The Albion - December 2014

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STIRLING ALBION F.C. OFFICIAL MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2014

30 YEARS ON

ISSUE #33 I £3.00

THE ALBION SPEAKS TO THE PLAYERS INVOLVED IN THE RECORDBREAKING 20-0 WIN OVER SELKIRK IN 1984

#33

Editor’s Notes Hello and welcome to another issue of the Albion magazine.

It’s December! And what that means is that this is tbe last issue of 2014 before we return in the New Year.

There is plenty of football to enjoy before the bells come in though, and we’ve got you covered this month with content.

Stuart McLaren writes his first managers notes and talks about his start at Forthbank so far.

Chairman Stuart Brown thanks many a person for their help in his smooth running of the club’s operations.

Andy Todd returns with a festive crossword and a round-up of 2014 from a community perspective; I’m sure we can all agree that kids and adults alike will be having a go at the crossword. Don’t even try and deny it!

We have reports from the last three matches and of course it was such a great performance from the side against Raith but sadly lady luck wasn’t on our side that particular day. Plenty of positives to take into the next batch of fixtures, and you can read previews of those games within the magazine also.

Jim Thomson has an extensive feature this issue as he speaks to the squad from 1984, when the club beat Selkirk 20-0, and it’s a great nostalgic read. I would love to see the tapes of this game so if they are on Youtube then please let us know! I’m sure you’ll enjoy those pages.

Steven Doris spoke to us after the Raith game about settling in and hopes for the season.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes, and thank your continuing to support both the club and the magazine!

10

Members Graham Douglas Jim Thomson Administrator Neil Mackay Football Management Manager Stuart McLaren Assistant Manager Martyn Corrigan Physiotherapist Jenna Orr Goalkeeping Coach David Westwood Club Doctor Michael Beyer Heads of Youth Stewart Taylor (Admin) Blair Cremin (Coaching) Under 19 Coaches Graeme Donald David Binnie

Club Chaplain Duncan Strathdee (0778 991 2259)

DEC. 2014 I #33

03. INSIDE THE BOX 04. ALBION NEWS 06. VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT 15. THE LOCKER ROOM

THE LOCKER ROOM STEVEN DORIS

Director David McFarlane

Club Mascot Bino the Bear

REGULAR FEATURES:

15

Commercial Director John Hunter

Modern Apprentice Stephen Al-Sayed

@DavidJChalmers magazine@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk

THE HISTORY BOYS

Finance Director Alan Christie

Community Engagement Manager Andrew Todd

David Chalmers Editor & Head of Design

CONTENTS

Club Executive Team Chair and Operations Director Stuart Brown

04. INSIDE THE BOX 05. ALBION NEWS 06. VIEW FRON THE DUGOUT 07. MATCH REPORT VS. STRANRAER 08. MATCH REPORT VS. DUNFERMLINE 09. MATCH REPORT VS. RAITH ROVERS 10. THE HISTORY BOYS: STIRLING V SELKIRK 15. THE LOCKER ROOM: STEVEN DORIS 16. HOME PREVIEW: PETERHEAD 24. AWAY PREVIEW: FORFAR 26. AWAY PREVIEW: AYR UNITED 28. HOME PREVIEW: GREENOCK MORTON 26. AWAY PREVIEW: STENHOUSEMUIR 32. COMMUNITY CORNER 34. JUNIOR BINOS 36. SQUAD AND SPONSOR PROFILES

2 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

THE ALBION MAGAZINE Editors: David Chalmers & Ben Ramage Contributors: Jim Thomson, Ben Ramage, Andy Todd, Stuart Brown, Niels Bootsma, Stuart McLaren Thanks to: Steven Doris, Stuart McLaren, Stuart Brown, Andy Todd, Jim Thomson, Alan Christie, David Brown, Neil Mackay, Alex Smith, Bryan Robertson, Scott Maxwell, Jimmy Ormond, Peter Caproni, Keith Walker, Gerry McTeague, Davie Thompson, Neil Watt, Willie Irvine, Andy Graham.

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: magazine@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk Interact: T| 01786 450399 E| office@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk W| stirlingalbionfc.co.uk CLUB HONOURS C Division Champions 1946/47 B Division Champions 1952/53 Second Division Champions 1957/58, 1976/77, 1990/91, 1995/96, 2009/10 Division One Play-off Winners 2006/07 League Two Play-off Winners 2013/14 Stirlingshire Cup Winners 1953/54, 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 facebook.com/thealbionmagazine facebook.com/stirlingalbionfc twitter.com/StirAlbionMag twitter.com/Stirling_Albion

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INSIDE THE BOX

“

The Peterhead match heralds the celebration of the 30th anniversary of our memorable 20 – 0 Scottish Cup win over Selkirk and the players from that historic day are turning out in force!

S

cunnered but much encouraged would pretty much sum up my feelings after our Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Raith Rovers. If we’d taken even half of our good chances we’d have been looking forward to an appearance in the last sixteen.

However, it wasn’t to be and the encouragement that I take is that it was indisputably our best performance of the season and if we can take the improvement forward into our league matches, I’m confident it will be translated into positive results.

It’s hard to believe that December is upon us already - despite the fact that we’ve been getting bombarded with Christmas TV Adverts for weeks!

- but that is indeed where we are at and we kick off the month with a home game versus Peterhead and conclude it with another against Greenock Morton.

Sandwiched in between we face trips to Forfar and Ayr. I extend the usual (and festive) warm welcome to the officials, management, players and fans of our visitors. I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome young Angus Beith to Forthbank; Angus has joined us on loan from Hearts until 5 January with the possibility of extension subject to the agreement of both Clubs. Those present at the Raith Rovers game will, I’m sure, agree that he is an extremely bright prospect. All the best, Angus, for your time at Forthbank and for what I’m sure will be a very successful career that lies ahead.

The Peterhead match heralds the celebration of the 30th anniversary of our memorable 20 - 0 Scottish Cup win over Selkirk and the players from that historic day are turning out in force! In addition to partaking in our match day hospitality, they will be making themselves available to sign autographs

“

STUART BROWN

pre-match and also a half time appearance on the pitch.

As ever the Commercial Team is keeping extremely busy - tickets are still available for our Xmas Party Nite on Friday the 12th at the Golden Lion Hotel and also for our Festive Prize Draw. Please contact the Club through the usual channels to purchase tickets for either (or both!).

I close this Inside the Box and the calendar year with some well-earned thanks - to my Exec Board colleagues for their hard work that has contributed hugely to us consolidate and indeed flourish as a business, to Margaret McFarlane and Jim Inglis for their tireless work in the lead up to and on match days and to their growing band of helpers, too many to mention by name. Thanks also to Lynne, Jimmy and Stef for their work that has established the SAFC Supporters Bar as a popular and extremely successful venture.

And finally…heartfelt thanks to my (very) longsuffering wife, Aileen. She has become a “permanent fixture” around the Club not just on match days but during the week. Without her practical assistance and moral support, my life would be considerably the poorer and the kit a lot dirtier! Such is her input, it’s beyond belief that her only complaint is that we don’t opt for white shorts again whilst she is in charge of Kit Technician duties!

Merry Christmas!

Stuart Brown Chairman SAFC 4 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

ALBION NEWS LOAN SIGNING We are pleased to welcome 18-yearold midfielder Angus Beith on an emergency loan deal from Hearts until early January. Angus is a Scotland U19 internationalist who has been a regular in the Hearts U20 side over the past two seasons and made his first-team bow against Livingston in the Petrofac Training Cup in August. The left-sided teenager impressed on his Albion debut in our 2-0 defeat to Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup on November 29.

ROBERTSON SIDELINED Midfielder Willie Robertson was hit with a three-match ban after being sent off in our 4-0 defeat at Dunfermline on November 22. The former Alloa player, who also saw red against Stenhousemuir in October, sat out our Scottish Cup tie with Raith and is also suspended for the League 1 games against Peterhead on December 6 and Forfar on December 13.

SQUAD UPDATE Midfielder Craig Comrie returned to the side after almost three months out with a groin problem when he featured as a substitute in the defeat to Dunfermline at East End Park on November 22. Midfielder Darren Lee Smith is expected to return at some point this month as he recovers from a knee injury but striker Lewis Coult has suffered a recurrence of his ankle problem.

SCOTTISH CUP Our 2-0 defeat to Raith Rovers means our hopes of a lengthy cup run are over for another year. Our best effort in the competition remains the quarterfinals, a stage we have reached on several occasions but not since

1989/90 when John Brogan’s team lost 1-0 to Clydebank in a replay. Our most recent appearance in the last 16 was in 2009/10 but we don’t like to talk about it… as the match ended in a 9-0 victory for Ross County in Dingwall!

WILLIAM HILL SCOTTISH CUP FIFTHROUND DRAW Queen of the South v St Johnstone Rangers v Raith Rovers Dundee v Celtic Hibernian v Arbroath Falkirk v Annan Athletic or Brechin City Stranraer or Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee United Partick Thistle v St Mirren or Inverness Caley Thistle Spartans v Berwick Rangers or Albion Rovers Ties to be played February 7/8 JANUARY MATCHES We begin 2015 with a local derby against Stenhousemuir on Saturday January 3 before we welcome Dunfermline to Forthbank for our first home game of the New Year the following weekend.

We head for Peterhead on January 17 then entertain Forfar before ending the month with a trip to Stranraer.

