The Albion - November 2012 by The Albion Magazine

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Stirling Albion F.C. Official Magazine

Issue #13

November 2012

£3.00

FLYING HIGH

Binos camp in good spirits following 1-0 win over Rangers

SHAUN FAGAN’S REACTION TO THE RANGERS WIN

ALL THE RANGERS REACTION|VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT|MATCH PREVIEWS|PLAYER QUICK QUIZ

Editors’ Notes

A fortnight ago Stirling Albion beat the famous Glasgow Rangers 1-0. We battled hard, fought well, and came away with a well deserved three points.

The result also lifted the club off the bottom of the table, and proved that when they are at the top of their game, the Binos are capable of beating anyone in this league. Hopefully the side are now brimming with confidence and ready to put together their first successive victories of the season. A touch of form is sometimes all it needs to reignite a faltering campaign, and Stirling will hope this is the case as they look to put their season back on track with a win today against Montrose, and more importantly, a win that could catapult the Forthbank boys back up to 5th in the Third Division table and put us right back in the playoff mix. Montrose had a slippery start to the campaign, taking eight points from their opening seven matches, but after failing to win in any of the first four games in the new campaign, the Links Park side have had a recovery in form, winning two of their last three matches and coming to Forthbank on the back of an impressive 3-1 win over Berwick Rangers. You can find a full preview of today’s fixture inside, along with all the reaction from the players and coaches involved in the Rangers triumph, an interview with the Chairman of the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal, and all your regular features. With regards,

My first visit to Forthbank this season resulted in a historic 1-0 win over Glasgow Rangers FC. Perhaps I should go more often! I managed to get the Saturday off work and head down to see the Binos’ first league clean sheet of the season, and I think a lot of people need to realise that statistic, and how important that is, not just the win over Rangers, but three points and a clean sheet is everything a manager could ask for. Of-course Greig McDonald is now a happilymarried man, I’ll let him tell you if that’s more to do with his wife Jennifer or the good form his team is currently in! Shaun Fagan reveled in his absence and has a 100% record as manager...no pressure Greig. It was a great atmosphere with Binos fans singing their hearts out and I enjoyed my visit, despite a nervous 90 minutes. Hopefully it is the perfect springboard to climb the league and get into some good form coming into Christmas. Many thanks to Dave Murty who took photos for us at the game. Dave is hoping to get along to a number of home games this season to be our home photographer, and we welcome him. My fingers will be crossed that when I check the scores following work on Saturday that I can smile at an Albion win.

Club Executive Team Chair and Operations Director Stuart Brown Finance Director Alan Christie Commercial Director John Hunter Director David McFarlane Members Jim Thomson Football Management Manager Greig McDonald Assistant Coaches Shaun Fagan Marc McCulloch Physiotherapist Pauline Robertson Goalkeeping Coach David Eccles Kit Man Gregor Dryden

We hope you enjoy your fully-packed November edition of the magazine and appreciate the support you give in purchasing it. We sold out at the Rangers game and people were still asking for copies, and that means a lot to the club.

Club Doctor Michael Beyer

With regards,

Head of Youth (Coaching) Blair Cremin

@StuartKenny

@DavidJChalmers

Head of Youth (Admin) Stewart Taylor

Under 19 Coaches Graeme Donald David Binnie Club Chaplain Duncan Strathdee 0778 991 2259

Stuart Kenny Editor

David Chalmers Editor

CONTENTS Regular features: 03. Inside the Box 04. Albion news 05. from the dugout 16. the deep end 19. Player Quick Quiz

Steven Weir dives in the Deep End

32 Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal Division 3 Round-Up

Montrose Preview

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Editors: Stuart Kenny (Content) David Chalmers (Design) Contributors: Dave Murty David Ogilvie Graham Ruthven Stuart Brown Fraser Clarke Stefan Schmidt Graham Swann Greg Barrie Thanks: Shaun Fagan Brian Allison Greig McDonald STV Montrose FC SFL Prudential Photography: Dave Murty Photography Deena Mobbs (redweb) Design: Original template by Ross Dunn Printing: Mailboxes Etc. Stirling Contact: magazine@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk Interact: T| 01786 450339 E| stirlingalbion@btconnect.com 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 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

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INSIDE THE BOX Stuart Brown - Operations Director

“I’M PRETTY CONFIDENT I’VE ALREADY PERSONALLY THANKED EVERYONE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THANKED BUT IF I’VE UNWITTINGLY MISSED ANYBODY… THANK YOU! ”

week is a long time in football and it has allowed me to get the euphoria of the result against Rangers and the flurry of post match media attention into perspective. Whilst the memory of our win will last for ever, the league table shows that we won the game, got three points, improved our goal difference by one and are only off the bottom of the table on goal difference. No one, least of all the Management Team and the players, is in any doubt that the (thoroughly deserved) victory against Rangers will count for very little if we don’t achieve the same level of intensity and commitment week in week out for the remainder of the season. The next two games in the league – against Montrose (home) and Peterhead (away) – will be pivotal in determining whether we’ve turned a corner and go on to use the win as a platform for climbing up the table. As well as the on field success, the day was a huge success behind the scenes with every one of the many volunteer helpers pulling together to deliver a truly memorable occasion. I’m pretty confident I’ve already personally thanked everyone that should have been thanked but if I’ve unwittingly missed anybody… thank you! Our biggest challenge was catering for nearly 240 hospitality guests and I’m delighted to report that we’ve been bombarded with messages of appreciation, including from a fair number of Rangers supporters, who might not have enjoyed the fare on the pitch but were effusive in their thanks for the hospitality extended to them off it. Good news too from Central Scotland Police – there were no arrests or indeed any major incidents whatsoever in or around Forthbank Stadium. A refreshing bit of news that pays tribute to the 3751 fans in attendance. The only sour note for me, surrounding the match, was the much publicised post match comment from Charles Green that Rangers getting beaten by Stirling Albion was embarrassing. I consider that to be extremely disrespectful to Stirling Albion FC, our Management Team and our players. That said I’d just love it if, on December 8th, he felt the need to be embarrassed again. As most of you are aware, Greig McDonald will miss the next two games due to his honeymoon and Shaun Fagan and Marc McCulloch will remain jointly at the helm until his return. However, aside from him not being physically present on match days, it’s pretty much business as usual with Greig keeping in touch with his assistants on a daily basis by phone and e-mail, to discuss all aspects of the build up to the matches against Montrose and Peterhead. Finally, it’s not often I’ll cover birthday messages in my piece but I’m delighted to make an exception for our former Chairman, Peter McKenzie, who was 86 years young on 11 October. Many happy returns, Peter – I trust Brian Allison’s goal was an acceptable birthday present from the Club?

