The Albion - January 2015

Albi nSTIRLING ALBION F.C. OFFICIAL MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2015

Albi nthe

ISSUE #34 I £3.00

#34

HAPPY NEW YEARTHE BINOS START 2015 WITH A WIN

THE LOCKER ROOMROSS MCGEACHIE

2 / JANUARY 2015 / WWW.STIRLINGALBIONFC.CO.UK

Club Executive TeamChair and Operations DirectorStuart Brown

Finance DirectorAlan Christie

Commercial DirectorJohn Hunter

DirectorDavid McFarlane

MembersGraham DouglasJim Thomson

AdministratorNeil Mackay

Football ManagementManagerStuart McLaren

Assistant ManagerMartyn Corrigan

PhysiotherapistJenna Orr

Goalkeeping CoachDavid Westwood

Club DoctorMichael Beyer

Heads of YouthStewart Taylor (Admin)Blair Cremin (Coaching)

Under 19 CoachesGraeme DonaldDavid Binnie

Community Engagement ManagerAndrew Todd

Modern ApprenticeStephen Al-Sayed

Club MascotBino the Bear

Club ChaplainDuncan Strathdee (0778 991 2259)

Editor’s Notes

CONTENTS REGULAR FEATURES:03. INSIDE THE BOX 04. ALBION NEWS06. VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT 12. THE LOCKER ROOM

16

Welcome back to Forthbank for the first home game of 2015. Of course, this means a new edition of the magazine and there has been a large number of games that we’ve had to cover in this issue due to the festive period and the time between February’s first home game.

I hope you all had a wonderful time during the holidays, but I’m sure some of you are glad to be back to normal.

It’s been a turbulent season for the club so far, and since arriving at the club Stuart McLaren has managed to raise the level of performances for the club, however results just weren’t coming, and none more frustrating than the loss to Greenock Morton in late December.I honestly thought at 3-1 that thegame was ours, but football canbe a cruel mistress and the threepoints were stolen from us by thetravelling ’Ton.

12

JAN. 2015 I #34

04. INSIDE THE BOX 05. ALBION NEWS06. VIEW FRON THE DUGOUT07. MATCH REPORT VS. PETERHEAD08. MATCH REPORT VS. FORFAR09. MATCH REPORT VS. AYR UNITED10. MATCH REPORT VS. GREENOCK MORTON11. MATCH REPORT VS. STENHOUSEMUIR12. THE LOCKER ROOM: ROSS McGEACHIE16. HOME PREVIEW: DUNFERMLINE24. AWAY PREVIEW: PETERHEAD 26. HOME PREVIEW: FORFAR28. AWAY PREVIEW: STRANRAER32. COMMUNITY CORNER34. JUNIOR BINOS36. SQUAD AND SPONSOR PROFILES

Nonetheless, Stuart and the squad managed to reap the rewards for their hard work last Saturday as they made the short trip to Stenhousemuir and gained the victory thanks to goals from Craig Comrie and Gordon Smith; I’m sure we can all agree it’s good to see Comrie back to fitness and Smith back in amongst the goals!

Of course, we’ve seen the departures of club captain Darren Smith and young Blair Munn since we last published and I’d like to wish both of the them the best of luck in their endeavours.

Ross McGeachie spoke to the magazine this month, and you can catch up with what’s going on in the community thanks to Andy Todd’s regular features.

I hope you enjoy the match today.’Mon the Binos!

David ChalmersEditor & Head of Design

@[email protected]

HOME PREVIEW:DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC

THELOCKERROOMROSS McGEACHIE


Editors:David Chalmers & Ben Ramage

Contributors:Jim Thomson, Ben Ramage, Andy Todd, Stuart Brown, Niels Bootsma, Stuart McLaren

Thanks to:Ross McGeachie, Stuart McLaren, Stuart Brown, Andy Todd, Jim Thomson, Alan Christie, David Brown, Neil Mackay

Photography:Niels Bootsma, Colin Poultney, Tony Fimister, Raith Rovers FC, Prudential, Daily Record, BBC, Andy Todd, SNS Group, The Scotsman, The Herald, David Sargent, Stranraer FC, Getty Images, Dunfermline Athletic, Brechin City FC, Airdrieonians FC, Robert Dalzell, Jim Thomson,

Design:David Chalmers

Printing: Mailboxes Etc. Stirling

Contact:[email protected]

Interact:T| 01786 450399E| [email protected]| stirlingalbionfc.co.uk

CLUB HONOURS

C Division Champions 1946/47

B Division Champions1952/53

Second Division Champions1957/58, 1976/77, 1990/91, 1995/96, 2009/10

Division One Play-off Winners2006/07

League Two Play-off Winners2013/14

Stirlingshire Cup Winners1953/54, 54/55, 58/59, 71/72, 73/74, 76/77, 77/78, 83/84, 88/89, 91/92, 98/99, 2003/04, 04/05, 05/06

THE ALBION MAGAZINE

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“

On behalf of everyone at Stirling Albion, I extend a very warm welcome and a Happy New Year to our January visitors to

Forthbank. We face the two Athletic’s in the league - Dunfermline and Forfar - and both will provide stern opposition as we seek to build on our good start to 2015 following on from our away victory at Stenhousemuir in the “New Year Derby“.

Not for the first time this season, the Stenhousemuir fixture saw football put into perspective, with the tragic news of the untimely passing of their under 20’s player, Kyle Doherty. The thoughts and sympathies of everyone associated with Stirling Albion are extended to Kyle’s family and friends.

The Stenhousemuir fixture also saw the all too brief debut start of our loan player, Lewis Small who lasted less than five minutes before suffering a recurrence of his shoulder injury. Lewis has returned to his parent club, Falkirk, for treatment and rehabilitation and he goes with our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

We’re just past the halfway point in the season and whilst currently we are looking up at the nine other teams in the league, the Board, Management and Players remain hugely positive about our prospects of retaining our SPFL1 status and I can give my personal assurance that no stone will be left unturned by the aforementioned in setting

about delivering on this positivity.

Away from the football, the success of our much vaunted Hospitality Packages continues to go from strength to strength - we had 126 at the Morton game at the end of December and nearly 100 will be in attendance for the Dunfermline game. There are still spaces available for Forfar Athletic on the 24th - why not treat yourself and your friends / colleagues? The Hospitality Team, led by Jim Inglis, will guarantee you a great afternoon!

In my first “Inside the Box“ since the incidents that took place at the Peterhead game at the beginning of December, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone attending Forthbank Stadium of my determination to provide a family friendly and safe environment for fans of all ages. In doing so I would draw your attention to the Supporters Code of Conduct that is available to view on the Official Website, with particular reference to guidance regarding the inappropriate and totally unacceptable use of foul and abusive language. I also wish to stress that SAFC will take appropriate action against any SAFC supporter found guilty of bringing the Club’s name into disrepute whilst travelling to and/or attending an away fixture.

Stuart BrownChairman SAFC

INSIDE THE BOX

“

Away from the football, the success of our much vaunted Hospitality Packages continues to go from strength to strength - we had 126 at the Morton game at the end of December and nearly 100 will be in attendance for the Dunfermline game.

STUART BROWN

WAITING IS OVERAfter some good performances with little reward, we got 2015 off to an ideal start with a 2-1 win over Stenhousemuir in the New Year derby at Ochilview. It was our first victory in League 1 since we defeated the Warriors 5-4 on August 23 and closed the gap on second-bottom Ayr to five points.

INJURY UPDATEBinos boss Stuart McLaren is hoping that midfielder Darren Lee Smith will be available for selection by the end of the month. Darren rejoined us from Stenhousemuir during the summer after two years at Ochilview but hasn’t played since October due to a knee problem. He underwent minor surgery in December and is now on the road to recovery.

