The Binos secured an assertive 3-1 victory in the capital against Edinburgh City under challenging conditions. The torrential rain which lashed the pitch for the 90 minutes set the stage for a bitterly cold game.
With Edinburgh City kicking off there was an air of anticipation, as the travelling fans packed the stand, outnumbering the oppositions support. The phrase “Albion are shooting into the deep end” rings true as Stirling adapted to the slick conditions on the artificial turf, displaying a confident and fluid style of play.
Early on, Wilson made his intentions clear with a striking shot into the City keeper, laying down a marker for the match. This was quickly followed by Carrick who ran riot for the whole of the first half, showcasing his trademark speed and agility, constantly troubling the City defence.
Stirling maintained their fluid movement and one-touch passing and controlled the majority of the game’s tempo. A significant opportunity was created when a beautifully floated cross from Wilson found Thomson, whose setup allowed Carrick to fire a shot just over the bar. This relentless pressure was a theme throughout the first half, with another notable chance coming from a free kick by Leitch, which was cleared by the City defence.
City’s first real attack came from a sprint down the wing from Khan, whose cross found Offord, which was collected calmly by Currie. This marked the beginning of City’s attempt to come back into the game and regain some control. They began to close down channels and slowly found their rhythm. However, a slack throw from Currie was capitalised by Mahon, who lobbed the ball into the net putting the hosts 1-0 up.
Stirlings reaction was immediate and assertive. The Binos found their stride again, returning to their fluid movement and sharp passing. This resurgence was rewarded when a lapse in concentration from the City defender allowed Thomson to steal the ball and equalise. The first half was concluded with a tremendous goal from Leitch, who put his laces through the ball rocketing it into the top corner past the keeper, assisted by a pinpoint accurate pass from Carrick.
Half-Time: 1-2
As the second half kicked off the intensity carried through. Currie was forced into another save, denying Mahon a chance to level the scoring. As the match progressed, both teams began to make substitutions. Notably, Cooper’s entry for Albion was the game-changer. His first touch was a masterful free kick, beating the keeper at his near post and putting the Binos well and truly in the driving seat.
Despite being forced down to ten men due to injuries, Albion held on. Currie, once again, made an unbelievable fingertip save, denying City a chance to get back into the game. Tension peaked when Stirling were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute of the game. However, Carricks effort was saved and the scoreline remained at 3-1. Despite this, the full-time whistle was sounded, sending the Binos back to Stirling with all three points.
Full-Time: 1-3
Stirling Albion: Currie, McGeachie, Clark, McLean, McGregor (Dunsmore 72’), Carrick, Leitch, Moore (Milne 80’), Wilson (Cooper 64’), Miller (Banner 72’), Thomson (Hilson 64’)
Substitutes: Weir, Dunsmore, Banner, Wyles, Cooper, Milne, Hilson
Edinburgh City: McNeil, Khan, Devine (McConnell 61’), Mercer, Peter (Harries 75’), Mahon, Mair (Waller 75’), Dublin-Green (Anukam 55’), MacNamara (Conafrey 75’), Offord, Fontaine
Substitutes: Robertson, Waller, McConnell, Anukam, Conafrey, Harries, Omajide