ALBION NEWS CROWD FIGURES The attendance of 3,751 for the recent game against Rangers was the second highest since Forthbank opened in April 1993. The biggest remains the 3,808 (the official capacity) that watched a Scottish Cup fourthround defeat to Aberdeen in February 1996. A total of 3,370 turned up for a League Cup quarter-final with the Dons in September 1997 while the shock Scottish Cup success against Hibernian in February 1999 was witnessed by 3,592 fans. In February 2001, a crowd of 3,673 peered through the fog to ‘watch’ Hibs beat us 3-2 in the Scottish Cup. The first ever game here drew a crowd of 2,544 for a 3-2 defeat to Clydebank but the terracing was not available at that time. The smallest crowd for a competitive game at Forthbank is the 284 that made the effort to come along for a Monday night match against Queen’s Park in May 2009 – the original game had been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch on the Saturday. DOUBLE SHUT-OUT The clean sheet against Rangers was only our third in the league in the whole of 2012 – the others both came against Albion Rovers (1-0 away in January and 3-0 at home in March). The Rangers shut-out came in the wake of a 5-0 win at Dalbeattie Star in the Scottish Cup and you have to go back almost exactly two years for our last back-to-back clean sheets. John O’Neill was in charge in Division One for a 0-0 draw with Queen of the South and a 2-0 victory away to Raith. Remarkably, we have not managed three on the trot since December 2006 when Allan Moore’s team beat Forfar (2-0) and Cowdenbeath (1-0) either side of a 1-0 Scottish Cup win over Edinburgh City at Forthbank. RARE STRIKE Brian Allison’s goal against Rangers was only the second of his career. His first came in a 1-0 win over Partick Thistle in a First Division match at Forthbank in February 2008 during his initial loan spell to us from Falkirk. We’re sure we won’t have to wait four-and-a-half years for another!

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER Remember that you can keep up to date with all the latest Stirling Albion news on Twitter @Stirling_Albion and via the official website www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk

CHRISTMAS FIXTURES A reminder that we have brought forward our Boxing Day clash with Peterhead at Forthbank to the previously blank Saturday of December 22. Our other festive fixtures are both away from home – to Montrose on Saturday December 29 and East Stirlingshire on Wednesday January 2. POTENTIAL FIXTURE CHANGES If our Scottish Cup tie against Deveronvale ends in a draw, the replay will go ahead at Princess Royal Park in Banff on Saturday November 10. If that happens then our Third Division trip to Annan that day will require to be rescheduled. If we are fortunate enough to reach the fourth round then our home league game against East Stirlingshire will require to be postponed to a later date. FORTHCOMING FIXTURES Saturday October 20 Berwick Rangers v Clyde East Stirlingshire v Peterhead Elgin City v Annan Athletic Stirling Albion v Montrose Rangers v Queen’s Park Saturday October 27 Annan Athletic v East Stirlingshire Montrose v Elgin City Peterhead v Stirling Albion Queen’s Park v Berwick Rangers Sunday October 28 Clyde v Rangers (SKY) Saturday November 10 Annan Athletic v Stirling Albion Clyde v Montrose Elgin City v Berwick Rangers Queen’s Park v East Stirlingshire Rangers v Peterhead DIVISION 3 LEAGUE TABLE Pts 1. Queen’s Park 14 2. Elgin City 13 3. Peterhead 13 4. Rangers 12 5. Annan Athletic 9 6. Clyde 9 7. Berwick Rangers 8 8. Montrose 8 9. Stirling Albion 6 10. East Stirlingshire 6 Correct at October 14

FIXTURE LIST August Sat Aug 4 League Cup R1 Arbroath (A) Sat Aug 11 Annan Athletic (H) Sat Aug 18 Elgin City (A) Sat Aug 25 Clyde (H) September Sat Sep 1 Queen’s Park (H) Sat Sep 15 East Stirlingshire (A) Sat Sep 22 Berwick Rangers (A) Sat Sep 29 Dalbeattie Star (A) October Sat Oct 6 Rangers H Sun Oct 14 Ramsdens Challenge Cup Semi-Final Sat Oct 20 Montrose H Sat Oct 27 Peterhead A Wed Oct 31 League Cup 4 November Sat Nov 3 Deveronvale H Sat Nov 10 Annan Athletic A Sat Nov 17 Elgin City H Fri Nov 23 Queen’s Park A December Sat Dec 1 East Stirlingshire H / S.F.A. Cup 4 Sat Dec 8 Rangers A Sat Dec 15 Berwick Rangers H Sat Dec 22 Peterhead H Sat Dec 29 Montrose A January Wed Jan 2 East Stirlingshire A Sat Jan 5 Queen’s Park H Sat Jan 12 Clyde A Sat Jan 19 Annan Athletic H Sat Jan 26 Berwick Rangers A / League Cup Semi-Final February Sat Feb 2 Rangers H / S.F.A..Cup 5 Sat Feb 9 Montrose H Sat Feb 16 Peterhead A Sat Feb 23 Clyde H March Sat Mar 2 Elgin City A / S.F.A. Cup 6 Sat Mar 9 East Stirlingshire H Sun Mar 17 League Cup Final Sat Mar 23 Rangers A Sat Mar 30 Berwick Rangers H April Tue Apr 2 Queen’s Park A Sat Apr 6 Montrose A Sun Apr 7 Ramsdens Challenge Cup Final Sat Apr 13 Peterhead H / S.F.A. Cup Semi-Final Sat Apr 20 Annan Athletic A Sat Apr 27 Elgin City H May Sat May 4 Clyde A

VIEW FROM THE DUG-OUT SHAUN FAGAN “It was more of a team display than we have seen this season. For me, that was the most pleasing thing. Everyone was pulling for each other. ”

ello and welcome back to Forthbank for the league fixture against Montrose. The gaffer is still enjoying himself on his honeymoon, so I’ll be doing the talking for him in this issue of The Albion.

quite a bit of pressure, and as is always the case in these sorts of game, not entirely sure what to expect from the game. So to put five goals past them at a time when we were struggling to find the net gave us a huge shot of confidence at just the right time.

