Stirling 0 Clyde 1

Scott Linton converted a 75th-minute penalty as title favourites Clyde inflicted our first opening-day league defeat since 2008.

The former Dumbarton full-back gave keeper Chris Smith no chance from the spot after Mark Staunton had been sent off for denying David Gormley a clear goalscoring opportunity.

We earlier had a penalty appeal of our own turned down when Craig Comrie’s shot appeared to strike an arm, as Barry Ferguson’s men came out on top in a tight game of few clear-cut chances at Forthbank.

A draw would probably have been a fair result but it was the Bully Wee who ultimately triumphed in the first meeting between the teams since we won 4-1 here in May 2014.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made one change to the side beaten by Airdrie in the League Cup, with Ross McGeachie replacing the suspended Ross Smith.

Ross McMillan and Darren Smith were again sidelined but Kevin McKinlay returned to the squad and there were places on the bench for U20 players Robbie McNab and David Verlaque.

Clyde, beaten narrowly by Livingston in both cup competitions, fielded all nine of their summer signings but had to do without injured pair Mark McLaughlin and Scott Durie.

The visitors came closest to taking the lead in the first half when Smith made a superb save to push Michael Bolochoweckyj’s header on to the bar following a Chris Mitchell corner while Craig Comrie had our best chance, with John Gibson making a vital stop.

We looked comfortable in the second half and the match appeared to be heading for a goalless draw when Staunton was caught out at the back and impeded Gormley as he tried to retrieve the situation.

Linton’s well-taken penalty gave Clyde the lead and, although Sean Dickson came close to equalising soon after, Barry Ferguson’s men held on for all three points.

Stirling Albion: C Smith, Hamilton, Forsyth, Robertson, McGeachie, Staunton, Johnston, Comrie (Cunningham 70), Beattie (Doris 78), McGovern, Dickson (McKinlay 88). Subs (not used): Kouider-Aissa, McNab, Verlaque, Binnie (GK).

Clyde: Gibson, Linton, Bolochoweckyj, Smith, S McLaughlin, Murray (Marsh 59), Campbell, Gormley (McQueen 88), Higgins, Brisbane (Ferguson 79), Mitchell.
Subs: (not used): Lynass, Roberts, Fisher, McMillan (GK).

Scorer: Linton pen 75

Referee: Steven Kirkland

Attendance: 796