February begins with a visit to Cappielow to face Morton - a match that would have ended up in a midweek slot had Jim Duffy’s men not suffered a shock Scottish Cup defeat to Spartans.

CHRISTMAS FIXTURES It’s hard to believe now but Christmas Day football was part of the Scottish football scene in days gone by, before falling by the wayside in the 1970s. Our last ever December 25 fixture was in season 1971/72 when we were beaten 2-1 by Brechin City at Glebe Park.

CLUB SHOP If you are looking for a Christmas gift for the Albion fan in your life (or yourself!), make sure you pop into our club shop in the West Stand, which is open before and after every home game, as well as at half-time. We also plan to open on the Sunday before Christmas so keep an eye on the website for details. You can also buy SAFC merchandise on at www.stirlingalbionfc-shop.co.uk SAFC TWITTER At the time of writing, we have 5,271 followers - many thanks to all! It’s one of the best ways to keep up to date with all things Stirling Albion so, if you are not already doing so, check us out @Stirling_Albion for the latest news and match updates .

TOP SCORERS 7 Gordon Smith 3 Sandy Cunningham 3 Darren Lee Smith 2 Steven Doris 1 Dale Fulton 1 Phil Johnston 1 Chris Smith 1 Craig Wedderburn 1 Graham Weir LEAGUE ONE TABLE (03/12/2014) P Pts 1 Morton 14 27 2 Forfar 14 26 3 Dunfermline 14 24 4 Stranraer 14 24 5 Brechin 14 20 6 Peterhead 13 17 7 Ayr United 13 16 8 Stenhousemuir 14 14 9 Airdrieonians 14 13 10 Stirling Albion 14 8

FIXTURES 26 Jul 2 Aug 9 Aug 16 Aug 19 Aug 23 Aug 30 Aug 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Sep 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Oct 1 Nov

PTC R1 Elgin City LC R1 Alloa L1 Peterhead L1 Ayr United PTC R2 Alloa L1 Stenhousemuir L1 Airdrieonians L1 Brechin City L1 Forfar Athletic L1 Stranraer L1 Dunfermline L1 Morton L1 Stenhousemuir L1 Airdrieonians SC Hurlford United

3-0 0-1 1-1 1-3 1-2 5-4 0-0 0-5 2-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-4 2-2 1-1

8 Nov SC Hurlford United 2-2 (AET: Stirling win 13-12 on penalties) 11 Nov L1 Brechin City 1-2 15 Nov L1 Stranraer 1-1 22 Nov L1 Dunfermline 0-4 29 Nov SC Raith Rovers 0-2 6 Dec L1 Peterhead 13 Dec L1 Forfar Athletic 20 Dec L1 Ayr United 27 Dec L1 Morton 3 Jan L1 Stenhousemuir 10 Jan L1 Dunfermline 17 Jan L1 Peterhead 24 Jan L1 Forfar Athletic 31 Jan L1 Stranraer

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7 Feb L1 14 Feb L1 21 Feb L1 28 Feb L1 7 Mar L1 14 Mar L1 21 Mar L1 28 Mar L1 4 Apr L1 11 Apr L1 18 Apr L1 25 Apr L1 2 May L1

Morton Ayr United Brechin City Airdrieonians Stranraer Dunfermline Peterhead Forfar Athletic Airdrieonians Brechin City Morton Ayr United Stenhousemuir

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

“

The squad has approached every training session and match with the level of professionalism that is expected which is very encouraging.

H

“

ard to believe that a month has passed since my appointment but as the great saying goes, time flies when you are having fun. It has been a very enjoyable first few weeks, despite not getting a league win, and I’m sure that enjoyment will only increase as time goes on.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has conveyed their messages of congratulations and support in the last few weeks. It has been nothing short of terrific to hear and read the well wishes from supporters, former teammates, and Board members alike.

I trust that your support can be relied upon through the tough times as well as the good times.

When it comes to support a Manager has to ensure he has the right person as his Assistant.

In this regard I can say I have got my first major decision 100% right. From the moment I was granted an interview for the Manager’s job the only person I had in mind to work alongside me was Martyn Corrigan. The two of us pride ourselves on our honesty and integrity and share very similar beliefs on how the game should be played. His detailed knowledge of the Scottish football scene is invaluable to our partnership and that will ultimately be of great benefit to the team and the club. I am delighted that Martyn was as excited about coming back

STUART MCLAREN to the club as I was and am certain that we will have a positive impact on the club.

On the pitch I have to say that despite the lack of a league victory I have been very pleased with the response from the players since Martyn and I have come onboard. The squad has approached every training session and match with the level of professionalism that is expected which is very encouraging.

Each member of the current squad will be given every opportunity to prove what they are capable of and a decision on their future at the club will only be made once we have had an chance to assess them properly. As with other aspects of the club, however, if we feel there is the capacity to improve the team or the club then we will take that decision.

Finally I’d just like to say that we face a challenging but exciting month with games against Peterhead and Morton at home as well as Forfar and Ayr United away. If we can all maintain the positivity that has been around the club lately then I’m sure our performances on the pitch will earn the points we need to climb the league.

Thanks for your support.

Stuart McLaren 6 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

MATCH REPORT

BINOS WORTH A POINT IN HOME DRAW WITH STRANRAER LEFT: Sandy Cunningham chasing a loose ball

PHOTO: Niels Bootsma

1 STIRLING ALBION JOHNSTON 23

1 STRANRAER AITKEN 34

I

LEAGUE ONE SAT 15TH NOV 2014 ATT: 589

Reidford McClune (69) Forsyth Robertson McGeachie C. Smith Johnston (61) Fulton Doris G. Smith Weir (82)

Mitchell Gallagher Longridge Rumsby McKeown Aitken Winter Bell Malcolm Longworth (79) Gibson (69)

Subs: Paterson Wedderburn Creaney (82) Hamilton (69) Munn D. Smith Cunningham (61)

Subs: Tobin Marenghi Stirling Russell (79) Stoney (69)

t was honours even at Forthbank with both

before we went in front for only the third time in a

managers agreeing a draw was a fair result after

league game this season.

a hard fought encounter.

With 23 minutes gone, Johnston’s shot from

Phil Johnston gave us the lead midway through

outside the box was deflected up and over keeper

the first half but former Bino Chris Aitken equalised

David Mitchell for his first goal of an injury disrupted

before the break.

2014/15.

Both sides had chances to win it in the closing

Stephen Aitken’s men were level 11 minutes later

stages but neither could make them count in what

after two former Albion favourites combined. Chris

was the first meeting between the teams in Stirling

Aitken delivered a freekick from wide on the right

since April 2009.

and Steven Bell peeled off his marker and guided the

The result meant Stranraer remained unbeaten in

ball just inside the lefthand post.

League 1 since the end of August but Stenhousemuir’s

The second half was keenly contested but was

win over Dunfermline meant we were five points

short on clear cut chances until a frantic finish. Blues

adrift at the foot of the table ahead of the trip to East

skipper Frank McKeown saw his header diverted

End Park.

past the post by a defender, Reidford pushed over

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made two changes following the 2-1 midweek defeat at Brechin, with

a Craig Malcolm header and Sean Winter dragged a shot narrowly wide.

David McClune and Johnston replacing Lee Hamilton

At the other end, Mitchell did well to turn a Dale

and Sandy Cunningham. Lewis Coult, Craig Comrie

Fulton freekick over the bar and Ross Forsyth hit the

and Darren Lee Smith were all sidelined.

side netting with a header from close range as we

Callum Reidford made a couple of good stops 7 / DE C E MB ER 2014 / W W W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

drew our second home league game in a row.

MATCH REPORT

UGWU PROVES TOO GOOD FOR ALBION DEFENCE AT EAST END LEFT: Lee Hamilton playing at Forthbank in another game

PHOTO: Niels Bootsma

4 DUNFERMLINE UGWU 5, 18, 60, STIRLING 71

0 STIRLING ALBION

G

LEAGUE ONE SAT 22ND NOV 2014 ATT: 2,451

Scully Williamson Whittle Martin Buchanan Byrne (81) Smith Thomson Ugwu (81) Falkingham Stirling (81)

Reidford McClune (64) Forsyth Robertson McGeachie C. Smith Johnston Fulton Doris G. Smith (64) Cunningham (75)

Subs: Goodfellow Millen Forbes Urquhart Geggan (81) Moffan (81) El-Bakhtaoui (81)

Subs: Paterson Creaney Wedderburn D. Smith Hamilton (64) Comrie (75) Weir (64)

ozie Ugwu hit a hat-trick and Andy Stirling was also

breakthrough after just five minutes when he sent a

on target as Dunfermline dominated at East End

thumping header beyond Callum Reidford from Stirling’s

Park.

freekick.

Albion had Willie Robertson sent off in the closing stages

The 21-year-old doubled the Pars’ lead in 18 minutes

at a ground where we remain without a win since April 1993.

when he accepted a pass and made space in the box to fire

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made one alteration to the team that drew 11 with Stranraer, with Sandy Cunningham

“

replacing Graham Weir, while there was a welcome return to the squad for Craig Comrie after almost three months out injured.

Pars boss Jim Jefferies,

whose

side had gone four games

without

a

a shot in off the far post.