Meanwhile, Lewis Small, on loan from Falkirk, suffered a recurrence of the shoulder injury he had been troubled with previously in our 2-1 win at Stenhousemuir. The 19-year-old was forced off in the opening minutes and was replaced by Lewis Coult. Steven Doris missed out against the Warriors as he has been carrying a knock in recent weeks while Graham Weir was absent due to a groin strain.

U20 PLAYERS INCLUDEDWell done to Keiron Magennis, top scorer for our U20 team this season, and goalkeeper Cameron Binnie, who were both included in the first-team squad for the first time when we played Stenhousemuir at Ochilview on January 3.

YOUNGSTERS EARN CALL-UPSWe are delighted to announce that two players from Stirling Albion have

been named in the Scottish Schools U18 squad for this season’s Centenary Shield games, and a home match against Australia. Congratulations are due to both Conor McKenzie of Dunblane High School and Daniel Wilcox, who attends Denny High School.

SKIPPER MOVES ONClub captain Darren Smith left Stirling Albion last month and has since announced his retirement from the senior game, although he hopes to keep playing at some level.

Darren joined from Arbroath at the beginning of 2014 and was a key influence in the middle of the park as we went on to win promotion via the play-offs. The 34-year-old former East Fife and Brechin player missed the start of 2014/15 through injury and had been limited to five starts this season.

Manager Stuart McLaren said: “It is always a difficult time when a decision is reached to allow someone of Darren’s quality and experience to leave a football club. That decision is magnified when the player in question is one of the game’s true gentlemen and a thorough professional.”

Darren Smith said: “I would like to thank everyone involved at Stirling Albion FC for the support shown to me over the past year I have been with the club. A special thanks goes to the chairman and board, as well as the new and old management teams for everything they have done for me - not forgetting my team-mates, who have been a pleasure to work with.”

Also leaving Forthbank in December was Blair Munn. The 19-year-old

midfielder, who was previously with Alloa, made his debut in a 3-1 home win over Berwick Rangers 13 months ago and started last January’s 1-1 draw against Annan. Blair spent time on loan at Sauchie earlier this season and was also on the bench for a number of first-team matches without making an appearance in 2014/15.

TOP SCORERS8 Gordon Smith6 Steven Doris5 Sandy Cunningham3 Darren Lee Smith1 Angus Beith1 Craig Comrie1 Dale Fulton1 Phil Johnston1 Ross McGeachie1 Chris Smith1 Craig Wedderburn1 Graham Weir

LEAGUE ONE TABLE (07/01/2015)

P Pts1 Stranraer 19 36 2 Forfar Athletic 18 33 3 Morton 19 31 4 Dunfermline 18 28 5 Brechin City 18 28 6 Airdrieonians 19 24 7 Peterhead 17 24 8 Stenhousemuir 19 20 9 Ayr United 18 17 10 Stirling Albion 19 12

FEBRUARY FIXTURESWe begin next month with a trip to Cappielow to play Morton on February 7 then we have back-to-back home games against Ayr United and Brechin City. We end the month with a game against Airdrieonians at the Excelsior Stadium on February 28.


ALBION NEWS

FIXTURES26 Jul PTC R1 Elgin City 3-02 Aug LC R1 Alloa 0-1 9 Aug L1 Peterhead 1-1 16 Aug L1 Ayr United 1-319 Aug PTC R2 Alloa 1-223 Aug L1 Stenhousemuir 5-4 30 Aug L1 Airdrieonians 0-013 Sep L1 Brechin City 0-520 Sep L1 Forfar Athletic 2-227 Sep L1 Stranraer 0-24 Oct L1 Dunfermline 0-211 Oct L1 Morton 0-218 Oct L1 Stenhousemuir 0-425 Oct L1 Airdrieonians 2-21 Nov SC Hurlford United 1-1

8 Nov SC Hurlford United 2-2 (AET: Stirling win 13-12 on penalties)11 Nov L1 Brechin City 1-215 Nov L1 Stranraer 1-122 Nov L1 Dunfermline 0-429 Nov SC Raith Rovers 0-26 Dec L1 Peterhead 2-313 Dec L1 Forfar Athletic 1-220 Dec L1 Ayr United 2-227 Dec L1 Morton 3-43 Jan L1 Stenhousemuir 2-110 Jan L1 Dunfermline17 Jan L1 Peterhead24 Jan L1 Forfar Athletic31 Jan L1 Stranraer

7 Feb L1 Morton14 Feb L1 Ayr United21 Feb L1 Brechin City28 Feb L1 Airdrieonians7 Mar L1 Stranraer14 Mar L1 Dunfermline21 Mar L1 Peterhead28 Mar L1 Forfar Athletic4 Apr L1 Airdrieonians11 Apr L1 Brechin City 18 Apr L1 Morton25 Apr L1 Ayr United 2 May L1 Stenhousemuir


< GRAHAM WEIR


Peterhead came out on top at Forthbank to leave us six points adrift at the foot of League 1.

Bryan Gilfillan had the Blue Toon ahead at the break and they increased their lead with a Phil Johnston own goal.

Steven Doris pulled one back but Cammy Kerr added a third for Jim McInally’s men. Sandy C u n n i n g h a m reduced the deficit with 11 minutes left and he came close in stoppage time but we remain without a home league win this season.

There was a place on the bench for on-loan Falkirk striker Lewis Small and he made his debut as a substitute with 20 minutes left. Willie Robertson, suspended, and injured duo Lewis Coult and Darren Lee Smith again missed out.

Albion claimed a well-earned 1-1 draw at Balmoor on the opening day of the season but Peterhead won

on their previous visit and triumphed again.Steven Noble rattled the bar before Gilfillan

headed in Jamie Stevenson’s corner after half an hour and, aside from Doris forcing a decent save from Graeme Smith, we struggled in the first period.

The visitors doubled their advantage early in the second half when the unfortunate Johnston could only divert the ball into his own net after Reidford had made an excellent stop from Ryan Strachan.

Doris gave us hope with his first league goal, forcing the ball home after it bounced around the box following a corner, but within three minutes Peterhead restored their two-goal cushion, Kerr finding the net from 20 yards with the aid of a deflection.

Cunningham grabbed his fourth goal of the season with a diving header but the visitors held on to stay sixth in the table.

MATCH REPORT

ReidfordHamilton

McGeachieC. SmithForsyth

Johnston (71)Beith

Fulton (57)Cunningham

DorisG. Smith (58)

Subs:Paterson

WedderburnWeir (57)

Comrie (58)Creaney

Small (71)McClune

SmithKerrRoss

StrachanNobleMillar

RedmanGilfillan (74)Stevenson

Cox (61)McAllister (83)

Subs:Rodgers (74)

Cowie (61)Brown (83)Richardson

McLarenJarvie

DORIS BAGS FIRST LEAGUE GOAL IN NARROW HOME LOSS

2 STIRLING ALBIONDORIS 69, CUNNINGHAM 79

3 PETERHEADGILFILLAN 30, JOHNSTON OG 51, KERR 72

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 6THDEC 2014

ATT: 515

LEFT:Steven Doris in action earlier this season

PHOTO: Niels Bootsma

““

Doris gave us hope with this first league goal, forcing the

ball home after it bounced around the box following a

corner

Sub Martyn Fotheringham headed a late

winner as leaders Forfar claimed a narrow

victory at a freezing Station Park.

Darren Dods gave Dick Campbell’s men the

lead before Steven Doris equalised in first-half

stoppage time.