There’s only one place to start. Beating Rangers will be a game I’m sure we’ll all remember for a very long time. Myself, Greig (McDonald) and Marc (McCulloch) are all very proud of the boys for doing their best for the club when all eyes were on us.

We now need to take that confidence into the game against Montrose. The league table can look quite daunting if you take it in its wider sense, so it’s a cliché, but we need to take one game at a time. If we beat Montrose we will improve our league position. That’s the only way we can look at it.

We knew that they had it in them to win the game, and I could tell before the match how much it meant to them. And it showed on the pitch. We played magnificently and defended really well, which we were always going to have to against a team like Rangers. I think we could all see the togetherness in the performance. It was more of a team display than we have seen this season. For me, that was the most pleasing thing. Everyone was pulling for each other. Everyone was pushing each other to perform at their best. Too often that’s been missing this season. When Rangers come calling you’ve got to up your game, but those games are not what our season will be judged on. It’ll be judged on games against the likes of Montrose and Peterhead, and we need to make sure we play just as well in those games as we did against Rangers. Of course it was nice to write a bit of history, but league positions go down in history too. If this proves to be a turning point in our season, the win against Dalbeattie might be pinpointed at the moment our form changed. We went up there under

We need to get the ball down and pass it better than we did against Rangers. We all knew that if we were to get a result that was how we’d have to go about it, but that doesn’t mean that’s how we want to play every week. It’s taken time for certain players to gel, but hopefully it’s now starting to click. Our efforts against Rangers will have been in vain if we let ourselves down against Montrose and Peterhead. We need to make sure that doesn’t happen. Enjoy the game! Shaun Fagan

MATCH REPORT by Stuart Kenny

Early Allison goal seals historic result

Filler McClune McAnespie McCulloch Thom Allison McSorley G Weir S.Weir White Ferry

Alexander Argyriou Cribari Perry Wallace McCulloch Faure Black Shiels MacLeod Aird

Subs: McGeachie Day (58) Flood (87) Brass Peat (45)

Subs: Naismith (78) Kyle (67) Crawford McKay (67) Gallacher

Pictures by Rajmund Bakonyi

1-0 Stirling Albion Allison 8

6th October, 2012 Referee: B. Madden Att: 3,751

f you were to visit the Stirling Albion offices at Forthbank Stadium, you would first find yourself rising up a staircase lined on either side by large, well framed photos from some of the greatest moments in the club’s history. The photograph that fills the first frame near this staircase sits above a caption that states ‘Rangers fall to Stirling Albion; September 1953’. This remained the only time the Binos had ever triumphed over the Glaswegians, and it seemed unlikely that this would change come the end of the day. It would now seem that the aforementioned shrine-filled staircase is now in need of another, more recent image of the Binos triumphing proudly over Rangers. After five league defeats in a row, and sitting bottom of the third tier of Scottish Football, Stirling Albion were faced with the challenge of changing their league form against a side who have won more domestic top flight titles than any other, and all while manager Greig McDonald was away getting married. Albion would rise to the challenge, and with just eight minutes on the clock, Captain Brian Allison gave his manager the perfect wedding gift. After Kieran McAnespie headed on a Daly McSorley corner, Allison forced the ball past Rangers ‘keeper Neil Alexander and gave the home side a lead they would hold until full time. This wasn’t for a lack of attacking from the Glasgow side however, as Ally McCoist’s men bombarded the Stirling box from the moment they went behind. With a tight, no-nonsense Albion defence sitting deep behind the ball though, the men in blue struggled to create any clear opportunities in the first half. Nevertheless, the equalizer almost arose when Lee

Rangers

McCulloch glanced a Fraser Aird cross onto the back post, but the ball fell favourably for the Albion defence who would quickly clear. Anestis Argyriou and Ian Black also threatened Stirling stopper Sam Filler from long range, but the number one was in good form. Unfortunately, Filler was subbed at half-time after picking up an injury, and experienced substitute keeper Mark Peat was called on to continue Filler’s work and claim the Binos’ first clean sheet of the season. Aird was the first to challenge Peat, but his long range effort was well saved with an acrobatic effort. Shiels threatened next, but the 30-year-old keeper would save his effort too. When a header from Rangers’ Sebastien Faure finally did beat Peat, Mark McCulloch was waiting to clear off the line and keep his side in front. Albion came close to going two up shortly after, as Graham Weir fed Jordan White down the wing, who in turn sent a dangerous ball into the danger zone for Steven Weir. The attacker, who recently joined the club from Australia, would fluff the chance from a few yards out however, and the deficit remained at a single goal. Weir’s blushes were spared as the Albion defence remained in tack, but the Blues continued to push. Peat saved a close range effort from substitute Kevin Kyle with a few minutes of regular time left, but when Dean Shiels launched an injury time effort over the bar from a few yards out, it was to be all three points for the Forthbank club. A turning point in the season for the Binos hopefully, and most certainly a historic day for the record books of Stirling Albion.