Ugwu completed his hattrick on the hour mark, sliding the ball home after being picked out by Josh Falkingham,

We struggled to create clearcut chances for much of the game and only a couple of good stops from Reidford prevented a heavier defeat.

league victory, made

“

and

ex-Stranraer

winger

Stirling

added the fourth goal

when

his

inswinging freekick was

missed

by

everyone and found the net via the post.

We struggled to

no fewer than seven changes in the wake of the 1-0 reverse

create clear-cut chances for much of the game and only

to Stenhousemuir.

a couple of good stops from Reidford prevented a heavier

Dunfermline ran out easy winners as we struggled to

defeat.

cope with their pace, strength and movement but defeats

Robertson tested Ryan Scully with a powerful drive from

for Airdrie and Stenhousemuir at least meant we didn’t slip

distance but the former Alloa midfielder’s involvement

further behind at the foot of League 1.

ended prematurely when he saw red after lunging in on

Ugwu, a summer signing from Reading, made the

Pars skipper Falkingham with 10 minutes left.

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MATCH REPORT

SPIRITED STIRLING FAIL TO TAKE THEIR CHANCES IN THE CUP LEFT: Ross Forsyth in action at Forthbank

PHOTO: Colin Poultney

0 STIRLING ALBION 2 RAITH ROVERS MCKAY 44, ANDERSON 54

R

aith booked their place in the last 16 of the William Hill Scottish Cup with goals either side of half-time from Barrie McKay, on loan from Rangers, and Grant Anderson.

Stirling contributed hugely to an entertaining cup tie at Forthbank, with our best performance of the season, but we paid the price for missing a number of good chances and Rovers progressed to round five.

Stuart McLaren made two changes to the team that lost 4-0 at Dunfermline, with Lee Hamilton and Angus Beith, our new loan signing from Hearts, replacing Dale Fulton and the suspended Willie Robertson. Darren Lee Smith and Lewis Coult missed out through injury and Graham Weir was also sidelined due to a virus.

This was the third meeting between the teams in the Scottish Cup and we almost made a dream start inside two minutes when Beith delivered a great cross from the left and Gordon Smith headed just wide at the far post.

Steven Doris volleyed over and David McGurn made superb saves to deny both Phil Johnston and Sandy Cunningham as we continued to look

9 / DE CE MB ER 2014 / W WW . ST I R LI N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

LEAGUE ONE SAT 29TH NOV 2014 ATT: 912

Reidford Hamilton Forsyth (82) McClune (57) McGeachie C. Smith Johnston Beith Doris G. Smith Cunningham (67)

McGurn Thomson Perry Watson Anderson (79) Moon Stewart Scott (90) McKay McKeown Nade

Subs: Paterson Wedderburn Creaney (82) D. Smith Munn Comrie (67) Fulton (57)

Subs: Laidlaw Matthews Hill Vaughan Conroy (79) Callachan (90) Elliot

a threat while at the other end Callum Reidford kept out efforts from McKay and Mark Stewart in an open game.

We might well have been ahead but instead fell behind 60 seconds before half-time when the impressive McKay capitalised on the break of the ball and fired a low shot into the corner from the edge of the box.

Gordon Smith, who has scored seven goals since his summer move from Raith, was denied an equaliser when Jason Thomson made a terrific block.

Rovers claimed their second goal in 54 minutes when Anderson smashed home a firsttime effort from 25 yards, giving Reidford no chance.

Albion continued to create chances and Cunningham was thwarted by McGurn when clean through before Smith pulled a shot wide after good work by Steven Doris then blazed over when he looked certain to score.

Christian Nade had a third goal ruled out for Raith after a foul on Reidford but even a twogoal margin of defeat was harsh on the Binos.

FEATURE

THE HISTORY BOYS JIM THOMSON

S

tirling Albion warmly welcome a number of players and backroom staff who took part in the historic 20 - 0 win over Selkirk on 8th December 1984. Three Hundred and Seventy One hardy souls took to the terracing of Annfield Park on a miserable wet winters afternoon to witness history in the making. David Thompson would go on the score a club record of 7 goals in one game and Stirling Albion FC would record the highest score in professional football in the 20th Century. The game was televised by BBC Scotland.

HOW THE GAME WENT 1 - 0 2 - 0 3 - 0 4 - 0 5 - 0 6 - 0 7 - 0 8 - 0 9 - 0 10 - 0

7 MINS

WILLIE IRVINE 11 - 0 72 MINS GERRY MCTEAGUE FEATURE 12 MINS

SCOTT MAXWELL 12 - 0 73 MINS DAVIE THOMPSON Stirling Albion warmly welcome a number of players and backroom staff who took part in the historic 20 - 0JIMMY win over Selkirk on 8th December 1984. and Seventy hardy 27 MINS ORMOND 13 -Three 0 Hundred75 MINS One KEITH WALKER souls took to the terracing of Annfield Park on a miserable wet winters afternoon to witness history 35 MINS

DAVIE THOMPSON 14 - 0 77 MINS WILLIE IRVINE in the making. David Thompson would go on the score a club record of 7 goals in one game and Stirling Albion FC would record the highest score in15 professional the 20th Century.

The 38 MINS RAB DAWSON - 0 football79in MINS DAVIE THOMPSON game was televised by BBC Scotland.

48 MINS KEITH WALKER 16Albion - 0 fans to give80

DAVIE THOMPSON We asked us MINS their recollections of the day -17 - 0 This is how the game went 50 MINS WILLIE IRVINE 82 MINS WILLIE IRVINE 54 MINS DAVIE THOMPSON - 0 the 84 MINS managed NEIL WATT 1-0 7 mins Willie Irvine  The18 BBC covered game but only to capture 19 of the goals they ran out of tape.

2 - 0 12 mins Scott Maxwell 60 MINS DAVIE THOMPSON 19 - 0 87 MINS NEIL WATT 3-0 27 mins Jimmy Ormond 63 MINS DAVIE THOMPSON  Half20time, - 0 thinking

MINS record WILLIE IRVINE it’s90 5-0, the Club

4-0 35 mins Davie Thompson 5-0 38 mins Rab Dawson 48 us minstheir Keith Walker We asked Albion fans6 -to0 give recollections 7-0 50 mins Willie Irvine of the day 8-0 54 mins Davie Thompson 9-0 60 mins Davie Thompson • The BBC covered the game but only managed to 10 - 0 63 mins Davie Thompson capture 19 of the goals - they ran out of tape.

11 - 0 72 mins Gerry McTeague 12 - 0 73 mins Davie Thompson • Half time, thinking13it’s record - 0 5-0, 75the minsClub Keith Walker score is 7 - 0, would it be great score 14 - 0 to77 mins 8.Willie Irvine 15 - 0 79 mins Davie Thompson - 0 gates 80 mins • Again at half time,16the openDavie andThompson around 50 17 0 82 mins Willie Irvine fans get in free to witness 15 goals.

18 - 0 84 mins Neil Watt 19 - 0 87 mins Neil Watt • The Selkirk bench20- after the 18th goal goes in, -0 90 mins Willie Irvine

score is 7 - 0, would it be great to score 8.



they all stand with Substitute Again at half time, theup gates open and aroundcards wanting to 50 substitute fans get in freethe to witness goals. whole15team.



The Selkirk bench - after the 18th goal goes in, • all The Selkirk to play off they stand up withdefence substitute trying cards wanting to substitute the whole team. side with David Thompson charging downhill



The Selkirk defence trying to play off side with David Thompson charging downhill towards the poor • goalkeeper.

The young goalkeeper being interviewed after



The young goalkeeper being interviewed after thecircumstances. game. He did a really good job given the circumstances.



Going home and watching the news, the teleteleprinter giving the score 20 (Twenty) 0 printer giving the score 20 (Twenty) 0

towards the poor goalkeeper.

the game. He did a really good job given the • Going home and watching the news, the

10 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

FEATURE We asked referee BRYAN ROBERTSON of his thoughts about the game. ”I have two particular memories of the game via Selkirk. Firstly was the after the game discussion with Mr Alex Smith the Manager at the time. Whilst the players were all happy and celebrating in the dressing room he was disputing the score claiming it was nineteen nil not twenty. I was quite confident that it was twenty but he kept saying no it was nineteen and when I asked the two Assistants to verify the score neither of them had counted the goals. That started to sow doubts in my mind and realising the game would raise a lot of media attention made for an uncomfortable few minutes whilst we debated the result. Thankfully a BBC camera man came in and confirmed it was twenty although he thought he had missed catching one whilst changing tapes.

Secondly was the sound of the substitution boards being clattered when the Selkirk coaches mid way through the second half held up the numbers for every player in their team”” The players and staff were invited to recall the historic occasion.

SCOTT MAXWELL ”I’lI remember the Selkirk bench coming onto the track trying to make multiple subs. ”I also remember thinking after the game that if the guys up front stopped running offside in their eagerness to get on the score sheet we could have scored about 10 more. ”Was Andy Graham needed and did he actually get paid that week for standing in a box?”

JIMMY ORMOND ”George and Eddie assessing the opposition the week before proved worthwhile with a strong rumour that they arrived at Selkirk rugby stadium and reported back to Alex Smith on the dangers and skills of the Selkirk scrum half and hooker!!. ”Memories of the match are sketchy now however I do recall I missed a couple of sitters prior to scoring.

The wee goalie seemed to save all my efforts and let Davie and Wullies in!.”