Gordon Smith missed a great chance early

in the second period and we played some good

football on the artificial pitch but Forfar ultimately

claimed the points and results elsewhere in

League 1 also went against us.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made just one

change to the team that lost 3-2 to Peterhead at

Forthbank last week, with Craig Comrie making

his first start since August in place of Dale Fulton,

who was ill.

Willie Robertson was suspended and Darren

Lee Smith and Lewis Coult again missed out for

what was our first visit to Station Park since a 4-3

defeat in March 2012.

There was plenty to admire about the Stirling

performance, with Comrie and on-loan Hearts

teenager Angus Beith doing well in the middle of

the park and Cunningham causing problems for

the Forfar defence in his role just off the front.

It was Forfar who took the lead, though,

following a corner in 26 minutes when Dods was

allowed to turn in the box and slam a shot past

Callum Reidford, who had done well to deny Mark

Baxter earlier in the match.

The equaliser arrived in first half-stoppage

time when Cunningham created the opening for

Doris and he found the bottom corner for his

fourth goal of the season.

Our best spell of the game came in the early

part of the second half, during which Gordon

Smith was sent clear by Cunningham but he

failed to beat Douglas.

Other than a Chris Templeman header that

sailed narrowly wide, we restricted Forfar

to few chances but, with nine minutes left,

Fotheringham was given too much space in the

box and he thumped home a header from a left-

wing cross for the winning goal.


MATCH REPORT

DouglasBaxterDunlopDods

Paterson (69)Kader

HusbandSmith

Denholm (74)Hilson (47)Swankie

Subs:Templeman (47)

Fotheringham (74)Malcolm (69)

MalinDale

JamesSalmon

ReidfordHamilton

McGeachieSmith

Forsyth (52)Johnston (77)

BeithComrie (83)

CunninghamDorisSmith

Subs:Wedderburn

Weir (83)Smith

Small (77)Paterson

Creaney (52)McClune

FOTHERINGHAM BREAKS BINO HEARTS WITH LATE WINNER

LEAGUEONE

SAT 13THDEC 2014

ATT: 495

LEFT:Lee Hamilton playing at Forthbank in another game


2 FORFAR ATHLETICDODS 26, FOTHERINGHAM 81

1 STIRLING ALBIONDORIS 45

Craig Beattie grabbed a last-minute equaliser at Somerset Park to deny us our first League 1 victory since August.

Alan Forrest gave Ayr the lead early in the second half but two superb strikes from Steven Doris had us on course for full points until Beattie, on as a substitute, popped up at the end.

The result meant we remained eight points behind both Ayr and Stenhousemuir.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made one change from the team that lost 2-1 to Forfar the previous week, with James Creaney replacing Ross Forsyth. Darren Lee Smith and Lewis Coult were again out injured and Willie Robertson was absent due to illness.

U20 players Sean Robertson and Stephen Al-Sayed were named among the substitutes for our first visit to Somerset Park since a 3-1 defeat in April 2009.

Ayr had Andy Millen in caretaker charge following the departure on Monday of manager Mark Roberts following a run of five straight defeats in League 1.

Albion played some good stuff in the first half but clear-cut chances were at a premium and neither keeper was seriously tested - Callum Reidford saved

a header from a corner and Gordon Smith dragged a shot wide at the other end.

Ayr went ahead in 54 minutes when Forrest, brother of Celtic player James, burst through the middle and rounded Reidford to knock the ball into the empty net.

The equaliser came midway through the second period when Doris found the top corner with a free-kick from 25 yards after Cunningham had been fouled and he netted his sixth goal of the season with another fabulous finish with 10 minutes left.

Substitute Graham Weir provided the assist and the ex-Dundee and Arbroath forward guided the ball into the bottom corner with a perfectly-placed shot that was wide of keeper David Hutton and just inside the post.

Stirling looked set to claim a vital win but the Honest Men, without a home victory since August, earned a point in the last minute when a free-kick from the left touchline was hoisted into the box - the ball was turned into the path of the unmarked Beattie and the former Scotland striker finished confidently with a first-time shot.


MATCH REPORT

HuttonDevlin

MurphyCumminsCrawfordForrest

Gilmour (75)McLaughlin

DonaldMcGovernDonnelly

Subs:Beattie (75)

ShirkieMuir

McArthurMcGill

Newman

ReidfordHamilton

McGeachieSmith

CreaneyJohnston (65)

BeithComrie

Smith (66)Cunningham

Doris

Subs:Wedderburn

Weir (65)Fulton

Small (66)RobertsonAl SayedMcClune

DORIS DOUBLE NOT ENOUGH AS BEATTIE GRABS LAST-GASP GOAL

2 AYR UNITEDFORREST 54, BEATTIE 90

2 STIRLING ALBIONDORIS 66, 80

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 20THDEC 2014

ATT: 880

LEFT:Ross Forsyth in action at Forthbank in another game

PHOTO: Colin Poultney


Three goals in a six-minute spell late in the game earned Morton a dramatic victory at Fortbank as they moved to within two

points of League 1 leaders Stranraer and Forfar.Stirling looked on course for a first home

league win of 2014/15 as we led 3-1 with 15 minutes remaining but Jim Duffy’s men came storming back to leave us eight points adrift of Ayr at the foot of the table.

It was a shattering defeat and we had keeper Callum Reidford sent off in stoppage time for a foul on Joe McKee. Striker Lewis Coult took over between the posts on his return after two months out and denied Declan McManus his hat-trick with a fine penalty save but the damage had already been done.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made one change to the team that drew 2-2 at Ayr the previous week, with Craig Wedderburn replacing Lee Hamilton in defence, for our first home meeting with Morton since we won 3-2 in May 2011.

Sandy Cunningham headed us in front from a Ross McGeachie cross, out-jumping keeper Derek Gaston to loop the ball under the crossbar

after only three minutes, but McKee equalised when he thundered a 25-yarder into the bottom corner.

McGeachie restored our advantage with a terrific angled finish after good work by Phil Johnston but Morton came close to a leveller when McManus rattled the post.

Johnston missed a great chance early in the second half before on-loan Hearts midfielder Angus Beith found the corner with a powerful free-kick from the edge of the area to make it 3-1 on the hour mark.

Comrie almost added a fourth goal at the end of a superb passage of play but Morton, in particular McManus, always looked a threat and the on-loan Aberdeen forward made space in the box to fire a low shot beyond Reidford and give the visitors hope.

It was a pivotal moment in the game and within six minutes we were behind. Wedderburn diverted a Mark Russell shot into his own net then McManus lashed a 20-yarder beyond Reidford as Morton completed a remarkable comeback.

MATCH REPORT

ReidfordMcGeachie

CreaneyWedderburn

C. SmihBeith

Johnston (82)ComrieDoris

G. Smith (66)Cunningham (77)

Subs:PatersonMcClune

FultonRobertson (77)

Weir (66)Small

Coult (82)

GastonKildayLamieO’Ware

CrightonMilojevic (46)J. McCluskey

McKeeBarrowmanMcManus

Pepper (46)

Subs:McGowan

MillerOrr

AllanS. McCLuskey (46)

Russell (46)

MCMANUS BAGS A BRACE IN MORTON COMEBACK

LEAGUEONE

SAT 27THDEC 2014

ATT: 931

LEFT:Sandy Cunningham controlling the ball


3 STIRLING ALBIONCUNNINGHAM 3, MCGEACHIE 30, BEITH 59

4 GREENOCK MORTONMCKEE 28, MCMANUS 75, 81, WEDDERBURN OG 79

First-half goals from Craig Comrie and Gordon Smith earned us a vital victory in the New Year derby.