RANGERS REACTION

Greig McDonald

arriage is the pinnacle of many people’s lifetimes; a great day in which you make a huge commitment to spend the rest of your life with that special someone. Now imagine that event was to occur on the same day the football team you manage beat Rangers for only the second time in their history. Not a bad day then for Binos boss Greig McDonald. McDonald may not have been present at the historic win against the men from Ibrox, but he was certainly involved with the tactics that led up to the victory, and was in contact with Shaun Fagan as late as the morning of the Saturday during which he was due to get married. “I had a conversation with [player-coach] Shaun Fagan late in the morning of Saturday after realising one of our players Jamie McCunnie had to pull out of the game for family reasons,” McDonald explained. “That kept me involved; it was hard for me to stay away, but as soon as that issue was dealt with my mobile was switched off. My focus after that was entirely on the wedding.” The Forthbank manager described how although the day of his marriage was already outlandishly special for obvious reasons, the result against Ally McCoist’s men was the cherry on top the cake, and McDonald had designated attendees at the wedding regularly updating him with the score. “Getting married to Jennifer was emotional enough for me but the result from Forthbank made it an even bigger night to remember and the day even more special. As soon as we came out after the service, and we started getting photos taken, my best man told me that Brian Allison had scored. “It was only five or 10 minutes into the game. That was just perfect for me. From that moment everyone was checking their phones for score

updates! We were all anxious to hear that it was still 1-0 for us. “I have to confess as I was posing for the photographer what was happening in the game was on my mind; I hope Jennifer can forgive me! But, to be fair, even she was asking the score. My best man and groomsmen had the specific responsibilities of keeping me informed of what was happening at the game. Every two minutes they were checking their phones. Despite not being able to attend, the player/manager was thrilled with the result, and insists that while he will soon be heading off on his honeymoon – a trip which will see him miss a brace of Albion games – he will be eagerly checking to see how the Binos are getting on in these fixtures too. “Just as we came in for the meal it finally came through we had beaten Rangers, and it was just the perfect end to a perfect day. I was delighted we beat Rangers for my backroom staff, the players and the supporters. The result is a massive credit to them.” “I’m buzzing. It’s a great achievement for everyone at the club. We’ve got fantastic people behind the scenes. They deserved the joy we all got from beating Rangers. There are so many unsung heroes at Stirling Albion, from the chairman down. It’s a great story.” “My wedding and honeymoon were both booked a long time ago - it’s one of those things. I’ll miss the games against Montrose and Peterhead, but again I’ll be keenly checking for the score.” “Jennifer supports whoever I’m involved with and thankfully she understands how I am with football. She’s known me long enough. But my wedding was still more important. That took precedence over everything else. The fact Jennifer’s now my wife means the world to me.”

RANGERS REACTION

Shaun Fagan

t would just so happen that on the biggest day of Stirling Albion’s 2012/23 Third Division campaign, player and manager Greig McDonald would be unable to attend the game. The gaffer was not ill, nor suspended from the match however, but was denied the opportunity to attend the match by a rather more pleasant obstacle; his wedding. This left player and assistant-manager Shaun Fagan would take charge from the dugout, and there is not a much better way to kick start your managerial campaign, however temporary it may be, than with a historic one goal victory over the mighty Glasgow Rangers. Especially when you are sitting bottom of the Third Division table. Safe to say, Fagan was more than delighted after the match, and he insisted that all the credit for the managerial side of the victory must still be laid at the feet of Greig McDonald. “I have to take my hat off to the gaffer,” said Fagan. “He put everything in place today for the game, me and Mark, we just followed it through. He was on the phone this morning; he was on the phone at 12 o’clock, at one o’clock, so no doubt when I go in there will be a missed call if he’s found out the result. “It is a great feeling to beat Rangers, for the players and for the club. Young Stephen Daly is sitting in the dressing room with his strip on. He doesn’t want to get changed, he’s saying ‘I don’t want to go home’.” Fagan was another to highlight an Albion defence that received national praise throughout the Sunday papers following the match. He said, “We scored early on but we defended really well, and it was a great performance from the whole team defensively. When Rangers come here they were always going to have the majority of the play, and have a lot of chances, which they did have. “In the first-half big Sam [Filler] made some re-

ally good saves, but at half time he was telling us he couldn’t see out of one eye because of the collision with Lee McCulloch. He played on though, and when we got to half-time there was blood coming from his mouth and everything, so we had to make the change. Mark Peat came on though, and had a great game too. “They are having a laugh and a joke in there but at the end of the day that’s what you’re paid to do. The back four was a different class today; they handled Lee [McCulloch], they handled [Kevin] Kyle when he went up, and the whole team were great when fighting for the scraps in the middle of the park. “It was never going to be a pretty game for us, we knew we weren’t going to be able to come out and pass Rangers off the park, but we came out, rolled our sleeves up, and fought for everything.” The Assistant Manager insists his team never turned up to Forthbank aiming for anything less than a win, and said that although the side had been on a poor run of form, it was a losing streak that doesn’t quite represent the performances of the team in recent weeks. “We got a lot of confidence last week [from the 5-0 win at Dalbeattie Star],” noted Fagan. “The manager put a lot of things into training this week, and told us how we could defeat Rangers. We don’t go into games thinking of how we could get a draw; we don’t play just for a draw. We go in looking to win. The five defeats though was a bit harsh on us I think, because we would be chasing games at 2-1 down and then it can end up at 3-1 or 4-1. The results didn’t look too good for us but we showed today that that squad has it in them. “It’s a great experience to beat Rangers, not many of the boys have ever experienced that, and especially with the young squad we’ve got. It’s a great day for the club.”

RANGERS REACTION

Brian Allison

f there is going to be only one goal scorer in such a historic match as last week’s victory over Rangers, who better than the Captain of the club to score it. Indeed, it was Brian Allison who would eventually get on the end of a corner swung in by Daly McSorley, forcing the ball into the net to give his club the decisive goal and send the Forthbank fans into raptures in the process. Allison doesn’t think he’ll ever behold quite as sweet a moment as that winning goal against Ally McCoist’s men, and speaking after the match with a bemused grin on his face, he declared the only moment in his life better than netting that strike was the birth of his baby daughter Mya. When asked where the moment ranked in his life, Allison commented, “It’s certainly up there behind having my wee girl. That was for her today. “It’s a bit surreal still; I don’t think it has really sunk in. I don’t think many of the boys in the team will ever cap this off even if they have another twenty years in their career.” The Captain was ecstatic with his side’s win, and was in full belief that they had earned the victory over Rangers through hard work and an excellent performance. “At the end of the day it’s just two teams with different coloured strips on,” said Allison. “We worked really hard and defended well. Any team is going to have to defend against Rangers, even at the highest level. At the end of the day, we defended really well, and I think we deserved our one nil win.” “Mark Peat was terrific. He came on and made a couple of stops, and you need a bit of luck on the day as everybody knows, and I know we rode our luck today, but we played well, and we deserve it. “We did have [other chances]. Stevie Weir has already been criticised about that... in a joking