PETER CAPRONI ”Being in the dugout that day, my memory is two fold --firstly believe it or not it was the Boss giving out a few sweary words when Selkirk forced a corner in opening minutes--the other memories I have is of big Davie Thomson thundering down the right wing and the left back asking for help from above! --then of course was the mass surrender holding up the subs board.”

KEITH WALKER “Memories of that day were of Davie Thompson scoring seven goals that were exactly the same. Oh aye, Willie Irvine not being happy that he scored five & didn’t finish the game as top scorer. Also my sister Jackie was there with my wife Les only because she 11 / DE C E MB ER 2014 / WW W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

thought we were playing Celtic, not Selkirk”.

GERRY MCTEAGUE ”I recall the moment when we scored our third goal and Scott Maxwell turned to me and said ”if we keep it tight at the back today we could win five or six nil”.

Also remember being out that night in Edinburgh with my now wife, Anne and everyone in the pubs was talking about the score. Felt like a bit of a celebrity!!”

DAVIE THOMSON “They didn’t quite master the Arsenal offside policy as they kept running past us shouting ”off ref” as we were on the starting blocks on the halfway line waiting for Sinky or Bernie to stick the ball in behind them. You’ll notice I omitted Sky from the midfielders playing the through balls as he was up beside us on the starting blocks. I’m sure Neilly joined us there as well just before he pushed Charlie out if the way to get one of his goals. The forward line got so congested that I’m sure I didn’t score in the last 20 mins.

“Smithy lost the plot with Donnie, (commercial manager) who took it upon himself to donate the match ball to their keeper.

“I remember their manager (Jackson Cockburn) saying at the end on a BBC interview ”ah well, I’ll just have to have two or three vodkas to help me forget about it” “Can’t forget Scotty’s mazy run where he seemed to beat the whole team twice before back heeling it to me to tap it in - and the camera missed it!

“Then there was the photo on the back page of the Sunday Mail of me and their keeper. I had a daft leather bomber jacket on and looked like a right idiot. Sure I’ve still got the photo somewhere!

“Also the Daily Record photo of me carrying Willie on my back! Regular Saturday event as I recall!!”

NEIL WATT ”My abiding memory before kick off was one of rage.

I worked hard through preseason to get my starting slot and despite competition from Irvine, Ormond, McNeil & Cavanagh, the no.9 jersey was mine for the first five games. Alex Smith, having released John “Cup-Tie” McKay then looked to me to switch roles, and take over the commanding no.5 jersey. Maybe he realised I wasn’t the striker he first thought! To quote the manager after my first game in that role, away at Dunfermline, “I think we`ve found your true position Neilly”. ”So much for that....after eight games as a commanding centre back, or so I thought, the manager goes and signs Gerry McTeague, who the following week lands the no.5 jersey. So for the next 6 games the youthful, but gathering experience manager then decides I have a future in midfield, as a no 8. Then comes Saturday December 1, 1984.....1.45 pm the manager calls for me to see him in his office, which is generally not a good sign, however as an ever present I feel sure he has a specific role for me today....he`s seen something in the........

THE PLAYERS ANDY GRAHAM

ROBERT DAWSON

TOM SPENCE

JIMMY SINCLAIR

Two spells on loan prior to joining from Dundee United.

Joined Kilmarnock in October 1991.

Joined from Fallin Violet in 1982.

Joined St Mirren in June 187 for a fee of £40,000

Two spells with the Club, 2nd time as coach. Left to join Hamilton Accies at end of season.

222 appearances

222+4 appearances. 6 goals.

(4 Jan 1962 - 28 April 2012) Signed from Glenboig. Later with Alloa, East Fife & Albion Rovers.

Manager of Albion Rovers .

166+2 appearances. 6 goals.

GERRY MCTEAGUE

SCOTT MAXWELL

DAVID THOMPSON

KEITH WALKER

5 seasons with the Albion between Oct 84 and Sep 89.

Transferred to Albion Rovers.

Joined in March 1983 from Hearts, after trials with Motherwell and Peterborough.

Record signing in 1984. Started career with Aberdeen. Spells at Airdrie, Stenhousemuir, Kilmarnock, Clyde & Albion Rov.

Joined from ICI Juveniles.

Moved to St Mirren then long spell down south as both player and manager.

174 appearances. 19 goals.

207+14 appearances. 16 goals.

153+15 appearances. 44 goals.

92+9 appearances. 22 goals

WILLIE IRVINE

BERNARD GRANT

JAMES ORMOND

NEIL WATT

Joined from Dunipace at start of season 82-83 and spent 3 seasons at Annfield. Later with Hibs and a host of other clubs both home and abroad.

115+8 appearances. 61 goals.

Scored a spectacular headed goal on his debut. Joined from Motherwell, later with Kilbirnie, Dumbarton and Pollock

“Zola” was signed from Dunipace in March 1984 and spent four seasons with the Albion.

Joined Forfar in August 1988.

Joined from East Stirlingshire.

Joined Stranraer in 86 and went on to manage them, winning a 3rd Division title in 2004

78+1 appearances. 4 goals.

88+70 appearances. 29 goals.

52+29 appearances. 14 goals

61+1 appearances.

0 goals

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THE PLAYERS CHARLES MCNEIL

Still only 21 he was the longest serving player that day.

Joined in 1978, the Albion was his only senior club.

64+35 appearances.10 goals.

COACHING STAFF

Peter Caproni was the Club physiotherapist for over a decade spanning the 70’s and 80’s. Eddie Hammil was involved in coaching alongside George Cameron (left). Tom Mackison (right) initially did a bit of joinery work for the Club and went on to assist the Club in various roles for over 25 years, retiring in 1994. Tom died in 2003.

ALEX SMITH Alex played juvenile football for Gowanhill and had a playing career involving spells at Kilmarnock, Stenhousemuir, Albion Rovers, the Shire and of course the Albion. His career in management started as player coach with Stenhousemuir.

Became our manager in Sep 1974.

Alex spent 12 seasons with the club, moving to St Mirren in December 1986. A year later he led the team to a Scottish Cup victory over Dundee United.

Two season’s later he moved to Aberdeen and in his 4 years at Pittodrie would win both the League Cup and Scottish Cup. His managerial career continued at Clyde, Dundee United and Ross County. He is now technical director at Falkirk.

The matchday programme was typical of its time. Cheap to produce but absolutely packed with information. It contained details about the reserve fixture the previous week. A profile on Tom Spence (deceased) and a piece on manager Alex Smith missing the reserve match as part of the U18 Scotland management team, who defeated England 2-1 at Fulham.

The Selkirk pages gave special mention to Record Breaker, Sandy Bell who had played in every Scottish Cup game against senior opposition.

It was also mentioned that Selkirk were hosts to the 1966 French World Cup team in a number of warm up games.

13 / DE C E MB ER 2014 / W W W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . UK

GEORGE PEEBLES The one that got away. George played as a trialist in August 1952 but was snapped up by Falkirk a week later. He remained with Dunipace however and was freed in 1955 when Dunfermline stepped in. He had a very successful career with Dunfermline, winning a Scottish Cup medal in 1961.

He remained a Dunfermline player until Aug 1967 when he was persuaded to join the Albion in 1966. George gave five years good service to the Albion, retiring to take up a coaching position at Annfield.

George was appointed manager to replace Alex Smith and came within a whisker of gaining promotion in season 186-87.

THE LOCKER ROOM NEIL WATT (CONT) “...in the opposition that he wants me to deal with? he wants me to captain the team? he wants me to be more adventurous and attacking from my midfield role?...and then the harsh truth comes out.....”Neilly....you’ve done great for me.... but I’m resting you today....I’m going with three up....you’re starting on the bench”. So there was my rage....the Scottish Cup, against a minnow....a chance to shine, to score, to make headlines....no way...I’m on the bench with wee Charlie.

“To be fair the front three got 13 goals between them so maybe the manager knew what he was doing after all!”

WILLIE IRVINE “It was a very heavy pitch and Selkirk were really up for the game, but this was a young fit team, most of the players 20 and under. We had too much pace in the side that day and although they tried their best , it was maybe those two things - youth and speed that was to be their downfall that day. Also we hit up the famous slope the first half and that left us hitting towards the shed the second half.”

ANDY GRAHAM “My first memory of the day is turning up in the car park and seeing a bus with a sign saying Selkirk Cricket Club. Strange I thought. As always, Alec Smith and the staff prepared us thoroughly for the match and indeed had Selkirk watched the previous week. I think we went two nil up after about 15 minutes and Scott Maxwell turned to me and shouted “ok lets keep it tight at the back”. Clearly at that point we had no idea as to how the afternoon was about to unfold.

At half time I think it was five nil and even then the manager was reminding us to be professional and ensure we “won” the second half. We certainly managed that and I think at one point we scored something like five goals in eight minutes. I also remember Neil Watt pushing Charlie McNeil out of the way to score one of the goals. To be fair to Selkirk they stuck to it and never at any stage resorted to foul play. I don’t think many of us realised the significance of what had happened until much later, although I do recall some of the players getting their match programme signed. On a personal note clean sheets with a back four of Dawson, McTeague, Maxwell and the late Tam Spence were a rarity. So whilst you will be celebrating the scoring of twenty goals, I will be content to bask in the glory of keeping a clean sheet.”