Colin McMenamin pulled one back before the break but we held on for only our second League 1 win of the season - the first was 5-4 at the same venue in August - to close the gap on Ayr United to five points.

There was a minute’s silence before the game in memory of Stenhousemuir U20 player Kyle Doherty, who tragically died earlier this week.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made two changes to the team beaten 4-3 by Morton, with Greg Paterson replacing the suspended Callum Reidford in goal and Lewis Small handed his first start as Steven Doris had been ruled out with a knock.

There was a place among the subs for the first time for youth team striker Keiron Magennis and keeper Cameron Binnie while Lewis Coult was pitched in after just five minutes as on-loan Falkirk forward Small was forced off with a shoulder injury.

Stenhousemuir gave a debut to former Partick Thistle player Lee Gallacher but former Albion striker Martin Grehan had to settle for a place on the bench.

Warriors keeper Greg Fleming had already made a

good save to keep out a Gordon Smith header before we took the lead after 24 minutes.

On-loan Hearts midfielder Angus Beith, who had an excellent match, took a corner short to Comrie and his low shot from just outside the box found the net with the aid of a slight deflection as Scott Booth’s team appealed in vain for offside.

We doubled our advantage five minutes later thanks to an eighth goal of the season for Gordon Smith. The summer signing from Raith Rovers made a powerful run into the box and tucked the ball into the corner for his first goal since the end of October.

Stenhousemuir got back in it before half-time when McMenamin hooked a shot high past Paterson and ex-Bino Alan Lithgow then hit the bar following a corner.

Keeping goals out has been a problem all season but we restricted the Warriors to very few opportunities in the second half, although Paterson did well to claw away a Lithgow header in his first appearance since the August 23 game here.

Gordon Smith forced a smart save from Fleming and Coult wasn’t far away from his first Albion goal as we started 2015 with a badly-needed win against our local rivals.


MATCH REPORT

FlemingDuncan

MeechanLithgow

SummersK. Millar

Hodge (75)Faulds

McMenaminGallacgher (60)

Dickson (88)

Subs:Smith

McMillanFotheringhamEddington (60)

Watt (88)Sludden

Grehan (75)

PatersonMcGeachie

CreaneyWedderburn

C. SmithBeith

ComrieJohnstonSmall (5)

G. Smith (89)Cunningham (79)

Subs:Binnie

McClune (79)Hamilton (89)

RobertsonFulton

MagennisCoult (5)

BINOS KICK OFF 2015 IN STYLE WITH VICTORY AT OCHILVIEW

1 STENHOUSEMUIRMCMENAMIN 34

2 STIRLING ALBIONCOMRIE 24, G SMITH 29

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 3RDJAN 2015

ATT: 586

LEFT:Gordon Smith taking aim

PHOTO: Colin Poultney


DC: The team finally won on Saturday to kick off 2015; what was it like to win at Ochilview again after such a long spell without victory?

RM: Although it felt like it had been coming for a few weeks, it was a great relief to get the win after the work the players, the manager, Martyn (Corrigan) and David Westwood have put in. We need to take the confidence from this result and take it into today’s game against Dunfermline.

Obviously you started the season on the bench for most games, was it frustrating seeing the team fail to get results?

It was very frustrating, even more so sitting on the bench but you just keep working hard and hopefully we start to get the results we need to turn it around.

THE LOCKER ROOM

STIRLING’S ROSS McGEACHIE CAUGHT UP WITH EDITOR DAVID CHALMERS TO SPEAK ABOUT THE TEAM AND HIS PERFORMANCES


How have you found the step up to League One personally, and do you think the team are starting to find their level?

Personally, as a young player you look to learn from every game you play in so it can only benefit us jumping up a division. I think the team are starting to find their feet and we will be doing every thing we can to climb off the bottom of the table. Our result on Saturday against Stenhousemuir can only bring us confidence.

You got your first goal of the season in the loss against Morton; is that something you’ve been working on or was it just the right place at the right time?

It was more of being in the right place at the right time to be honest. I just remember the ball landing at my feet and I only had one thing in mind, It was a relief to see it hit the back of the net.

How gutting was it to lose that match after looking solid at 3-1?

Everyone was hurting after the game. We were pretty comfortable at 3-1 and we should have shut the game out but we didn’t and we got punished for our mistakes.

I think we learnt from it against Stenhousemuir on Saturday where we managed to get the three3 points we deserved.

Is Lewis Coult still raving about his save?

It’s always funny to see an outfield player save a penalty. He was telling everyone he stopped it going into the bottom corner but although it was heading towards the corner it was probably about the middle of the goal.

You seem to have developed a real understanding with Lee Hamilton on that right hand side recently; do you rotate between the right-back and right-midfield position during the matches?

Lee is my best mate outside of football and we both work at Neil Hart Electrical as apprentice electricians. We get a bit of stick from the rest of the boys because we are always together. They call us the Geordie twins as they say we would fit right into the TV series Geordie Shore with our style. Lee and I are trying to get a good understanding together on the park. I know if I go forward, he will sit back and cover me and visa versa but we are still working on it and learning every game.

What has Stuart McLaren done for you since coming into the club?

The Gaffer and Martyn have been great with me since taking over. I feel they believe in me, as well as the other young boys, and they have shown that by giving me a chance in the starting 11. The coaching and organisation we are getting as a team and individually is really good and I feel it will help me develop as a player.

It’s Dunfermline at home today, what kind of challenge do the Pars present?

We know it is a massive challenge as they are a full time team, but we have to go into the game believing we can win it. The only way we will do that is by working hard. We are all determined to get the result we need.

It’s a competitive league and any result can happen; can the Binos climb off the bottom this year in a similar run to the 2012/13 season when you almost made the play-offs?

Of course we believe we can climb the table. Every game is a difficult one; however, our confidence is growing every week and we feel we are capable of going on a wee run.

Finally, what’s your hopes for the rest of the year?

First and foremost to stay in League 1 and personally to keep improving as a player.

THE LOCKER ROOM


BEN RAMAGE

After a month of missed opportunities with some more promising performances from the Binos failing to tally points, Stirling finally welcome a

team to the Forthbank on the back of a victory again. After the impressive, and vital, win at Stenhousemuir Albion welcome Dunfermline for the first home game of 2015. That victory was just the second of the season, with the other three points picked up at the same ground back in August, and the Binos will be hoping to register their first home victory of the season when they take on the Pars.

After a strong start to the season, John Potter’s squad endured a trickier festive period, managing only one victory in December and drawing their first game of 2015 when visited by Peterhead. However, the side still visit the Forthbank occupying the last play-off position thanks to their superior goal difference over Brechin, and will be hoping to further cement

their position there with a first victory of the year.The historic Fife side have struggled for goals this

season, but their solid defence has helped to keep them well and truly in the hunt for promotion. They have only conceded 16 goals so far, the best defensive record in the division. The solid foundation is built on the relatively youthful shoulders of defenders such as Lewis Martin and Gregor Buchanan and Irish

goalkeeper Ryan Scully. While Michael Moffat hasn’t provided the goals Par fans were hoping for given his record last year for Ayr United, current leading goalscorer Faissal El Bakhtaoui has contributed some important goals

for the Pars despite making several of his appearances from the bench.

Albion will have to watch both closely if they are to keep a clean sheet against the talented finishers. The Pars still look good to make the play-offs come the end of the season, but will have to return to winning ways soon to grab one of the fiercely contested spots.

MATCH PREVIEW

STIRLING ALBION VS. DUNFERMLINE

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 10THJANUARY 2015

15:00 KO

FORTHBANK STADIUM

DUNFERMLINE FACTFILEFOUNDED: 1885 NICKNAME: THE PARS STADIUM: EAST END PARK CAPACITY: 11,480 CURRENT MANAGER: JOHN POTTER

“

“

After a strong start to the season, John Potter’s squad

endured a trickier festive period, managing only one

victory in December and drawing their first game of 2015.