manner to be fair. We did have a couple of clear cut chances though, and that is the luck I’m talking about. You think when you miss chances like that then they’ll go up the park and score, but today was a different story. We’re all buzzing to be honest. “They played up to our strengths if anything. We were camped on our eighteen yard box, and we’ve got our midfield on top of us, so they don’t have much space to move or to get in behind us, so they did play into our hands a little bit. “We were fully focused on the game. I’m labouring just now [for a day job]. So, it’s a turn up for the books there isn’t it? Maybe I’ll get double time for that one,” he laughed. The central defender and scorer of that all-important goal against Rangers was also quick to cite manager Greig McDonald’s part in the victory, despite the fact the manager couldn’t make the game due its conflicting time with his wedding. “[Greig McDonald] gave his team talk on Thursday after training and he just told everyone to go out and enjoy it,” continued Allison. “Obviously a lot of the boys haven’t played against Rangers before and the other boys that have probably thought their best days were behind them, so he said just go out and enjoy it, and we did, and we will. “Unfortunately the manager isn’t here to see it, but it will cap off a good night for him; obviously he manager getting married but I’m sure he was watching and is really happy. “We all chipped in for a card [for Greig McDonald], with all the best wishes, you know, like ‘don’t do it,’” he joked. “No, but all the best to them.”

BINOS AWAY: Peterhead

SATURDAY, 27 OCT. 2012 3PM KICK-OFF

preview by Fraser Clarke

eterhead have made a promising start to their SFL 3 campaign, taking thirteen points from their opening seven matches, a tally which has seen them rise to second in the league. The ‘Blue Toon’ kicked off their league season against fallen Scottish giants Rangers, who were demoted to the SFL 3 in the close season. Balmoor Stadium was packed to the rafters, as a bumper crowd of 4,485 and many more through Sky television watched with intrigue to see how Rangers would fare. As it turned out Peterhead arguably had the better chances in the match and the visitors were relieved when Andy Little bundled home a late equaliser after Rory McAllister and Scott McLaughlin had turned the game round following Barrie McKay’s opener for the Gers. Peterhead’s next match saw them make the trip to the Broadwood Stadium to take on Clyde. Experienced former Aberdeen striker Robbie Winters opened the scoring for Peterhead after Stuart McColm had missed a penalty for the ‘Bully Wee’, and Rory McAllister followed up his goal against Rangers with another here from the penalty spot to ensure full points were taken back to Balmoor. The ‘Blue Toon’ continued their undefeated start to the season the following week as they defeated opponents Queens Park one nil in a hard fought home tie. It took eighty-two minutes for the deadlock to be broken as Rory McAllister scored another goal from the penalty spot and Peterhead rose to second in the league. Rory McAllister was once again the hero when Montrose visited Balmoor. The striker took his tally for the season to five goals with a double in this match, as he helped his side to a comfortable two nil victory. The result saw Peterhead rise to the top of the table, a place they were expected to assume until the demotion of Rangers to the division. The fifth match day was one to forget for Peterhead as they made the trip north to face Elgin. The side was reduced to eight men as Callum MacDonald, Steven Noble and Scott Ross all saw red during the match, which allowed the Highlands team to run out two nil victors, both goals coming from the penalty spot. Annan Athletic ensured it was back to back away defeats for Peterhead as they won two-one at Galabank. Goals from Graeme Ramage and Michael Daly put the home side two goals up before Martin Bavidge was able to score a late consolation for the visitors. The ‘Blue Toon’ managed to stop the rot of bad results as they returned to the familiar surroundings of Balmoor however, and managed to seek out a one nil victory against Berwick Rangers. It was substitute Stephen Maguire, signed in the summer from East Stirling, who made the difference as he turned in Bryan Deasley’s cross with ten minutes remaining.

When we last met The last time Peterhead faced Stirling Albion was in March 2010, when both sides played in the Scottish second division. Albion were able to win two nil at Forthbank on that occasion. After a dull opening 45 minutes, David McKenna replaced Michael Mullen for the Binos just after the hour mark in the match, and McKenna made an instant impact. The substitute netted a goal to put his side in front just two minutes after coming on to the park, and when Bobby Mann put the ball in his own net after 78 minutes, it was two nil to Stirling and all three points were sure to stay at Forthbank.

the manager

recent record vs. peterhead

Peterhead are managed by 48 year old, former Scotland international, Jim McInally. McInally kicked off his managerial career in 1999 with Irish side Sligo Rovers. After a string of poor results he left the club due to personal reasons. He returned to Scotland and took up a coaching role with his first club Celtic, where he worked with the club’s younger players. In 2006 he took over the reins at Greenock Morton and enjoyed success at Cappielow, guiding them to the second division title in his second season in charge. However, he resigned in 2008 after slipping to ninth in the first division. McInally took over at East Stirlingshire soon after and enjoyed quick success, winning the manager of the month award in November as well as in February and September 2009. However, McInally resigned from the post in May 2011 after his team finished second bottom in Division 3. It is now with Peterhead that McInally will look to use all his previous experience to move the side up the leagues.