19841985 BACK ROW (L-R) : PETER CAPRONI (PHYSIO), ROBERT PHILLIBEN, JIM CRAWFORD, JOHN COUSIN, ROBERT DAWSON, NEIL WATT, ANDY GRAHAM, CRAIG ANDERSON, GERRY HARVEY, KEITH WALKER, ALAN CARSON, JOHN MACKAY, SCOTT MAXWELL, DENIS MCDAID. FRONT ROW (L-R) CHARLIE MCNEIL, TOM FERGUSON, GEORGE ALLISON, WILLIE IRVINE, ALEX SMITH (MANAGER), GEORGE PEEBLES (COACH), PAUL CAVANAGH, JIMMY SINCLAIR, JIM MCSHERRY, JIMMY ORMOND.

The season hadn’t started too well and Alex Smith introduced a number of changes. Steven Cowan, David Thompson, Barry Fleming, Gerry McTeague, Michael Strain, Stephen Gavin and Bernard Grant were all brought in with long serving goalkeeper Gordon Arthur leaving the club, along with Gerry Harvey and John McKay. A record fee of £12,500 was paid for David Thompson from Stenhousemuir and Gerry McTeague signed from Cowdenbeath for a modest fee. Bernie Grant scored a superb header on his debut. Michael Strain arrived after a short spell in South Africa with youth players Fleming and Gavin in the reserves. The week prior to the Selkirk game, the Albion recorded a fine 4-0 win over Albion Rovers with goals from Ormond (2), Irvine and McTeague - his first for the club. Long term injuries to McDaid and Aitchison saw them sidelined for the Selkirk game. Watt was dropped to the bench with Jimmy Ormond taking over, following his double at Coatbridge.

Selkirk were an amateur Borders team, with only player manager Jackson Coburn having experience of senior football. They gained access to the Scottish Cup via the Qualifying Cup (South) . They beat Glasgow University and Annan Athletic to reach the semi finals. Despite losing 6-0 to Selkirk, the last 4 in the tournament gained entry to the Scottish Cup proper.

14 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

THE LOCKER ROOM

FORWARD STEVEN DORIS CAUGHT UP WITH EDITOR DAVID CHALMERS ABOUT HIS TIME WITH THE CLUB AND HIS HOPES FOR THE TEAM DC: You’ve been here at the club for a few months now; how are you settling in and how are you finding it?

SD: “Yeah it’s been good. Obviously the departure of Greig wasn’t the best because he was the one who signed me but the new manager has come in and the boys seem to have gotten a lift out of it and hopefully the results are coming soon.”

Obviously it took a little while to get your first goal for the club but it was quite important and must’ve made you happy as it got you through to the Raith game ”Yeah definitely, as a striker you want to be

scoring goals and I just need to get that first league goal now and hopefully I can kick on from there and contribute to getting results with me scoring goals.”

It was a good performance from the team against Raith , but not the result you would have wanted

”Yeah I think that’s the way the luck is sometimes.

We created a lot of chances and on another day we could have scored three or four but fair play to Raith, they got their goals at the right time. ”I think finishing was the difference, yeah, we created enough chances to win the game and I think on another day we could’ve won that game.”

Peterhead are next, how do you think that game is going to go? ”I think we can take confidence out of the Raith

game, we played well and we created chances so we need to keep playing the same way but taking our chances and taking away three points.”

The games come thick and fast in this period, do you think by the New Year the team could be off the bottom of the table? ”Definitely, that’s the aim to get ourselves off the

bottom of the table; I think there’s nothing to fear in this league so hopefully the boys can continue playing the way we are and we can start picking up results.”

“

I think there’s nothing to fear in this league so hopefully the boys can continue playing the way we are and we can start picking up results.

“

15 / DE C E MB ER 2014 / WW W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

STEVEN DORIS

MATCH PREVIEW

STIRLING ALBION VS. PETERHEAD LEAGUE ONE SAT 6TH DECEMBER 2014 15:00 KO FORTHBANK

PETERHEAD FACTFILE FOUNDED: 1891 CAPACITY: 3,150

NICKNAME: THE BLUE TOON STADIUM: BALMOOR CURRENT MANAGER: JIM MCINALLY

DAVID CHALMERS

L

ast season saw two clubs progress from League Two as Peterhead and Stirling Albion both earned promotion into this season’s League One; the former by winning the league and the latter through the medium of the Play-Off’s after a late comeback against East Fife.

The teams met on the opening day of the season in a fixture in what might have been a soft introduction to life in a higher division, and a draw up north looked a solid base for both clubs to push on from. Thankfully for Jim McInally and his squad they have coped much better with opposition teams than the Binos and currently sit quite comfortably in mid-table with 20 points from 14 games, 12 points clear of the Binos, who are bottom.

Despite their comfortable position, their last seven games has only contained two wins; both came on the road with away victories over

“

Stenhousemuir and Ayr United.

They also drew with Brechin, Dunfermline and Airdrieonians in this run of form. If you can’t win then at least you can take a point, or more importantly, take two points away from another side.

Incredibly, while this run of form has been a great foundation, it has also included a complete capitulation against Stranraer. They travelled to the west coast in search of three points but instead came back with red faces after conceding five goals to Stephen Aitken’s team.

The Binos defeated The Blues towards the end of last season to all but secure their place in the Play-Off’s that has gotten them to this day. Perhaps a win this time round could kickstart Albion’s season and put them on the run of form that they would need to see the club avoid relegation back to League Two. All signs point to it being a must win for Stuart McLaren’s men and he’ll certainly be feeling the importance of the result.

All signs point to it being a must win for Stuart McLaren’s men and he’ll certainly be feeling the importance of the result.

“

16 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

FIXTURES

SQUAD LIST Goalkeepers: Paul Jarvie Graeme Smith

STIRLING ALBION vs PETERHEAD DEC 6th | LEAGUE ONE | FORTHBANK

Defenders: Steven Noble Dean Richardson Scott Ross

Graeme Sharp Ross Smith Ryan Strachan Midfielders: Jordon Brown Dean Cowie Bryan Gilfillan

Ryan McCann Jamie Redman Forwards: David Cox Rory McAllister Fraser McLaren Andy Rodgers

PETERHEAD vs STRANRAER DEC 13th | LEAGUE ONE | BALMOOR

MORTON vs PETERHEAD DEC 20th | LEAGUE ONE | CAPPIELOW

THE GAFFER JIM MCINALLY Former Scotland international McInally has been in charge of Peterhead since 2011 and the board’s trust in him paid off dividends last season with the manager guiding the team to the League Two title and promotion to League One. The 50-year-old is a former player who enjoyed a relatively succesful time with 10 caps for Scotland and almost 400 appearances for Dundee United. A midfielder in those days, he also played for Celtic, Nottingham Forest, Coventry City, Raith Rovers, Sligo Rovers, East Fife and Dundee.

KEY PLAYER RORY MCALLISTER Forever heralded as one of the best if not the best players outside of the top division, McAllister has plied his trade for the Blue Toon since 2011 and continues to add to his impressive goalscoring record.

74 goals in 101 games is an astonishing feat, and only McAllister’s personal decision to play part-time is holding him back from being one of Scotland’s most lethal full-time finishers. The former Inverness man once played for Scotland’s U20 and U21 sides 2007 and 2008.

LAST TIME LEAGUE ONE SAT 9TH AUG 2014 ATT: 539

1 PETERHEAD MCALLISTER 85

1 STIRLING ALBION G. SMITH 55

Rory McAllister grabbed a late equaliser to deny Albion a winning start on the opening day of the League 1 season.

Gordon Smith gave us the lead early in the second half with a fine finish but Scotland’s top scorer from last year earned the Blue Toon a point in a keenly-contested encounter at Balmoor.

Chances were few in the opening stages but we almost took the lead in 31 minutes when Doris did well on the right flank and picked out Gordon Smith, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Graeme Smith.

At the other end, our defence offered McAllister little cheer but he had an effort diverted for a corner before we had a big penalty appeal turned down. Doris appeared to be bundled over in the box but referee George Salmond waved play on.

The deadlock was broken in 55 minutes when Coult played in Gordon Smith and he beat namesake Graeme with a composed finish for his third goal of the season.

With Peterhead struggling to create clear-cut chances, it looked as if one goal might be enough but we were pushed back as the game wore on and were undone with five minutes to go.

A long pass through the middle tempted Paterson to come off his line but McAllister got there first and guided the ball into the net.

17 / DE C E MB ER 2014 / WW W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

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MATCH PREVIEW

FORFAR ATHLETIC VS. STIRLING ALBION LEAGUE ONE SAT 13TH DECEMBER 2014 15:00 KO STATION PARK

FORFAR ATHLETIC FACTFILE FOUNDED: 1885 CAPACITY: 6,777

NICKNAME: THE LOONS STADIUM: STATION PARK CURRENT MANAGER: DICK CAMPBELL

DAVID CHALMERS

I

t feels like yesterday when Sandy Cunningham came off the bench to grab a brace in the last meeting between these two, but it has in fact been 10 weeks at the time of writing since the two faces off in a 2-2 draw at Forthbank.

It was a valuable point for the Binos with just eight registered on the board, and with Forfar firmly in the title mix it was impressive to get it against such a talented set of players.

Dick Campbell has continued to manage his side well to keep them fighting for the top spot and they currenly sit just a point off the pace-setters Greenock Morton.