FIXTURESGoalkeepers:Ryan GoodfellowRyan Scully

Defenders:Gregor BuchananRoss DrummondLewis MartinRoss MillenJonathan Page

Ryan Williamson

Midfielders:Shaun ByrneJosh FalkinghamRoss ForbesAndy GegganLewis SpenceAndy StirlingRyan Thomson

Ryan WallaceAlex Whittle

Forwards:Faissal El BakhtaouiMichael MoffatAllan SmithChigozie Ugwu

SQUAD LIST

STIRLING ALBION vs DUNFERMLINEJAN 10th | LEAGUE ONE | FORTHBANK

DUNFERMLINE vs AIRDRIEONIANSJAN 17th | LEAGUE ONE | EAST END

GREENOCK MORTON vs DUNFERMLINEJAN 24TH | LEAGUE ONE | CAPPIELOW

Dunfermline put four past Stirling the last time the clubs met back in November at East End Park. The Pars were well worth the margin of victory, with young former Reading striker Gozie Ogwu bagging himself a hat-trick in just an hour.

Andy Stirling’s free-kick added the gloss to the scoreline, with things going from bad to worse for the Bino’s when Willie Robertson was sent off for a late lunge on Par’s skipper Josh Falkingham.

Albion put up very little fight against Dunfermline as they struggled with their excellent pace and movement, and will be hoping to make a better fist of it and must take confidence from last week’s brilliant away victory over Stenhousemuir.

4 DUNFERMLINEUGWU 5, 18, 60, STIRLING 71

0 STIRLING ALBION

LEAGUEONE

SAT 22NDNOV 2014

ATT: 2,451

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERFAISSAL EL BAKHTAOUIFaissal El Bakhtaoui has scored four for the Par’s so far, and will be hoping his contributions will see him work his way into a regular starter. The 22-year old French Moroccan was brought to the Par’s by former boss Jim Jeffries after impressing on trial back in 2012. The talented striker will have to be carefully guarded by the Bino’s rear-guard, whether he starts or comes on as an impact substitute as he often has this season.

THE GAFFERJOHN POTTERJohn Potter took the reins from Jim Jeffries just last month, taking the managerial hot seat for the first time having previously coached the Par’s under 20’s side. The 35-year old was born in Dunfermline, and spent two separate spells playing for the side as a defender, as well as turning out for Clyde, St. Mirren and Queen of the South. Potter started his footballing career at Celtic, notably captaining their reserve side and was highly rated before a managerial change scuppered his chances in Glasgow.

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F U R N I T U R E C E N T R E


BEN RAMAGE

S tirling will be looking for their second away victory of the month when they travel to Aberdeenshire to face Jim McInally’s

Peterhead. Stirling were promoted alongside last season’s League Two champions, who themselves have had a solid start to their League campaign this season.

The Blue Toon sit mid-table despite having two f i x t u r e s p o s t p o n e d over the winter period so far. The a m b i t i o u s side will travel to the Forthbank keen to keep up with the chasing pack aiming for promotion spots, when their games in hand could really aid their successive promotion dreams. Gaffer and former Scotland international McInally managed to keep much of his title winning squad together, which has

greatly helped their steady start to life in League One.

Summer signing James Stevenson has made an immediate impact for Peterhead this season having joined from Cowdenbeath, the former Real Mallorca player scoring four goals from midfield already. McInally also did well to keep hold of star striker Rory McAllister. The Blue Toon’s

lead scorer for the past two seasons has continued his rich vein of form, leading the side’s scoring charts again this season having picked up six already. Steven Noble has continued

to captain the side having worn the armband for Peterhead when they gained promotion, and is a strong influence in their strong midfield.

With a long-serving and ambitious manager and a settled and talented squad, it would not be a huge surprise to see Peterhead occupying a play-off spot come the end of the season.

MATCH PREVIEW

PETERHEAD VS. STIRLING ALBION

LEAGUE ONE


15:00 KO

BALMOOR

“

“

With a long-serving andambitious manager and a settled

and talented squad, it would not be a huge surprise to see

Peterhead occupying a play-off spot come the end of the season.

PETERHEAD FACTFILEFOUNDED: 1891 NICKNAME: THE BLUE TOON STADIUM: BALMOOR CAPACITY: 3,150 CURRENT MANAGER: JIM MCINALLY


FIXTURESGoalkeepers:Paul JarvieGraeme Smith

Defenders:Steven NobleDean RichardsonScott Ross

Graeme SharpRoss SmithRyan Strachan

Midfielders:Jordon BrownDean CowieBryan Gilfillan

Ryan McCannJamie Redman

Forwards:David CoxRory McAllisterFraser McLarenAndy Rodgers

SQUAD LIST

AIRDRIEONIANS vs PETERHEADJAN 10th | LEAGUE ONE | EXCELSIOR

PETERHEAD vs STIRLING ALBIONJAN 17th | LEAGUE ONE | BALMOOR

BRECHIN vs PETERHEADJAN 24th | LEAGUE ONE | GLEBE PARK

Albion met Peterhead just last month, when the Blue Toon visited the Forthbank for what turned out to be a truly exciting game. The game marked the 30th anniversary weekend of the Binos incredible Scottish Cup result, with several of the squad responsible for the 20 - 0 thrashing of Selkirk in attendance.

However, Stirling couldn’t manage a repeat performance, instead going into half time 1 - 0 down thanks to a header from Gilfillan. Stirling were unlucky to find themselves two down shortly after the break when Johnston unfortunately scored at the wrong end, before Steven Doris pulled one back for the Bino’s. The comeback was short lived though, as Kerr’s strike fortunately deflected in for the visitor’s.

The Albion kept fighting though, and made it a tense final 10 minutes when Sandy Cunningham fired in a diving header. It wasn’t to be Stirling’s day, though, with Peterhead taking the three points, but it was a much improved performance from the Binos.

2 STIRLING ALBIONDORIS 69, CUNNINGHAM 79

3 PETERHEADGILFILLAN 30, JOHNSTON OG 51, KERR 72

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 6THDEC 2014

ATT: 515

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERRORY MCALLISTERRory McAllister has led the line brilliantly for Peterhead for the last four seasons, and has ended the season as top scorer the previous two. The former Scotland Under-21 international joined the side from Brechin City, and his goal-scoring exploits quickly led to him becoming a fan favourite. Born in Aberdeen, Rory started his career it the Don’s youth ranks before joining Inverness Caley Thistle. He became the first player to win the SPFL player of the month from outside the Premier League last March, when he prolifically notched eight goals in six games.

THE GAFFERJIM MCINALLYJim McInally took the reins at Peterhead in 2011, and won the side their first ever football league trophy when guiding them to promotion last season. He previously managed Greenock Morton and Bino’s neighbours East Stirlingshire. McInally had a glittering playing career, playing for Nottingham Forest in the mid-80’s before joining the brilliant Dundee United side which reached the UEFA Cup final in 1987. The combative midfielder gained ten caps for the Scottish national team thanks to his impressive performances for the Terror’s, whom he appeared for nearly 300 times.


DAVID CHALMERS

Forfar travel to Forthbank once again to face the Binos this month, and they’ll be looking to make sure they don’t slip up in their title

challenge with a game in hand at the time of writing.Dick Campbell’s team has been one of the front-

runners in League One this season after finishing in 7th place last year with just 43 points. The Loons already have 33 points this year and will have to endure an extremely dssapointing second half of the season if they are to finish so low once again.