2009/2010 - Scottish Division Two Tue 16 Mar Stirling Alb. 2 - 0 Peterhead Sat 06 Mar Peterhead 1 - 1 Stirling Alb. Sat 31 Oct Peterhead 3 - 2 Stirling Alb. Sat 29 Aug Stirling Alb. 2 - 1 Peterhead 2008/2009 - Scottish Division Two Sat 25 Apr Peterhead 1 - 1 Stirling Alb. Tue 17 Mar Stirling Alb. 2 - 1 Peterhead Sat 22 Nov Peterhead 1 - 1 Stirling Alb. Sat 27 Sep Stirling Alb. 0 - 0 Peterhead 2006/2007 - Scottish Division Two Sat 07 Apr Peterhead 2 - 1 Stirling Alb. Sat 03 Feb Stirling Alb. 2 - 1 Peterhead

BINOS AWAY: Annan Athletic

SATURDAY, 10 NOV. 2012 3PM KICK-OFF

preview by Graham Swann

t is fair to say it has been an inconsistent start to the season for Annan Athletic with a real mixed bag of results. Having narrowly missed out on promotion when they lost in the play-off final in 2011 - they led the campaign after the first quarter of fixtures last season before slipping to an eventual mid table sixth place finish - Annan will be hoping to push for a play-off spot this season. The Galabank men currently sit fifth in the table after coming from behind to secure a point away against table toppers Queens Park at the weekend, but have seen inconsistency become their worst enemy in the new campaign. Their season got off to the worst possible start with a crushing 5-1 defeat here at Forthbank Stadium, but they have only lost on one occasion since then. Recharged from their Binos’ defeat, the side followed up their opening day demolition with a fantastic comeback against Berwick Rangers, trailing by a 2-0 deficit at half time and turning around the score line in 15 stunning second-half minutes to claim a morale boosting 3-2 win. The following week they made the long journey to Montrose and returned with a point after a flat goalless encounter. It was a disappointing display with a lack of attacking threat, but a first clean sheet of the season was encouraging after shipping seven goals in the first two games. Playing for the first time on the new 3G surface at Broadwood, Annan returned without anything to show for a decent performance. It was arguably their best display of the season but lacklustre finishing and sloppy defending resulted in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Clyde. Next up was the game that every player in the team must have been looking forward to since the fixtures were announced, the visit of Ally McCoist’s Rangers. Annan held the Glasgow team to a 0-0 draw in front of a sell-out crowd at Galabank, a result that sent everybody associated with the club home with a great deal of pride. They limited the massive title favourites to a small number of chances and created enough themselves to have the Rangers manager concerned. Annan were able to follow up the hugely positive result against Rangers with a victory over Peterhead. This fixture saw the club race into a two goal lead and appear to be cruising to three points before a Peterhead goal with five minutes remaining led to a nervy finale, but they held on to claim a crucial win. It was a hugely entertaining match and could easily have produced more than the three goals but for some wasteful finishing and last ditch defending. Disappointingly for their support, Annan have been knocked out of all competitions at this early stage in the season, particularly the premature exit in the Scottish Cup after losing 2-1 to Buckie Thistle in a replay. The lack of cup activity does however allow the team to focus solely on the league campaign and their attempts to gain promotion to the Second Division after coming close in the last couple of seasons.

When we last met The last time the two sides met was the opening day of the season when Stirling Albion beat Annan Athletic convincingly in a 5-1 victory at Forthbank Stadium. The match was effectively over by half time as Albion raced into a four goal lead. A key point in the match was the 27th minute dismissal of Annan’s Graeme Ramage for an adjudged deliberate elbow. Stirling were already a goal up at this point after Scott Davidson’s opener, and subsequent goals from Graham Weir, Danny Ashe, Jamie Clark and Gavin MacPherson wrapped up the points, with Graeme Bell grabbing the visitors consolation.

the manager

our record vs. Annan

Annan Athletic’s manager Harry Cairney is in his second spell as manager of the club, originally taking over in 2003 when they were in the East of Scotland League. He left to take charge of Arbroath in September 2004 but resigned just over a year later, returning to his previous position at Annan shortly afterwards. He saw the club gain election to the Scottish League in 2008 following the collapse of rivals Gretna, and led the club to victory in their first ever professional match with a 4-1 win over Cowdenbeath. He won the manager of the month award for the opening month of the season and led the club to a 7th place finish.

2012/2013 Sat 11 Aug Stirling Alb. 5 - 1 Annan Ath. Scottish Division Three (Stirling Albion and Annan Athletic have only met once in their history, in the Division Three season opener in August.)

MONTROSE FC ALB I O N AT H O M E

SATURDAY OCT. 20TH 3PM K.O

preview

ike ourselves, Montrose have endured a difficult few seasons since they narrowly missed out on the play-offs in 2008/09, finishing just two points behind a Stenhousemuir team who went on to claim promotion. The Gable Endies were eighth in Division Three last year – they were generally solid at home but lost 12 out of 18 matches on their travels and it’s been a similar story so far this time round. Although Edinburgh City claimed a shock win at Links Park in the Scottish Cup, they have been hard to beat at home – defeating East Stirlingshire and Berwick Rangers by 3-1 margins and drawing 0-0 with Annan, as well as dumping Inverurie Locos and Cowdenbeath in the cups. To date, their only away point came in a 2-2 draw at Hampden and they suffered a 6-1 reverse at Elgin last weekend – although we know all too well how difficult it is to pick up points at Borough Briggs! Manager Stuart Garden, assisted by former Scotland defender Lee Wilkie, took over from Ray Farningham in the summer and has had to deal with the loss of top scorer Martin Boyle, who followed Farningham to Dens Park. Boyle netted an impressive 22 league goals in 2011/12 and attracted the interest of several clubs before Dundee gave him a chance in the SPL. Skipper Dougie Cameron also moved on during the summer – former Forfar defender Paul Lunan is the new captain. There are a few familiar faces in the Montrose squad – not least midfielder Craig McLeish, who left Stirling Albion in the summer – and goalkeeper David Crawford, who was impressive as a trialist when we lost to Arbroath on penalties in the first round of the League Cup in August. Striker Garry Wood has previous against us – he scored a hat-trick in our nightmare 9-0 Scottish Cup defeat to Ross County in 2009/10 - while loan signings Leighton McIntosh from Dundee and Ricky McIntosh from St Johnstone are both extremely talented young players with an eye for goal. Midfielder David Gray has already netted three times following his move from Dumbarton while defender Phil McGuire has bags of top-flight experience with Dunfermline and Aberdeen. Stirling and Montrose have met infrequently in recent years. The most recent encounter was a Challenge Cup tie at Links Park in August 2007 when we slumped to a 5-1 defeat on the plastic pitch and you have to go back to 2003/04 for the last league clash – a 1-1 draw watched by 672 fans at Forthbank on April 17, 2004. We head to Links Park on December 29 and return to the North Sea coastal town on April 6, with Montrose due back at Forthbank on February 9.

