In Stirling Albion’s first home game back after the New Year, the Binos dismantled a sorry-looking Kelty Hearts side 5-0 with goals from McGregor, Carrick, and a sublime hat-trick by Josh Cooper.
There was a buzz around the ground as manager Darren Young, freshly committed to a new contract until May 2026. The match carried extra significance for both sides, with only two points separating them in the league.
Before kickoff, a minute’s applause paid tribute to young Murray Dowey, who tragically took his own life, uniting both sides before the match got underway.
Kelty Hearts commenced the kickoff, but the initial minutes were quiet from both teams. The first real chance came from Jack Leitch, whose early shot tested the Kelty defence. Stirling continued to probe the opposition defence for openings, but Kelty defended well.
In the 16th minute, there was another tribute to Murray Dowey, with the Ultras group, the 1945 Crew, unfurling a banner reading “RIP Murray Dowey, Speak up, Speak out!” – a powerful and thoughtful message from our young fans.
The Binos intensified their attacks with Dale Carrick and Kieran Moore threatening the Kelty goal, but they couldn’t capitalise on their chances. Kelty attempted to retaliate by focusing their attacks on the wings and sending high crosses into the box, but Albion’s defence remained strong, clearing away any danger.
The breakthrough came from a set-piece. A corner from Lewis Milne found its way to Cummins, who cleverly passed the ball to McGregor. McGregor then headed the floating ball into the top left corner of the net, breaking the deadlock right on half-time.
Half-Time: 1-0
Kelty Hearts made an immediate substitution in the second half in an effort to get back into the game, but the Binos’ momentum was unstoppable. Jason Thomson received a yellow card for a harsh tackle, showing Kelty’s aggression and desire to get back into the game.
Dale Carrick, receiving a pass from Hilson, deftly slotted the ball past Kyle Gourlay in the 53rd minute, doubling Stirling’s lead. This goal put Stirling well and truly in the driving seat and opened the floodgates for more goals.
Paul McLean and Jordan McGregor defended against Kelty’s attacks as they began to throw everything at the Binos’ back line. Stirling then began to catch Kelty on the counter-attack time and time again, which proved lethal.
The introduction of Josh Cooper in the 75th minute proved to be a game-changer. Cooper, with fresh legs, linked up extremely well with Ewan Wilson, scoring two goals in quick succession from close range, putting Stirling well out of reach of Kelty.
The match reached its climax with Cooper completing his first senior career hat-trick. Ewan Wilson passed the ball to Dunsmore, who laid it back for Cooper. Cooper struck the ball from near the edge of the box, Gourlay got his fingertips to it, but it wasn’t enough as a fifth goal trickled into the net.
Stirling began to play confidently with the ball, almost teasing Kelty Hearts, as Cameron Clark and Ewan Wilson executed fancy flicked passes around the Kelty attackers, much to the amusement of the home fans. Soon after this a red card was shown to O’Donnell as Kelty began to lose their heads after a crunching tackle on Banner.
The match concluded with an extremely well-deserved 5-0 victory on a day packed with emotion. The victory means that Stirling Albion now sits in a very comfortable position in the league and marks a significant leap forward towards the Championship play-off spots.
Full-Time: 5-0
Stirling Albion: Currie, Clark, McLean, McGregor (McGeachie 78’), Cummins, Carrick (Offord 78’), Leitch (Cooper 68’), Moore (Dunsmore 81’), Banner, Milne, Hilson (Wilson 78’)
Substitutes: Weir, McGeachie, Dunsmore, Wilson, Offord, Miller, Cooper, Spence
Kelty Hearts: Gourlay, Corbett (McCluskey 46’), Paterson, Thomson, McKay, Lyon, Johnston (Biabi 75’), O’Donnell, Owens, McAllister, Bavidge
Substitutes: Cunningham, McCluskey, Tidser, Biabi, Owens, Campbell, Moore, Sylla
