the two games that lie ahead in the coming week and Jocky makes decisions about signings.

As part of the ongoing commitment of the Club to provide appropriate facilities for disabled supporters attending matches, we are inviting existing disabled supporters to let us know what changes and/or improvements they would like to see introduced to enhance their match day experience.

Stirling Albion would also welcome receipt of comments from disabled persons in the community as to what they would expect to see in place as an incentive to them to attend matches.

Views can be sent to the Club by e-mail (stirlingalbion@btconnect.com) or by post to Stirling Albion FC, Doubletree Dunblane Stadium, Springkerse, Stirling, FK77UJ.

Pay at the Gate 

£14 – Adults

£8 – Senior Citizens and Students

£5 – Children under 17