A play-off spot might be a reasonable expectation to place upon Forfar this season, but the league title is certainly not out of reach. Some predicted a difficult season for Campbell after his brother Ian left the club, but it has been anything but. The

summer transfer window saw the dynamic Danny Denholm return to the club after a short spell with Livingston, while experienced midfielder Derek Young dropped down a division to join them. Dale Hilson from Dundee United joined the club and it has been fair to say that Hilson and Denholm have hit the ground running with both being well amongst the goals.

Their last match saw Brechin City extend their unbeaten run to nine matches thanks to goals from Jamie Masson and Alan Trouten. They secured a late draw with Airdrieonians on

the 20th December after defender Michael Dunlop headed home a leveller in the 81st minute; and late goals are a strength of their squad with Martyn Fotheringham having won the match against the Albion in December also.

The Binos will have to be at their best to take anything away from this fixture.

MATCH PREVIEW

STIRLING ALBION VS. FORFAR ATHLETIC

LEAGUE ONE


15:00 KO

FORTHBANK

FORFAR ATHLETIC FACTFILEFOUNDED: 1885 NICKNAME: THE LOONS STADIUM: STATION PARK CAPACITY: 6,777 CURRENT MANAGER: DICK CAMPBELL

“

“

With a long-serving andambitious manager and a settled

and talented squad, it would not be a huge surprise to see

Peterhead occupying a play-off spot come the end of the season.


FIXTURESGoalkeepers:Rab DouglasRoss Salmon

Defenders:Mark BaxterDarren DodsMichael DunlopAaron JamesStuart Malcolm

Jim PatersonAndrew Steeves

Midfielders:James DaleDanny DenholmMartyn FotheringhamStephen HusbandOmar KaderLiam Keiller

Gavin MalinCraig SmithDerek Young

Forwards:Dale HilsonPaul McLellanGavin SwankieChris Templeman

SQUAD LIST

STRANRAER vs FORFARJAN 10th | LEAGUE ONE | STAIR PARK

FORFAR vs STENHOUSEMUIRJAN 17th | LEAGUE ONE | STATION PARK

STIRLING ALBION vs FORFARJAN 24th | LEAGUE ONE | FORTHBANK

Sub Martyn Fotheringham headed a late winner as leaders Forfar claimed a narrow victory at a freezing Station Park.

Darren Dods gave Dick Campbell’s men the lead before Steven Doris equalised in first-half stoppage time.

There was plenty to admire about the Stirling performance, with Comrie and on-loan Hearts teenager Angus Beith doing well in the middle of the park and Cunningham causing problems for the Forfar defence in his role just off the front.

It was Forfar who took the lead, though, following a corner in 26 minutes when Dods was allowed to turn in the box and slam a shot past Callum Reidford, who had done well to deny Mark Baxter earlier in the match.

The equaliser arrived in first half-stoppage time when Cunningham created the opening for Doris and he found the bottom corner for his fourth goal of the season.

Our best spell of the game came in the early part of the second half, during which Gordon Smith was sent clear by Cunningham but he failed to beat Douglas.

Other than a Chris Templeman header that sailed narrowly wide, we restricted Forfar to few chances but, with nine minutes left, Fotheringham was given too much space in the box and he thumped home a header from a left-wing cross for the winning goal.

2 FORFAR ATHLETICDODS 26, FOTHERINGHAM 81

1 STIRLING ALBIONDORIS 45

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 13THDEC 2014

ATT: 495

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERDANNY DENHOLMWhile others in the side have more goals than Denholm, the winger possesses a threat like no other with his pace, strength and control of the ball. It’s clear that he is an integral part of Dick Campbell’s side after rejoining the Loons from Livingston.

Only 24, it’s likely he’ll make the step up to the Championship at some stage; and as things stand it could be in a Forfar strip with their title challenge still on.

Formerly of the University of Stirling, Denholm is no stranger to the Forthbank surface.

THE GAFFERDICK CAMPBELL61-year-old Dick Campbell first started his management career in the 1980s, however his spell in charge of Cowedenbeath didn’t last long. 12 years later he became a manager once again with Dunfermline Athletic following Bert Mason’s departure.

Upon leaving the Pars the Scotsman enjoyed a five year spell in charge of Brechin City and then moved to Partick Thistle where his side were relegated and then won promotion via play-offs. He has been at current club Forfar for six years and continues to do well for The Loons.


DAVID CHALMERS

Stranraer welcome the Binos to Stair Park on the last day of January after fixtures against Forfar, Brechin City and

Airdrieonians.Currently sitting

top of the table thanks to Forfar’s recent blip in form and postoponed game against Peterhead, the Blues can enjoy the privilege of starting the new year out in front of the pack.

Last season the side finished 3rd, and they look a solid bet to do well again this campaign with 36 points at present. They’ve got Jamie Longworth and Craig Malcolm to thank for that with a combined 15 goals between them - making Stranraer the highest scorers in the league.

Stephen Aitken’s side are on an incredible run of form right now with five wins in their last six

games, while they have only lost twice since the start of September.

Aitken has organised his side to cope with a number of challenges, and they gave the Championship’s Livingston a good run for their

money in the cup before losing out on penalties.

They’re not u n b e a t a b l e , however, as Stenhousemuir proved in December with a shock 2-0 victory at Stair Park. Perhaps the squad were

still in holiday mode, had too many beers or one too many second dinners, but goals from Tom Walsh and Colin McMenamin meant that the Warriors pulled off the victory.

Stuart McLaren will be hoping his Stirling side can do the same when the two meet, and it comes in a tough run of fixtures with fixtures against Dunfermline and Forfar also in this run.

MATCH PREVIEW

STRANRAER VS. STIRLING ALBION

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 31STJANUARY 2015

15:00 KO

STAIR PARK

STRANRAER FACTFILEFOUNDED: 1870 NICKNAME: THE BLUES STADIUM: STAIR PARK CAPACITY: 2,988 CURRENT MANAGER: STEPHEN AITKEN

“

“

Stephen Aitken’s sideare on an incredible run of

form right now with fivewins in their last six games,

while they have only lost twice since the start of September.


FIXTURESGoalkeepers:David MitchellDaniel Tobin

Defenders:Barry RussellJackson LongridgeScott RumsbyCraig PettigrewFrank McKeownScott Robertson

Midfielders:Grant GallagherChris AitkenSean WinterAnthony MarenghiSteven BellStephen StirlingSam McCloskeyWillie Gibson

Forwards:Danny StoneyAdam FordeJamie LongworthCraig Malcolm

SQUAD LIST

STRANRAER vs FORFAR ATHLETICJAN 10th | LEAGUE ONE | STAIR PARK

STRANRAER vs BRECHIN CITYJAN 17th | LEAGUE ONE | STAIR PARK

AIRDRIEONIANS vs STRANRAERJAN 24th | LEAGUE ONE | EXCELSIOR

Phil Johnston gave us the lead midway through the first half but former Bino Chris Aitken equalised before the break.

Both sides had chances to win it in the closing stages but neither could make them count in what was the first meeting between the teams in Stirling since April 2009.

Callum Reidford made a couple of good stops before we went in front for only the third time in a league game this season.

With 23 minutes gone, Johnston’s shot from outside the box was deflected up and over keeper David Mitchell for his first goal of an injury-disrupted 2014/15.

Stephen Aitken’s men were level 11 minutes later after two former Albion favourites combined. Chris Aitken delivered a free-kick from wide on the right and Steven Bell peeled off his marker and guided the ball just inside the left-hand post.