They went the whole month of Septermber unbeaten with home wins over Peterhead and Brechin coming either side of the Forthbank draw and following that draw they went on to win their three next fixtures beating Brechin, Stenhousemuir and Airdrieonians.

Draws with Dunfermline and Stranraer meant that Campbell’s side also finished the month of October unbeaten but sadly for The Loons their great run of form came to a halt when Cowedenbeath visited Station Park in the Scottish Cup Third Round at the start of November.

The Blue Brazil, currently 9th in the Scottish Championship, went ahead after Kyle Miller teed up Declan Hughes for his first goal for the club. Sean Higgins doubled their lead with Miller grabbing another assist, before Dale Hilson reduced the deficit for the home side.

It wasn’t enough to stop the away side and Lewis Milne

grabbed his side’s third just after the hour mark to seal Cowdenbeath’s place in the next round.

Their next match ended in a 10-man defeat. Jon Scullion opened the scoring with a 20-yard-drive and a Declan McManus cross saw Andy Barrowman get Morton’s second. Forfar’s Jim Paterson saw red late on for a challenge on Jordan Allen.

The Loons slipped to second in the table following a remarkable 3-3 draw with Brechin at Glebe Park.

Andrew Jackson headed City into the lead from a pass

by Bobby Barr, who doubled the advantage by firing high into the net with his right foot.

Omar Kader’s right-footed shot reduced Forfar’s arrears and Gavin Swankie slotted in an equaliser.

Chris Templeman headed Forfar into the lead, but substitute Alan Trouten levelled with a low right-footed shot.

The club ended a run of five matches without a win thanks to goals from Stephen Smith and Omar Kader.

The hosts took the lead after just four minutes when Smith’s drive found the top corner and they dominated the remainder of the first half.

Ten minutes after the restart Kader tapped home from six yards and Chris Templeman’s header hit the crossbar.

Ayr United went close to a consolation goal in the final minute but Dale Keenan headed against the post.

It will be a test of resolve for the Binos to see if they can shake off their bad run of form and impact on Forfar’s title hopes. All signs point to a competitive game.

24 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

FIXTURES

SQUAD LIST Goalkeepers: Rab Douglas Ross Salmon

STENHOUSEMUIR vs FORFAR DEC 6th | LEAGUE ONE | OCHILVIEW

Defenders: Mark Baxter Darren Dods Michael Dunlop Aaron James Stuart Malcolm

Jim Paterson Andrew Steeves Midfielders: James Dale Danny Denholm Martyn Fotheringham Stephen Husband Omar Kader Liam Keiller

Gavin Malin Craig Smith Derek Young Forwards: Dale Hilson Paul McLellan Gavin Swankie Chris Templeman

FORFAR vs STIRLING ALBION DEC 13th | LEAGUE ONE | STATION PARK

FORFAR vs AIRDRIEONIANS DEC 20th | LEAGUE ONE | STATION PARK

THE GAFFER DICK CAMPBELL 61-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.

KEY PLAYER DALE HILSON Stirling-born striker Dale Hilson joined The Loons on a permanent deal this season after spending an astonishing four seasons on loan from Dundee United.

The 21-year-old started his career with youth side Carse Thistle before moving to Tannadice. He made his professional debut in 2009. Last season he scored 13 goals in 33 games and already has 8 in 15 this season showing his progression. One to keep an eye on.

LAST TIME LEAGUE ONE SAT 20TH OCT 2014 ATT: 567

2 STIRLING ALBION CUNNINGHAM 72, 86

2 FORFAR ATHLETIC KADER 12, SWANKIE 71

Sandy Cunningham came off the bench to grab a double and earn us an important point after Forfar looked to be heading for victory at Forthbank.

The 19-year-old scored twice in the closing 18 minutes after Omar Kader and Gavin Swankie had Dick Campbell’s men on course for a place at the top of the League 1 table.

Forfar thought they had been awarded an early penalty when Swankie went down under a challenge from Chris Smith but contact looked minimal and referee George Salmond changed his mind.

The visitors didn’t have long to wait for the opening goal. In 12 minutes, winger Danny Denholm sent in a dangerous cross from the left and exSpartans midfielder Kader steered the ball home.

Neither goalkeeper had much to do for long spells of the game but Forfar scored again with 19 minutes left when Swankie had a simple tapin after good work by ex-Livingston man Denholm.

Cunningham, on as a substitute shortly before that goal, got us back in it 60 seconds later when he made space at the edge of the box and smashed a superb shot past 42-year-old ex-Scotland keeper Rab Douglas and into the top corner.

The 19-year-old caused Forfar’s vastly-experienced defence problems and popped up with the equaliser in the closing minutes.

Doris nodded the ball down and Cunningham pounced from close range to complete a spirited comeback against a physically strong and talented Forfar side.

25 / DE C E MB ER 2014 / W W W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . UK

MATCH PREVIEW

AYR UNITED VS. STIRLING ALBION LEAGUE ONE SAT 20TH DECEMBER 2014 15:00 KO SOMERSET PARK

AYR UNITED FACTFILE FOUNDED: 1910 NICKNAME: THE HONEST MEN STADIUM: SOMERSET PARK CAPACITY: 10,185 CURRENT MANAGER: MARK ROBERTS DAVID CHALMERS

T

he Binos will face a 120 mile round trip when they face Ayr United in the last game before Christmas, providing the weather doesn’t get too bad.

It is a long trip and one that the Binos haven’t made in five years since they went to Somerset Park and came away with nothing after a 3-1 defeat.

The Honest Men won promotion that year after finishing two points shy of the Division Two title, which was won by Raith Rovers with 76 points. Stirling finished three points behind Peterhead and missed out on the Play-Off’s that season.

As it stands, the club are 10 points behind secondplaced Forfar and look anything but winning the league and so they might well just have to try and win promotion via the Play-Off’s this season if they are to gain entry into the Championship, which will contain at least one of Hearts, Rangers and Hibernian next season.

The form of Morton, Forfar, Dunfermline and Stranraer will make that difficult for United, but you can never say never in football.

“

Mark Roberts had to deal with the loss of strikers Kevin Kyle, Michael Moffat and Craig Malcolm in the summer but responded by bringing in former Celtic striker Craig Beattie, Ryan Donnelly and Motherwell youngster Dale Shirkie.

While their forward line might leave much to be desired with Roberts investing in youth; he has brought in experience players to try and solidify the defence and midfield. Carlisle United legend and one-time Republic of Ireland international Peter Murphy was brought into the club in the summer alongside JonPaul McGovern, who started his career with Celtic before enjoying a successful career in England with good spells at the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Swindon Town and Carlisle United.

This experience has helped in some aspects, but the side has still lost seven matches and they eight points ahead of the Binos at the time of writing.

Stuart McLaren must see this encounter as a winnable fixtures with Ayr’s current form, and the fact that you have to beat the teams around you.

Should you decide travel to the game, no one could doubt your commitment to supporting the club!

Stuart McLaren must see this encounter as a winnable fixture with Ayr’s current form

“

26 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

FIXTURES

SQUAD LIST Goalkeepers: David Hutton Shaun Newman

DUNFERMLINE vs AYR UNITED DEC 6th | LEAGUE ONE | EAST END PARK

Defenders: Josh McArthur Martyn Campbell Kevin McKinlay Nicky Devlin Peter Murphy

Andrew Muir

Paul Slane

Midfielders: Alan Forrest Michael Donald Michael Wardrope Scott McLaughlin Brian Gilmour Peter McGill Robbie Crawford

Forwards: Mark Roberts Jon Paul McGovern Sean McKenzie Ryan Donnelly Dale Shirkie Craig Beattie

AYR UNITED vs STENHOUSEMUIR DEC 13th | LEAGUE ONE | SOMERSET PARK

AYR UNITED vs STIRLING ALBION DEC 20th | LEAGUE ONE | SOMERSET PARK

THE GAFFER MARK ROBERTS Following three years as a player at the club, the board at Ayr clearly decided that Roberts was the man to take the club forward in a managerial sense.

A relatively decent striker in his playing years, he clocked up over 100 appearances at three separate clubs; Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle and the club he now manages. He also played for Falkirk, Airdrieonians, Shelbourne, St. Mirren, Raith Rovers and Airdrie United.

His first season saw the club finish seventh in the division, but last year he got the club into the Play-Off’s.

KEY PLAYER SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN It was a close call between McLaughlin, Alan Forrest, and former Scotland international Craig Beattie, however the 30-year-old midfielder gets the nod considering his impeccable record; Ayr have never lost in a match that McLaughlin has scored in this season.

(This record is correct with the match against Peterhead to be replayed.)

The Scotsman got his break at Livingston under Paul Lambert before turning out for a number of clubs in Scotland.

LAST TIME LEAGUE ONE SAT 16TH AUG 2014 ATT: 823

1 STIRLING ALBION G. SMITH PEN 66

3 AYR UNITED FORREST 5, 55, GILMOUR 68

Ayr ran out worthy winners at Forthbank to end the day two points clear at the top of the early League One table.

It was a disappointing afternoon for Greig McDonald’s side, who were unable to build on an encouraging 1-1 draw at Peterhead and were well beaten by the Honest Men. Teenager Alan Forrest scored twice for the visitors and Brian Gilmour sealed their win midway through the second half - just two minutes after Gordon Smith had given us hope with his fourth goal of the season from the penalty spot.

