Stirling made it two wins in five days with a deserved victory at Station Park following Tuesday’s defeat of Cowdenbeath.
Former Falkirk striker Akeel Francis scored the only goal after 32 minutes and the Binos defended well in the second half to retain their advantage.
It was an impressive result and performance, particularly with half a dozen players ruled out. There was a place on the bench for new signing James Grant while U20 trio Darrell Love, Isaac McLean and Calum Simpson were also among the subs – along with manager Darren Young at the age of 43!
It was bright and blustery at Station Park but Stirling got the ball down and played some nice football in the first half. The goal came just after the half-hour mark when Jack Leitch played a perfect ball through for Francis and he beat Marc McCallum with a cool finish low into the net.
Mackin then had an effort cleared off the line and the top scorer sent another effort wide. Stirling got into lots of good positions but couldn’t add a second goal, although they were less of a threat after half-time.
Blair Currie made a smart stop from Grant Anderson and also denied Scott Shepherd. Gary Irvine’s men enjoyed more of the ball in the second half but Albion’s shape was excellent and they gave up very few opportunities.
Substitute Matty Aitken should have equalised with 10 minutes left but fired straight at Currie from six yards and the Binos held on for a well-merited win to keep them in seventh place and well clear of any danger with three successive home games coming up.
Forfar Athletic: McCallum, Meechan, Hussain, Munro, Brindley, Thomson (Crossan 63), Slater, Anderson (Moore 40), Hutton (Harkins 76), McCluskey, Shepherd (Aitken 63). Subs (not used): Sanderson (GK), Thomas.
Stirling Albion: Currie, Dunsmore, Flanagan, McGeachie, McNiff, Moore, Roberts, Carrick, Leitch (Laird 76), Francis, Mackin (Paterson 85). Subs (not used): Law (GK), J Grant, McLean, Creaney, Love, Young.
Goal: Francis 32
Referee: Chris Fordyce
Crowd: 496