SQUAD BRIEFING

CLUB FACTFILE

THE GAFFER

THE SKIPPER

GOAL THREAT

Stuart Garden was assistant to Ray Farningham at Links Park last season and was promoted to the top job when Farningham moved to Dundee as No 2 to Barry Smith during the summer. The 40-year-old was a goalkeeper with Dundee United, Brechin and Forfar and also had a spell south of the border with Notts County. He returned to Scotland to play for Ross County before retiring with a knee injury in September 2006. Garden went into coaching with Inverness Caley Thistle and, when Craig Brewster was sacked in January 2009, he had a spell as interim manager before his move to Montrose in the summer of 2010. Garden’s assistant is former Dundee, Dundee United and Scotland defender Lee Wilkie. The 32-year-old was forced to retire prematurely from playing due to a number of serious knee injuries.

Paul Lunan joined Montrose in July 2011 from Junior side Dundee Violet after a spell out of the senior game due to work commitments. Comfortable in defence or midfield, he turned 30 in September. He has spent most of his career at Forfar and was a firm favourite at Station Park before making the short journey to Gayfield in 2008 to sign for Arbroath. He re-joined the Loons for a second spell then had a stint in the Juniors prior to his switch to Montrose. Lunan made 22 league appearances for the Gable Endies last season and scored once – in a 5-3 defeat to Berwick.

Leighton McIntosh has good memories of playing against Stirling Albion – he scored his first goal for Dundee against us in a 1-1 draw in a First Division match at Dens Park in April 2010 and ended that campaign by scoring a number of goals for the Dark Blues. The teenager made 20 appearances for Dundee last season by many of them were as a substitute and his only goal came in a 3-1 win at Ayr United. The 19-yearold moved to Links Park on loan in August of this year as part of the deal that took Montrose top scorer Martin Boyle to Tayside. He bagged a double in the 3-1 win over Berwick in September and was on target in another win by the same score against East Stirling. Not to be confused with his namesake, Ricky, an attacking midfielder who is on loan from St Johnstone.

Founded: 1879 Stadium: Links Park Capacity: 3,292 Nickname: The Gable Endies Manager: Stuart Garden Records: Record win: 12-0 v Vale of Leithen Scottish Cup, January 1975 Record crowd: 8,393 v Dundee - Scottish Cup, March 1973 Most league appearances: 432 David Larter (1987-98) Honours: Second Division champions 1984/85 Second Division runners-up 1990/91 Third Division runners-up 1994/95 Scottish Cup quarter-finalists 1972/73, 1975/76 League Cup semi-finalists 1975/76

Photo: Dianne Forsyth

SQUAD

results/fixtures JULY 28 RC1 INVERURIE LOCOS (H) W 4-2 AUG 4 LC1 COWDENBEATH (H) W 2-1 AUG 11 D3 CLYDE (H) L 2-3 AUG 14 RC2 RAITH (A) L 2-5 AUG 18 D3 QUEENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARK (A) D 2-2 AUG 25 D3 ANNAN (H) D 0-0 AUG 28 LC2 DUNFERMLINE (A) L 0-3 SEP 1 D3 PETERHEAD (A) L 0-2 SEP 15 D3 BERWICK (H) W 3-1 SEP 23 D3 RANGERS (A) L 1-4 SEP 29 SC2 EDINBURGH CITY (H) L 1-3 OCT 6 D3 EAST STIRLING (H) W 3-1 OCT 13 D3 ELGIN CITY (A) L 1-6

Alan Campbell Position: Defender Previous club: Carnoustie Panmure

Craig McLeish Position: Midfielder Previous club: Stirling Albion

David Crawford Position: Goalkeeper Previous club: Stirling Albion

Stephen McNally Position: Defender Previous club: Forfar

Jonathan Crawford Position: Midfielder Previous club: Aberdeen

Dale Reid Position: Forward Previous club: Forfar Albion

Scott Gordon Position: Defender Previous club: Dundee United SC

Paul Watson Position: Defender Pictures byAndrews Deena Mobbs Previous club: St United

David Gray Position: Midfielder Previous club: Dumbarton

Jamie Winter Position: Midfielder Previous club: Broughty Athletic

Scott Johnston Position: Forward Previous club: East Stirlingshire

Garry Wood Position: Forward Previous club: Ross County

Paul Lunan Position: Defender Previous club: Dundee Violet

Sandy Wood Position: Goalkeeper Previous club: Tayport

Terry Masson Position: Midfielder Previous club: Carnoustie Panmure

Lloyd Young Position: Midfielder Previous club: East Fife

Phil McGuire Position: Defender Previous club: Lochee United Leighton McIntosh Position: Forward Previous club: On loan from Dundee Ricky McIntosh Position: Midfielder Previous club: On loan from St Johnstone

THE DEEP END

“

WE HAVE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO CLIMB BACK UP THE LEAGUE AGAINST MONTROSE AND WE HAVE TO TAKE IT.

GRAHAM RUTHVEN CATCHES UP WITH

Steven Weir

“

Steven Weir spoke to Graham Ruth- Did he persuade you to join? ven about the Binos win over Rangers and how it feels to play alongside Yeah I spoke to him for a bit of adyour own brother! vice, and I played with Marc (McCulloch) at Arbroath as well, so I talked to GR: How do you feel you’re settling him before coming in. My brother rein at the club? ally talked up the club and said there was a great team spirit, so I was really SW: I’ve really enjoyed myself since keen to join. I came in. I knew a couple of the boys before I arrived, so that made me feel You haven’t played at the same club quite comfortable joining the team, as your brother before, but yet you and of course my brother is here. seem to have a good understanding They’ve made me feel welcome and on the pitch. Does that come down I’m enjoying my football here. to being brothers?

Did you speak to your brother Gra- I’ve only played against him, when ham about the club before joining? I was at Livingston and he was at

Queen of the South, and then when I was at Arbroath and he was at Raith, but this is the first time I’ve played with him. I’ve grown up with Graham so although we haven’t been at the same club before I know how he plays. It’s easy for me to play with him. He knows what I do, and I know what he does.

ing trouble finding the net before we played Dalbeattie so to go there and put five past them really gave us a boost. Next up is Montrose. Do you think the team can use the wins against Dalbeattie and Rangers to go on a run of form now?