Greg Paterson had already denied Forrest before the 17-year-old broke the deadlock in just five minutes, steering the ball into the net after some poor defending.

The younger brother of Celtic forward James forced a decent save from Paterson as Ayr continued to look the more likely side but we had a penalty appeal waved away when Gordon Smith went down in the box.

Forrest doubled Ayr’s advantage 10 minutes after the break with a fine left-foot finish into the corner after he was cleverly teed up by Gilmour.

The introduction of skipper Darren Smith and Sandy Cunningham provided a lift and we were thrown a lifeline when Martyn Campbell handled at a corner kick.

Gordon Smith made a perfect job of the penalty but two minutes later Gilmour pounced from six yards when we failed to deal with a corner.

27 / DE C E MB ER 2014 / W W W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . UK

MATCH PREVIEW

STIRLING ALBION VS. GREENOCK MORTON LEAGUE ONE SAT 27TH DECEMBER 2014 15:00 KO FORTHBANK

GREENOCK MORTON FACTFILE FOUNDED: 1874 NICKNAME: THE TON STADIUM: CAPPIELOW PARK CAPACITY: 11,589 CURRENT MANAGER: JIM DUFFY BEN RAMAGE & DAVID CHALMERS

S

tirling welcome high-flying Greenock Morton to the Forthbank just two days after Christmas, hoping for a win to give the Binos fans a late present. The ‘Ton have had a terrific season so far, and sat top of the table just ahead of Forfar at the beginning of December. The decision to replace Kenny Shiels with the more experienced Jim Duffy after the former saw the side relegated last season has been totally justified.

Many of Duffy’s s u m m e r s i g n i n g s have jelled immediately, especially strikers Andrew Barrowman and Declan McManus, who had managed nine goals between them after the first 14 games. These goals have seen the Ton move into a very strong position going in to the second half of the season, with a promotion spot or maybe even more a great possibility. The Binos will have to be at their very best to avoid a second defeat to Morton, after the 2 - 0 defeat Stirling suffered in October at Cappielow Park.

“

Duffy’s time in charge of the club has seen the manager oversee a 59% win record with 13 wins in 22 games. Ironically, it’s always black and white with games as he has also been at the helm for eight defeats and only one draw.

Four wins in the month of November would have put Duffy and his squad on cloud nine as with them overtaking Forfar at the top of the League One table as Airdrieonians and Stenhousemuir joined The Loons in defeats to The ’Ton. However, Lowland League outfit Spartans shocked Morton in the Scottish Cup. Morton took the lead midway through the first half when Andrew Barrowman tucked home.

W i l l i e Bremner’s low, drilled finish drew the hosts level before Morton’s Stefan McCluskey was sent off for receiving a second yellow card.

And the Lowland League outfit sealed progress to the fifth round when Beesley pounced on Jack Beacher’s pass.

It remains to be seen if the Spartans defeat will impact their league form, but the Binos can rest assured that Duffy’s side can definitely be beaten.

It remains to be seen if the Spartans defeat will impact their league form, but the Binos can rest assured that Duffy’s side can definitely be beaten.

“

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FIXTURES

SQUAD LIST Goalkeepers: Derek Gaton Nicolas Caraux

STRANRAER vs MORTON DEC 6th | LEAGUE ONE | STAIR PARK

Defenders: Lee Kilday Ricki Lamie Michal Miller Stefan Milokevic

Sean Crighton Thomas Oware Midfielders: Jamie McCluskey Cono Pepper Joe McKee Jordan Allan Reece Hands

Forwards: Andrew Barrowman David McNeill Declan McManus Stefan McCluskey Jon Scullion

MORTON vs BRECHIN DEC 13th | LEAGUE ONE | CAPPIELOW

MORTON vs PETERHEAD DEC 20th | LEAGUE ONE | CAPPIELOW

THE GAFFER JIM DUFFY Glaswegian Jim Duffy, 55, took over at Greenock after a three year spell at Clyde, having previously managed Hibernian, Dundee and Falkirk. He has hit the ground running, turning around a demoralised relegated side who now look like they could head straight back up at the first attempt.

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.

KEY PLAYER DECLAN MCMANUS Declan McManus, 20, has been in fine form so far, notching 6 goals by December for the Ton. The exciting forward has been sent out by Aberdeen to gain some valuable first team experience, and has grasped the opportunity of consistent first team football brilliantly so far.

Glasgow-born Declan has played 12 times for the Don’s, and was called up to the Scotland Under 21’s for the first time in September.

LAST TIME LEAGUE ONE SAT 1ST OCT 2014 ATT: 1,225

2 GREENOCK MORTON BARROWMAN 33, MCNEIL 85

0 STIRLING ALBION

Morton maintained their 100% home record as we ended the first quarter at the bottom of League 1.

Goals from Andy Barrowman and substitute David McNeil earned Jim Duffy’s side a deserved win as they bounced back from successive away defeats to Stenhousemuir and Brechin to move up to third in the table.

Perhaps it was the early start - it was a 1.00pm kick-off due to Scotland’s Euro 2016 qualifier at Ibrox later in the day - but there was a flat feel to the opening exchanges.

Morton upped the pace after half an hour and a flurry of activity was rewarded with the opening goal in 33 minutes. Callum Reidford pushed out a low drive from Joe McKee and former Livingston striker Barrowman swept the ball home from close range as we appealed in vain for offside.

Lee Hamilton, who signed a new contract until 2016, prevented a second goal for the hosts early in the second period when he managed to head a net-bound Stefan McCluskey effort off the line before we had our brightest spell of the game.

Substitute Gordon Smith had keeper Derek Gaston scrambling to clutch a shot at the base of the post then Graham Weir fizzed a drive into the side netting after breaking down the left.

However, Morton sealed the points with five minutes left when our defence failed to deal with a long ball and McNeil nipped in to apply the finish under Reidford.

29 / DE CE MB ER 2014 / WW W . ST I R LI N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

MATCH PREVIEW

STENHOUSEMUIR VS. STIRLING ALBION LEAGUE ONE SAT 3RD JANUARY 2015 15:00 KO OCHILVIEW

STENHOUSEMUIR FACTFILE FOUNDED: 1884 CAPACITY: 3,746

NICKNAME: THE WARRIORS STADIUM: OCHILVIEW CURRENT MANAGER: SCOTT BOOTH

BEN RAMAGE & DAVID CHALMERS

S

tirling make the short trip down to Stenhousemuir on the 3rd of January for their first game of the new year, and they will be hoping for another positive result after August’s epic 5 - 4 victory. Scott Booth’s Warriors have had a difficult start to the season, and sat just above the relegation zone at the start of December.

Stenny’s biggest problems have been up front, with noone picking up the mantle from departed star striker Sean Higgins, who moved to Cowdenbeath in the Championship over the summer.

M a r t i n G r e h a n and Colin McMenamin will need to find their shooting boots up front soon to help the Warriors climb away from the relegation zone, having only managed three goals apiece after fourteen games of the current season. Manager Scott Booth made good use of the loan system over the summer and will be hoping promising young midfielder Jamie Reid, on loan from Dundee, will be able to provide the

“

ammunition for Stenhousemuir’s struggling forward’s.

The Warriors have managed only one victory since the day they effectively ended Greig McDonald’s tenure as Stirling Albion manager. The week after that match they welcomed Peterhead to Ochilview where Rory McAllister continued to show his finishing prowess with a brace; one of those goals being a last-minute penalty winner after Jamie Stevenson was fouled. They then lost to Brechin at home the following week with yet another late penalty being the bug bearer for gaffer Scott Booth. Andy Jackson was fouled and the fantasticallynamed Bobby Barr put his spotkick away.

Scott Fraser and Keigan Parker earned Airdrieonians a 2-0 win over Stenny while league leaders Morton put three past goalkeeper Greg Fleming, but their best result this season came with Kris Faulds’ solitary goal against Dunfermline.

Stirling will be hoping to atone for the pitiable 4 0 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Warriors in October.

Stenny’s biggest problems have been up front, with no-one picking up the mantle from departed star striker Sean Higgins, who moved to Cowdenbeath in the Championship over the summer.

“

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FIXTURES

STENHOUSEMUIR vs FORFAR ATHLETIC DEC 6th | LEAGUE ONE | OCHILVIEW

SQUAD LIST Goalkeepers: Greg Fleming Craig Burns Dean Shaw Chris Smith

Nicolas Mortimer Danny Nimmo James Redpath Ciaran Summers Fraser Thomson

Defenders: Robbie Duncan Stewart Greacen Alan Lawson Alan Lithgow Matthew McGuire Ross McMillan Ross Meechan

Midfielders: Mark Allan Ryan Coleman Sean Dickson Kyle Docherty Kris Faulds Gregor Fotheringham Bryan Hodge

Kieran Millar Jamie Reid Mark Scott Josh Watt Forwards: Stan Chitemere Martin Grehan Colin McMenamin Ryan Millar Callum Robertson Paul Sludden

AYR UNITED vs STENHOUSEMUIR DEC 13th | LEAGUE ONE | SOMERSET PARK

STENHOUSEMUIR vs BRECHIN CITY DEC 20th | LEAGUE ONE | OCHILVIEW

THE GAFFER SCOTT BOOTH Scott Booth has been with Stenhousemuir for a year now, with this his first managerial job. He worked for multiple media outlets as a pundit after retiring as a player and also coached in the S.F.A before taking the reins at Stenny.

