The start of the new League 2 season and sadly no fans allowed in but this was a good performance from the Binos against the title favourites on a perfect autumn day for football.

Skipper Ross McGeachie was back from injury but James Creaney was ruled out. Goalkeeper Blair Currie is a long-term absentee so 18-year-old Harry Stone was signed on an emergency loan from Hearts as Cammy Binnie was suspended.

The Spiders won 1-0 here on the opening day of last season and also triumphed 3-1 when the sides last met in February but it was only towards the end of the match that Ray McKinnon’s men threatened a breakthrough.

Stirling almost went ahead in 13 minutes when Willie Muir tipped a David Wilson free-kick on to the bar then Kurtis Roberts appeared to be brought down in the box but the referee waved play on.

Midfielder Jack Leitch fired wide of the far post as Stirling came close again then at the other end Bob McHugh had the ball in the net but the flag had gone up for offside.

The early part of the second half was scrappy and punctuated by stoppages but as time wore on the visitors enjoyed some good spells and Stone did well to keep out a downward header from Will Baynham header.

Darren Lyon missed a great chance to win it for the Spiders with eight minutes left when he headed the ball over the bar with just the keeper to beat after being picked out by sub David Galt but it would have been harsh on Albion if we had lost.

Overall it was a very encouraging, organised and hardworking display and a huge improvement after the defeat at Elgin City in the Betfred Cup the previous week.

Stirling Albion: Stone, McGeachie, Banner, McLean, McGregor, K Roberts, Ryan, Wilson, Mackin (Byrne 80), Leitch, Moore (S Roberts 80). Subs (not used): Law (GK), El-Zubaidi, Thomson, Docherty, Heaver, Magee.

Queen’s Park: Muir, Doyle, Kilday, Grant, Robson, Gillespie, Lyon, MacLean (Galt 64), Baynham, Longridge, McHugh (Quitongo 83). Subs (not used): Heraghty (GK), Morrison, Paterson, Biggar, Gillies.

Referee: Graham Grainger