Albion earned a well-deserved point against the cinch League 2 champions at New Central Park.

It was 1-1 on our previous visit in October and that was the outcome again, although results elsewhere mean the play-offs – a slim possibility in any case – are now out of reach.

Kieran Moore fired the Binos in front after just 60 seconds but Botti Biabi equalised after eight minutes for Kevin Thomson’s side, who wrapped up the title a fortnight ago.

Top scorer Dylan Mackin was again suspended but Ray Grant, Jordan McGregor, Akeel Francis and Nathan Flanagan were all back in the squad after missing the 0-0 draw at Cowdenbeath.

Stirling made a dream start when a good move ended with Aaron Dunsmore picking out Moore and he turned the ball past Darren Jamieson from six yards.

Kyle Banner should have added a second goal from another Dunsmore assist before Kelty equalised. Jamie Barjonas ran half the length of the pitch and slipped the ball to Biabi, whose shot squeezed past Blair Currie.

The match settled down and in general there were not many chances at either end. On-loan Aberdeen left-back Mason Hancock had a shot well saved while in the second half Adam Cummins was denied by the Kelty keeper.

The hosts enjoyed a lot of the ball for spells in the second period but didn’t manage to create very much, although Biabi missed the target when he might have done better.

Kelty Hearts: Jamieson, Hill, Forster, Finlayson (Philp 42), Ngwenya, Black (Kucheriavyi 46), Barjonas, Tidser, Cardle (Agyeman 73), Higginbotham, Biabi. Subs (not used): Donaldson (GK), Reilly, McNab, Peggie.

Goal: Biabi 8

Stirling Albion: Currie, McGeachie, Hancock, Cummins, McNiff, Banner, Dunsmore (Flanagan 79), Laird (Roberts 79), Carrick (Francis 87), Leitch, Moore (Paterson 87). Subs (not used): Law (GK), R Grant, J Grant, McGregor.

Goal: Moore 1

Referee: Barry Cook

Crowd: 519