Booth had an impressive playing career, with two spells at Aberdeen and an exciting European career playing for German giants Borussia Dortmund, as well as FC Twente and FC Utrecht. The forward managed to gain 22 caps for Scotland, notching 6 goals for the dark blues.

KEY PLAYER MARTIN GREHAN Striker Martin Grehan is key to Stenhousemuir’s attack, and the Bino’s will have to watch the forward carefully to ensure he doesn’t unlock the Stirling defence.

Grehan had a great spell at Stirling, moving to the Forthbank in 2008 and notching 19 goals in 49 appearances. That form earned him a move to Partick Thistle, and the 30 year old from Glenrothes has also played for Stranraer and Forfar.

LAST TIME LEAGUE ONE SAT 18TH OCT 2014 ATT: 689

0 STIRLING ALBION 4 STENHOUSEMUIR FAULDS 17, OLIVER 51, 66, WALSH 75

Binos fans will be hoping that the new year brings a different result to the last time Stirling met Stenny. October’s awful 4-0 home defeat brought an end to Greig McDonald’s near three year managerial reign.

There was nothing to take from the game for Stirling, who set up in a 3-5-2 formation which allowed the Warriors to pick up their first points away from home all season with the emphatic victory.

Kris Faulds fired Scott Booth’s men in front with a low drive from the edge of the box after 17 minutes and the game completely unravelled in the second half.

Gary Oliver added the second when he was given time and space to finish with a shot that sneaked under Callum Reidford and the on-loan Hearts striker scored the third when he stole the ball from the Albion keeper and was able to walk it into the net.

Midfielder Willie Robertson saw red with 20 minutes left for what looked like a head-butt on Colin McMenamin and Tom Walsh, on loan from Rangers, steered home the fourth goal at the back post to complete a dreadful afternoon for Stirling.

31 / DE C E MB ER 2014 / W W W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . UK

COMMUNITY CORNER

DEC.

2014 GIRLS PROGRAMME The Stirling Albion Central Girls programme is gradually starting to take off with the training nights for the girls being increased to two nights a week. The girls have also begun to take part in more regular games at weekends with various festivals taking place and they will be competing in an indoor league over the coming winter months.

The girls are also turning out in their brand new Stirling Albion strips that were bought thanks to a generous donation from the Stirling Albion Supporters Trust. The strips were presented at our home match vs Forfar by club legend Willie Watters. Pictured is Willie presenting Ian Dibdin of Central Girls with the strips alongside myself and Neil Emslie from SAFC Supporters Trust.

You can also see the girls wearing the strips in one of their recent indoor tournaments with girls’ squads from various parts of the country.

If you are, or know of, a girl wanting to join - training takes place at Forthbank on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact myself via the channels below for more information.

BOOK ON OUR WEEKLY CLASSES!!

You can now book onto our weekly football classes that we are running in various communities around the Stirling area with our partners Active Stirling. We are running “Mini Kickers” classes for 3-4 year olds, “Play The Game” centres for children aged between 5 and 12, “Player Development Centres” for slightly more advanced players aged 9-12 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! We are now into the final 7 week block before Christmas but it’s not too late - book on now and the cost will be adjusted for the final few weeks that are left!

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

2014 SUMMARY It has been another busy calendar year now past but one which has been extremely successful and encouraging 32 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

COMMUNITY CORNER for the community programme and for Stirling Albion FC. Thinking back to the beginning of the year when planning all started for the nursery programme and the delivery of that programme shortly after. It was an excellent programme which was well received by all of the nurseries that we attended and one which we hope to repeat at some point during 2015. We also had our holiday programmes with firstly Easter, then Summer and finally October. These school holiday camps alongside our weekly classes has really strengthened our partnership and the way we work with Active Stirling from a community perspective.

I expect this to go from strength to strength in the months and years to come to the benefit of both parties.

We also have to mention our under 12s go Free scheme that launched at the start of this season. We are tremendously proud of this scheme and the aim to try and encourage more young supporters and families along to our home games to watch the Binos. Through the early games of this season, our u12s scheme is looking to be working well but we still have a way to go and hope the fan base will continue to grow season by season.

On the modern apprentice front, we said goodbye to Sandy Cunningham and hello to Stephen Al-Sayed.

Sandy will still be involved in community programmes from a first team point of view and may occasionally still coach when he is available but Stephen is already well under way with the programmes and classes and has made a fantastic start. We had Stephen involved as a volunteer during the Summer camps to give him as much experience as possible before starting his apprenticeship and it is clear this has been of massive benefit to him as he really has hit the ground running.

The Stirling Albion Junior Academy continues to go from strength to strength as well and we now have 33 / DE CEMB ER 2014 / WW W . ST I R LI N G ALB I O N F C. CO . UK

a very structured, well run committee which was something that was lacking at the beginning of the year. This stability should ensure that the Junior Academy will continue to build and develop into one of the best community set ups locally, regionally and hopefully in the future, nationally.

We have some fantastic volunteers providing the children and young adults with a fantastic footballing experience and you will see many of our volunteers and players along at the first team matches (look out for them on the 27th at the Morton game!). We are currently looking to extend the Junior Academy by another 3 teams to ensure we have age groups from 2007 up to 2002 as well as a 1998s.

Not forgetting the young reds sitting within our player pathway too, many of whom played on the pitch at half time during the Airdrieonians match.

Again, there are many fantastic volunteers looking after some of the youngest members of our football club and giving them the opportunity to play football.

I look forward to working more closely with the young reds on ways we can strengthen them as part of the set up too.

Finally, I’d like to thank everyone for their support and contributions to the community programme over the last year and I look forward to everyone’s continued support in the year to come. I hope you all enjoy the Christmas break and the New Year Get following us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest!!

Facebook - www.facebook.com/SAFCCommunity Twitter - @SAFCCommunity Website - www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/community Email - community@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk

Andy

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JUNIOR BINOS ---------------------------P R E S E N T S Z W M Q G S Z

A N Q A X M V V J W O C T A I

E T L S L R W R V H H F N M C

N Z M D R P A Y H R R U M T X

V V B F F H A I I R U Y U S D

T M E C Y A E S I W D M N I W

U L O M C B T J C V O B A R R

F B E X L M Z Q U X L K M H W

S S Z Z A W O Z S O P Y N C K

K Z T S C R Y U G N H L O W U

S H E Y A R U G B F O U S U W

W V L W Y Q Z E G W K W L N Q

E B Z M X M I U G Q T Q M J U

U V L I W V P J K B M D F A K

S A N T A I E U H T S G W M N

CROSSWORD CHALLENGE:

WORDS TO BE FOUND: CHRISTMAS RUDOLPH SNOWMAN SANTA ELF CHRISTMAS EVE PRESENTS Look out for diagonal words and words written backwards!

SCOTTISH CUP QUIZ 1. 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?

34 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

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DRAW A POSTER!

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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 5th January 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.

35 / DE CEMB ER 2014 / W W W . ST I R LI N G ALB I O N F C. CO . UK

NAME:

SCHOOL:

AGE:

PARENT’S NAME:

PARENT’S CONTACT NUMBER:

STIRLING ALBION SQUAD LIST 2014/15 COACHING STAFF

STUART McLAREN

MARTYN CORRIGAN

INA SHAW MBE

DRON & DICKSON LTD

GOALKEEPER

GOALKEEPER

DAVID WESTWOOD

GREG PATERSON VICTOR & DEBBIE NELSON

DEFENCE

CALLUM REIDFORD

LEE HAMILTON

JAMES CREANEY

CHRIS SMITH

SAFC SUPPORTERS TRUST BOARD

BRAEHEAD TAXIS CAUSEWAYHEAD BUILDING SERVICES

DRON & DICKSON LTD

SAFC SUPPORTERS CLUB

DEFENCE

MIDFIELD

CRAIG WEDDERBURN

ROSS FORSYTH

ROSS McGEACHIE

PHIL JOHNSTON

IAIN GLEN

PETER MCKENZIE

MCKENZIE TRAILERS LTD

ROY & SHEENA MCFARLANE

36 / D E C E MB E R 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

SQUAD LIST 2014/15 STIRLING ALBION MIDFIELD

DARREN LEE SMITH

CRAIG COMRIE

DALE FULTON

WILLIAM ROBERTSON

CRAIG SMITH

GARRY CAIRNS JOINERY

IAIN PATERSON

ALASDAIR DUNN

MIDFIELD

GRAHAM WEIR

DAVID McCLUNE

DARREN SMITH

BLAIR MUNN

VICTOR & DEBBIE NELSON

IAN ALLARDICE

DAVID & ALEX KNAPMAN

W TURNBULL NEWSAGENTS JIM THOMSON

FORWARD

SANDY CUNNINGHAM

STEVEN DORIS

LEWIS COULT

GORDON SMITH

CRAIG STEWART

BRIDGE OF ALLAN SUPPORTERS

ROBERT MCCRINDLE

TYLAR ROWLEY

37 / DE C E MB ER 2014 / WW W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . UK

STADIUM ADVERTISERS STIRLING ALBION XMAS PARTY NIGHT Friday 12 December Golden Lion Hotel 7:00PM - 7:30PM Till 1AM THE MIAMI SHOWBAND AND DISCO 3 Course Festive Menu + ½ Bottle of Wine, Ticket: £42.50

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