The second half was keenly contested but was short on clear-cut chances until a frantic finish. Blues skipper Frank McKeown saw his header diverted past the post by a defender, Reidford pushed over a Craig Malcolm header and Sean Winter dragged a shot narrowly wide.

At the other end, Mitchell did well to turn a Dale Fulton free-kick over the bar and Ross Forsyth hit the side netting with a header from close range as we drew our second home league game in a row.

1 STIRLING ALIONJOHNSTON 23

1 STRANRAERAITKEN 34

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 15THNOV 2014

ATT: 589

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERJAMIE LONGWORTHStranraer’s danger man this time round will surely be Jamie Longworth.

The former Queen’s Park striker has always found joy in his efforts at hitting the back of the net with an impressive record of 76 goals in 179 career games in the professional ranks.

He has scored 31 in 67 for his current club; with eight of those coming this season. His record at Queen’s Park was 45 in 112 after a spell in juniors..

With previous ambitions to be a teacher, it may be the case that he’ll teach Albion’s defence a thing or two with his runs.

THE GAFFERSTEPHEN AITKENAitken got into management early into his 30s after becoming Stranraer’s assistant manager at the age of 33 and taking over the managerial position by himself at the age of 35.

Without reinventing the wheel Aitken has steadied the ship at Stranraer following their promotion to the old Division Two after Rangers’ liquidation in 2012, when Stenhousemuir were promoted as a result of finishing runners-up in Division Three. Aitken will be hoping to use hom advantages to gain three points over the Binos this time round.


DAVID CHALMERS

Stuart McLaren and his side travel to Renfrewshire in February to try and exact revenge on Greenock Morton after

succumbing to a 4-3 loss in late December.After going up 3-1 and looking like delivering

a late Christmas present to the attending fans, the game was turned on its head by the Ton and on-loan Aberdeen forward Declan McManus declared his quality for all to see with a brace before returning to the Premiership league leaders to aid their title challenge.

What Stirling could have done with Declan McManus up front after squandering a series of chances; the Binos could have scored five or six, but failed to do so. The travelling Ton fans were screaming for Jim Duffy’s head, but before too long they were screaming off their own head’s

when they stole the victory at Forthbank.While the win over the Albion looked like

rejuvinating their season, Airdrieonians put to bed any romantic notions and defeated them on their own patch just a wee after their Christmas win. Veteran striker Jim Lister’s strike just after half-time was enough to condemn them to their

fourth defeat in six games.

It’s testing times for Duffy, who took over from Kenny Shiels last year. Both managers have P r e m i e r s h i p pedigree but

both have proved Morton to be a difficult job.Despite this turbulent spell, Morton still lie only

five points off the top, and if the side can galvanise themselves without top scorer McManus and start grinding out results, they could yet be lifting the trophy come the end of the season. But if they continue to wane, there’s a case to be said that they might even miss out on the play-offs.

MATCH PREVIEW

GREENOCK MORTON VS. STIRLING ALBION

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 7THFEBRUARY 2015

13:00 KO

CAPPIELOWPARK

GREENOCK MORTON FACTFILEFOUNDED: 1874 NICKNAME: THE TON STADIUM: CAPPIELOW PARK CAPACITY: 11,589 CURRENT MANAGER: JIM DUFFY

““

While the win over the Albion looked like rejuvinating their

season, Airdrieonians put to bed any romantic notions and defeated

them on their own patch.


FIXTURESGoalkeepers:Derek GatonNicolas Caraux

Defenders:Lee KildayRicki LamieMichal MillerStefan Milokevic

Sean CrightonThomas Oware

Midfielders:Jamie McCluskeyCono PepperJoe McKeeJordan AllanReece Hands

Forwards:Andrew BarrowmanDavid McNeillDeclan McManusStefan McCluskeyJon Scullion

SQUAD LIST

BRECHIN CITY vs GREENOCK MORTONJAN 10th | LEAGUE ONE | GLEBE PARK

AYR UNITED vs GREENOCK MORTONJAN 17th | LEAGUE ONE | S’SET PARK

GREENOCK MORTON vs DUNFERMLINEJAN 24TH | LEAGUE ONE | CAPPIELOW

Three goals in a six-minute spell late in the game earned Morton a dramatic victory at Fortbank. Stirling looked on course for a first home league win of 2014/15 as we led 3-1 with 15 minutes remaining but Jim Duffy’s men came storming back and we had keeper Callum Reidford sent off in stoppage time for a foul on Joe McKee. Striker Lewis Coult took over between the posts on his return after two months out and denied Declan McManus his hat-trick with a fine penalty save but the damage had already been done.

Sandy Cunningham headed us in front from a Ross McGeachie cross, out-jumping keeper Derek Gaston to loop the ball under the crossbar after only three minutes, but McKee equalised when he thundered a 25-yarder into the bottom corner.

McGeachie restored our advantage with a terrific angled finish after good work by Phil Johnston but Morton came close to a leveller when McManus rattled the post.

Johnston missed a great chance early in the second half before on-loan Hearts midfielder Angus Beith found the corner with a powerful free-kick from the edge of the area to make it 3-1 on the hour mark.

Comrie almost added a fourth goal at the end of a superb passage of play but Morton, in particular McManus, always looked a threat and the on-loan Aberdeen forward made space in the box to fire a low shot beyond Reidford and give the visitors hope.

It was a pivotal moment in the game and within six minutes we were behind. Wedderburn diverted a Mark Russell shot into his own net then McManus lashed a 20-yarder beyond Reidford as Morton completed a remarkable comeback.

3 STIRLING ALBIONCUNNINGHAM 3, MCGEACHIE 30, BEITH 59

4 GREENOCK MORTONMCKEE 28, MCMANUS 75, 81, WEDDERBURN OG 79

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 27THDEC 2014

ATT: 931

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERANDY BARROWMANWith Aberdeen loanee Declan McManus returning to his parent club after an impressive spell with the Ton, the club’s other forwards will have to step up to the plate to fill the gap he replaced.

That task may fall upon Andy Barrowman, who has already bagged a few for Duffy’s side this campaign. The 30-year-old enjoyed a great season with Ross County in 07-08 but has failed to score 20 in a season since. With added responsiblity, perhaps he will find his goalscoring boots.

THE GAFFERJIM DUFFYDuffy, 55, signed a two year contract in May to take over control of the Ton, who were in freefall after Kenny Shiels struggles in Inverclyde. The Glaswegian joined after a three year spell at Clyde, having previously managed Hibernian, Dundee and Falkirk. A strong centre back as a player, Duffy came through the Celtic youth system before moving to the team he now manages, amassing over 100 appearances for Morton during his three years there. Duffy then moved on to Dundee, and also played for Partick Thistle.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and everyone in the community team wishes you all the best for 2015!

WEEKLY CLASSES RETURN FOR 2015!! BOOK NOW!!

Bookings for our weekly football classes beginning again on Saturday 10th January can be made NOW! The classes that we run in various communities around the Stirling area, with our partners Active Stirling, include “Mini Kickers“ classes for 3-4 year olds, “Play the Game“ centres for children aged between 5 and 12 and a goalkeeping class for children aged 8-14.

The classes provide a fun and enjoyable environment for children to practice their football skills, play plenty of games and meet new friends! There is a wide range of days and venues available.

All the information on venues, days and times can be found at www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/community/class-details/ or www.activestirling.org.uk. Bookings can be made via Active Stirling on 03000 280 101 or 01786 273 555.

