Andy Ryan scored the only goal five minutes before half-time as we claimed our first League 2 win of the season after draws against Queen’s Park and Stenhousemuir.
Both sides deserve credit for their efforts in challenging conditions on a stormy afternoon at Forthbank as we continued our outstanding home record against Annan, who have now lost on 10 of their last 11 visits here.
There was one change to the team that drew 2-2 with Stenhousemuir at Ochilview – Aldin El-Zubaidi started in place of the injured Paul McLean in a back three while Dylan Mackin and Kieran Moore again missed out. Olly McDonald, the former Kilmarnock winger, was among the subs a trialist.
We played some good stuff against the elements and carved out a couple of decent openings while Annan had a penalty appeal waved away when Nathan Flanagan went down under a challenge from Kyle Banner before we went ahead in 40 minutes. Jack Leitch swung in a corner from the right and Ryan headed home from close range for his first league goal.
We made a very strong start to the second half and David Wilson’s deflected free-kick hit the post. Jordan Pettigrew later made an outstanding save to deny Leitch from close range but Peter Murphy’s men also had their chances.
Former Dalbeattie Star striker Iain Anderson twice came close for the Galabankies and Cammy Binnie denied Nathan Flanagan as we earned our first league win since beating Brechin on February 29.
Stirling Albion: Binnie, McGeachie, Banner, El-Zubaidi, McGregor, K Roberts, Ryan, Wilson, Byrne, Leitch, S Roberts. Subs (not used): Law (GK), Magee, Thomson, Docherty, Heaver, Creaney, McDonald.
Scorer: Andy Ryan 40
Annan Athletic: Pettigrew, Hunter, Clark, Moxon, Douglas, Swinglehurst, Smith, Splaine, Wright, Anderson (Fleming 88), Flanagan. Subs (not used): Mitchell (GK), Watson, Currie, Docherty, Emmerson, Love.
Referee: Matthew MacDermid
