It was a damp day at Forthbank as Bonnyrigg Rose made the journey west from the capital to face an on form Binos team.
Stirling came into the game on the back of 5 straight league wins and a Scottish Cup penalty shootout victory over Brechin City, while Bonnyrigg were looking to bounce back from last week’s 3-2 Scottish Cup defeat to Sauchie.
Stirling lined up in their usual 4-4-2 system with several changes from last week with Cummins, Banner, Dunsmore and Thomson all coming into the starting XI.
The first 10 minutes of the game was a real midfield battle with both teams trying to get used to the ball skidding about on a slippery Forthbank surface.
The first chance fell to Kyle Banner on 11 minutes but the Albion midfielder’s effort was high and wide.
The first goal didn’t take long to come after that though. 16 minutes in Ross McGeachie, captain for the day in the absence of Paul McLean, launched a long throw into the Bonnyrigg penalty area. It was knocked down by Robert Thomson and fell to the feet of Dale Carrick. He fired high into the net at the second attempt for his 11th goal of the season and scoring for the 6th game in a row.
Just a few minutes later Thomson himself had the chance to score. He rounded the keeper but Mark Weir in the Rose goal made a good recovery to block and Aaron Dunsmore could only fire the rebound wide.
With 40 minutes on the clock Bonnyrigg Rose had their first and only shot of the game and converted. Former Stirling Uni player Conor Doan made a good run down the left and his excellent cross left Kevin Smith able to prod home at the front post to equalise for the visitors.
Half time – Stirling Albion 1 Bonnyrigg Rose 1
Stirling started the second half strongly, seeing a lot of the ball and in the 53rd minute got the chance to retake the lead after Kai Fortheringham was fouled in the box by Neil Martyniuk after an excellent driving run down the left. Dale Carrick stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards, sending the Rose keeper the wrong way. The keeper was booked for continuing to protest following the penalty.
Stirling made their first changes of the game in the 68th minute with manager Darren Young ringing the changes. Robert Thomson, Aaron Dunsmore and Harrison Clark all came off, replaced by Kieran Moore, Danny Denholm and Ross Davidson.
Just 4 minutes later Ross Davidson forced Mark Weir into a stunning save. He picked up the ball 20 yards from goal and his right foot shot looked destined for the top corner only for the Rose keeper to produce a top save and tip it over the bar.
With time running out and the visitors pushing for a second leveller, they were dealt a blow with only 5 minutes left on the clock. Callum Connelly was sent off for a second yellow card after a foul on Danny Denholm midway in the Stirling half.
The Binos defended superbly in the last few minutes of the game and got their due result. It was another excellent victory at home and 6 league wins in a row, matching our best record since the 2016/17 season.
Next up it’s a trip to Coatbridge to face Albion Rovers next week in the cinch League 2. See you there!
Stirling Albion: Currie, McGeachie, McGregor, Cummins, C.Clark, Dunsmore(Moore 68’), Banner, H.Clark(Davidson 68’), Fotheringham(Cooper 90+’), Carrick, Thomson(Denholm 68’).
Subs not used: Law, Burns.
Attendance: 742