JUNIOR ACADEMY UPDATE

2014 was a busy year for the Junior Academy. We added two new age groups to the set up with 2005s and 2007s joining the fold, we managed to put together a more structured committee and have also added a fundraising subcommittee. We are now looking forward to the upcoming year and more long term planning. This includes the aims of starting up a new team at 2005s, a new team at 2007s and a brand new age group at 2006s for the springtime. We also hope to have a

new 2008s age group starting after summer which should take our set up to 8 age groups, 12 teams and well over 100 children involved. Much more if we take into account the young reds programme for younger children and the girls set up too. The programme to get these new teams up and running should be on the go by the end of this month!

Our recent bucket collection at the Morton game at the end of the year raised just over £200 of additional funds. A massive thank you to everyone who donated on the day!

CHRISTMAS TRUCE ACTIVITY


COMMUNITY CORNER

J A N .2015

I’m sure everyone will have picked up on the coverage of the Christmas Truce match with clubs all over the country taking part in activity to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the matches which took place in an unofficial ceasefire during the First World War. As many will have seen we took our ‘Football Remembers’ photo before our match vs Peterhead but there was a lot more happening outside of the ground too, and not just around Christmas.

Pupils from Dunblane High School visited the battlegrounds of the First World War during March last year - including the site where the famous Christmas truce matches are said to have taken place. They laid a wreath on behalf of Stirling Albion and also placed an Albion scarf at the memorial site. The pupils were presented with the wreath at Dunblane High by myself and Sandy Cunningham and also attended one of our matches last season before they left.

Braehead Primary School put together their own Christmas Truce football tournament on the 5th of December to commemorate the events that the pupils had been learning about in school. The day began with children from the school singing Christmas songs and reading about the Christmas truce matches. The teams for the tournament

were made up by p6 and p7 pupils, a team from Bannockburn High, a staff team and a parents’ team with the parents running out eventual winners! The winners and runners up are pictured with myself and Stephen Al-Sayed after the tournament.

Our Christmas truce activities are not quite finished yet! We are scheduled to have pupils from Cambusbarron Primary and St Ninians Primary to our match against Forfar on the 24th January to take part in their own Christmas truce matches at half time. Plans are still being finalised but we look forward to having them at the game!

The start of the year is always busy planning for the upcoming months but keep an eye on the channels below to keep up to date with all our programmes and activity.

Get following us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest!!Facebook - www.facebook.com/SAFCCommunityTwitter - @SAFCCommunityWebsite - www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/communityEmail - [email protected]

Andy33 / JANUARY 2015 / WWW.STIRLINGALBIONFC.CO.UK

COMMUNITY CORNER


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JUNIOR BINOS----------------------------

CROSSWORDCHALLENGE:WORDS TO BE FOUND:WHITE HART LANE (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)STAMFORD BRIDGE (CHELSEA)FORTHBANK (STIRLING ALBION)OLD TRAFFORD (MAN UTD)NOU CAMP (BARCELONA)BERNABEU (REAL MADRID)HAMPDEN PARK (QUEENS PARK AND SCOTLAND)

Look out for diagonal words and words written backwards!

SCOTTISH CUP QUIZ1. WHICH SPFL TEAM PLAYS AT PALMERSTON PARK?

2. NAME ALL THE TEAMS TO WIN PROMOTION THROUGH ALL THE SPFL LEAGUES LAST SEASON?

3. WHO IS THE LONGEST SERVING MANAGER IN THE SPFL?

4. WHICH SPFL CLUBS SHARE A GROUND TO PLAY THEIR HOME MATCHES?

5. WHAT DOES SPFL STAND FOR?

H IW E HT A R L AT N K HEC XD O HN E U E LE D N AIE KA K VK E R J LG V A MOP RI F BX Z L X LD Y B PLJ GZ A JF Y K A BI J H DDT NR K PN I B E LR M T ETX RY S WN N U X OB W R NRE XM B CT N P B ZD W O PAB TB C OC X C R XR E F AFX KJ U YE R X S TO G G RFX LM X YC N Y S BF Y T KOP AG H IB R A D WM H C PRM JQ H XT Y D U PA R T VDH MP Q CD L G N BT D O NTP YZ B AA Z E X QS Y V UD


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DRAW A POSTER!---------------------------

NAME:

SCHOOL:

AGE:

PARENT’S NAME:

PARENT’S CONTACT NUMBER:

Draw a poster of your favourite Stirling Albion moment. It could be a goal being scored, a celebration or even you going to the game with your family - anything you like! The top 3 will be picked by manager Stuart McLaren and will receive 5 points for their junior binos entry!

Please return all Junior Binos answers to Andy Todd at Forthbank Stadium, Springkerse, Stirling, FK7 7UJ no later than Monday 2nd February 2015. Answers will be checked and all forms with the most correct answers in the word search, quiz and poster contest combined will be entered into a draw. The winner of the draw will win the chance for them and up to 14 of their friends to come and play at half time during one of our remaining home matches this season. Details can be arranged via Andy Todd for the winner and the match will be subject to availability. This month’s issue has been carried over from December.

Congratulations to Cameron Anderson who won a signed top for November’s issue!

COACHING STAFF


STIRLING ALBION SQUAD LIST 2014/15

STUART McLAREN MARTYN CORRIGAN DAVID WESTWOOD GREG PATERSON

CALLUM REIDFORD LEE HAMILTON JAMES CREANEY CHRIS SMITH

CRAIG WEDDERBURN ROSS FORSYTH ROSS McGEACHIE PHIL JOHNSTON

GOALKEEPER

DEFENCEGOALKEEPER

DEFENCE MIDFIELD

INA SHAW MBE DRON & DICKSON LTD VICTOR & DEBBIE NELSON

SAFC SUPPORTERS TRUST BOARD

BRAEHEAD TAXIS-

CAUSEWAYHEAD BUILDING SERVICES

DRON & DICKSON LTD SAFC SUPPORTERSCLUB

IAIN GLEN PETER MCKENZIE MCKENZIE TRAILERS LTD ROY & SHEENA MCFARLANE


SQUAD LIST 2014/15 STIRLING ALBION

MIDFIELD

DARREN LEE SMITH DALE FULTON WILLIAM ROBERTSON

GRAHAM WEIR DAVID McCLUNE ANGUS BEITH GORDON SMITH

SANDY CUNNINGHAM STEVEN DORIS LEWIS COULT

CRAIG COMRIE

MIDFIELD

FORWARD

CRAIG SMITH GARRY CAIRNS JOINERY IAIN PATERSON ALASDAIR DUNN

VICTOR & DEBBIE NELSON

IAN ALLARDICE

CRAIG STEWART BRIDGE OF ALLAN SUPPORTERS

ROBERT MCCRINDLE

TYLAR ROWLEY

Allanwater Café, Bridge of Allan David Bennett & Son Butchers Braehead TaxisBurn Stewart Distillers Ltd Deanston Distillery Visitor Centre CAS Hire UK Ltd Ceramic Tile Distributors StirlingClark & Drummond CaterersAndrew Craig Roofing LtdDavidson Cruse Wealth Management Ltd Corrieri’s Café, CausewayheadDron & Dickson LtdR.S. Erskine & Co Ltd OpticiansFalkirk & Central Scotland SamaritansThe Golden Lion HotelHill & Robb SolicitorsKay Garage Doors_W. Kay LtdKilgannon Motors Ltd

Macfarlane Gray / French Duncan Llp

McKenzie Trailers LtdMorrisons Garage Ltd

Ogilvie Homes LtdScott Direct Ltd

Scottish National PartyDr Richard Simpson MSP

Smart Fit StirlingSpringkerse Auto Centre

Sterling Precast LtdStrathallan Pharmacy

SwimEasy LtdTilly Confectionery Ltd

Torwood Fencing LtdTrinity Mirror Plc Stirling Observer

Daily Record & Sunday MailUnison Stirling Council - Anti

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The Albion - January 2015

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