Stirling produced an outstanding performance to demolish Elgin at Borough Briggs as we ended our run of four straight league defeats this season.

In an incredible first half, Dave Mackay’s men scored three times, should have had a couple more, and also missed a penalty.

The second half was less dramatic but we had a goal harshly disallowed and comfortably saw the game out to secure a first victory in League 2 since a 2-0 success here in March.

Darren Smith, Jason Marr and Mark Stewart were all sidelined then Darren Barr was ruled out despite being named on the teamsheet. He was replaced by Dominic Docherty while trialist Mark Stowe was on the bench.

The opening goal arrived in 15 minutes, when ex-St Johnstone midfielder Cammy Thomson opened his account with a low drive into the corner, and there was much more to come.

MacDonald added the second from close range but then saw his penalty saved by Kyle Gourlay after Docherty had been tripped in the box.

Craig Beattie hit the post for Elgin but we looked like scoring in every attack and were awarded a second spot-kick when Brian Cameron was harshly judged to have fouled Docherty. Jordan Allan stepped up this time and hammered the ball into the corner.

MacDonald was proving too much for the Elgin defence but missed a sitter before half-time when he fired wide then Kyle Banner was pushed in the box for what should have been a third penalty.

Banner was unfortunate to see a second-half header ruled out and on-loan Dundee keeper Gourlay made fine saves to deny Kevin Fell and sub Neil McLaughlin while Calum Ferrie tipped a JP McGovern 18 yarder over the bar at the other end.

The team ethic and desire to win the ball back was a key feature of the best performance of the season and hopefully it’s onwards and upwards from here. We have no game next weekend then host Queen’s Park on September 15.

Elgin City: Gourlay, Cooper, Lowdon, McHardy, Beattie, McGovern, Wilson (Farquhar 46) Cameron, A Sutherland (Morrison 54), McLeish (Hay 67) S Sutherland.
Subs (not used): McHale (GK), Miller, Omar, Byrne.

Stirling Albion: Ferrie, McGeachie, Allan, Hamilton, Banner, Thomson, Jardine, MacDonald (McLaren 82) Fell, Docherty, Robertson (McLaughlin 75).
Subs (not used): Binnie (GK), Stowe.

Goals: Thomson 15, MacDonald 24, Allan pen 34

Referee: David Munro

Crowd: 596