Kelty Hearts Saturday 7 August 2, 2021
I’m delighted to welcome everyone representing Kelty Hearts to Forthbank Stadium for their first away match in the Scottish Professional League. However, it gives me particular pleasure to be able to extend that welcome to their travelling support, for what is undoubtedly a(nother!) special day in their Club’s history.
With both clubs recording a victory in the opening round of matches last weekend, there’s the added spice of the potential to assume outright top spot in the League! I’ll spare readers the obvious clichés that could follow that statement after 2 matches from 36!
A big thank you to our supporters who cheered us on in fantastic numbers at Ochilview. I’ve no official count but I suspect we must have come close to outnumbering the home support which I’ve no doubt acted as a spur to the players in what proved to be a tight encounter but one I believe we deserved to take all three points from. The decisive and only goal was a great move started at the halfway line, continued by a fantastic piece of individual skill from Marc Laird and culminating in a pinpoint pass that allowed Martin McNiff to score from close range. A special mention for Kieran Moore who, but for the thickness of a coat of paint, would have made it two!
The news of Paul (Pabs) McLean’s injury cast a shadow over the Club, but he will already be 2 days into his rehabilitation by the time we kick off this afternoon! Everyone associated with Stirling Albion – and I’m sure his many friends across Scottish Football – wishes Pabs a full and swift return to fitness and it goes without saying that the Club will support him in every possible way in achieving that.
Today is hopefully the last match we will play with Covid restrictions in place but in any event, we are confident that we have robust arrangements in place that will allow fans from both clubs to be in attendance. I apologise to our Season Ticket Holders who, whilst they will be able to return to occupying the West (Home) Stand, are not guaranteed to be in their allocated seat due to the requirement to have 1m social distancing in place and the Executive Seating still being deployed as the Player’s “Red Zone”.
In Cup news, the manner of our exit from the Premier Sports Cup still hurts but our performance in finishing runners up in our group was simply outstanding. The SPFL Trust Trophy also brings good news – with Ross County B withdrawing we are spared the costly and difficult midweek trip to Dingwall!
Finally, after a very prolonged exile from Forthbank except for match days, I’m hopeful of a full return to our home later this month. Look out for updates on revised office hours on the Website and social media, which will bring with it access to the Club Shop which will also be relocated back to the Stadium!
C’mon The Binos
Stuart
Chairman
SAFC