What’s the mood in the team after For me personally those two games the win against Rangers? have to be the turning point. We can’t slump back into the form we were in. The spirit is really good now. It actu- We have a great opportunity to climb ally picked up more after the Dalbe- back up the league against Montrose attie game than the Rangers game. I and we have to take it. It’ll be a tough think that win gave us the confidence game, they all are, but we need to start to go into the game against Rang- putting points on the board. ers and win the game. We were hav-

The John Hartson Foundation has been set up through the determination of John himself as he continues to battle through his horrendous ordeal, this is the character of the man, his main focus will be to openly offer his experience in going through a traumatic time since he was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer after ignoring a lump for 4 years, John admits himself that if he was aware of how easy it was to get checked and that Testicular Cancer is over 90% curable if caught early enough he probably would not have had to go through the brain operations, lung operations and over 60 sessions of chemotherapy. The aims and objectives of the Foundation will be to raise awareness of Testicular Cancer and how easy and most of all how important it is to check yourself on a regular basis, the foundation will also raise funds to provide cancer organisations more support throughout the UK.

w w w. johnh a r tso nfo unda ti o n.c o m

STIRLING ALBION f.c. HAVE A

PHENOMENAL SEASON PROUD SPONSORS OF THE SCOTTISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE

PLAYER QUICK QUIZ with Gary Thom Date of birth: 07/10/89 Age: 23 Position: Defender

ling Albion boys

Albion debut: Deveronvale 1-3 Stirling Albion, Ramsdens Cup R1, 23/07/11

Worst dressed player at the club? Stephen Day, Andy Hunter and Daly McSorley are joint worst dressed!

Where did you start your career? Stenhousemuir Where do you live? Larbert What do you work as outside of football? Chemical Engineer at Ineos What’s the best goal you have scored? Probably the one at Cowdenbeath last season because it’s the only one that wasn’t a header! Where does the Rangers match rank in your career highlights? It’s been the highlight so far, followed by winning promotion to the Second Division when I was with Stenhousemuir Biggest influence on your career? Campbell Money [who managed Thom at Stenhousemuir] told me I would never make it as a striker and gave me my first-team debut Best ground played at? Hampden - I made my first-team debut there Most difficult opponent? Michael Higdon, now with Motherwell, was quite a handful

Who’s the joker in the dressing room? The biggest two are Marc McCulloch and Kieran McAnespie Who’s the fastest player in the squad Stephen Day And the slowest?! It has to be between the two Jamies! What would be your perfect weekend? October 6 - a win against Rangers then a night out for my birthday! If you could have three people over for dinner, who would they be? Lee Evans, Mila Kunis and Charlie Sheen Who would be your dream date? Mila Kunis or Megan Fox What was the last film you went to see? Taken 2 What’s your favourite band/musician? I like house music so Swedish House Mafia Favourite food? Steaks and Mexican food

Do you have a pre-match ritual? No

Favourite TV programme? CSI and The Big Bang Theory

What’s the best thing about being a footballer? Winning games and scoring goals

Any interesting hobbies? Nothing too interesting but I like playing FIFA and poker with my mates

What’s the last football match you went to see? It’s been that long I can’t remember! I’m going to try and get to a Liverpool game this season Who are your best pals in football? Scott Dalziel who plays for Brechin and the Stir-

1-0 Stirling Albion Allison 8

6th October, 2012 Referee: B. Madden Att: 3,751

Rangers

D H

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On the 25th March 2010, Eilidh Brown passed away after a 14 month battle with Germ Cell Cancer.She was 9 days short of her 16th birthday.

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The Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund has been set up by her family to make Eilidh’s wish, of helping others in her situation, come true. The aim of the Memorial Fund is to build and maintain a respite holiday home in the Stirling area for young people and their families who are in treatment for or recovering from cancer. A place where, not only the families can relax and spend quality time together, but they can make memories that will last a lifetime. Before Eilidh passed away, the family took a holiday to Calum’s Cabin, it was their last holiday together. Eilidh wanted other families to have the opportunity to do this too.

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ELGIN CITY ALB I O N AT H O M E

SATURDAY NOV. 17TH 3PM K.O

preview

lgin City make the long trip south on 17 November to Forthbank to take on Stirling Albion. Stirling Albion will look to make amends for the 3-1 defeat they suffered in the first meeting of the season back in August at Borough Briggs.

Last season Elgin had a fairly successful campaign, finishing fourth in the league, and as a result reached the semi finals of the play-offs. However they were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Albion Rovers over two legs and so remained in the Scottish Third Division. This season sees them currently sitting joint second top of the league and the side are one point behind league leaders Queen’s Park at the time of writing. Their season began with defeat but it was a memorable twelve goal thriller in the first round of the Ramsdens Cup. They lost 7-5 at home to Second Division side Arbroath back in July in a result usually more accustomed to a tennis set than a football match, providing a game of real intrigue for the neutral. They also exited the Scottish Communities League Cup at the first round stage after going down 2-0 away to First Division Falkirk. It has been an impressive start for City in the league having only lost two games so far this season. Their season began with a goalless draw away to Berwick Rangers in August. They got their first win on the board however a week later after defeating Stirling 3-1 at home. Unlike Stirling Albion, Elgin City were unable to pull off a famous victory against Rangers and saw them suffer a heavy 5-1 defeat on 2 September at Ibrox. Their most recent victory came against Montrose in emphatic fashion with a thumping 6-1 at home with striker Stuart Leslie bagging a hat trick. Gaffer Ross Jack will hope that they can earn three points on the road against Stirling to help them push on to maintain the automatic promotion place and keep at the top of the pile.

SQUAD BRIEFING

CLUB FACTFILE

THE GAFFER

THE SKIPPER

GOAL THREAT

Elgin City are managed by Ross Jack. He became boss at Borough Briggs back in January 2009 and signed a three and a half year contract. He impressed last season by guiding his young squad to the play offs. Despite the disappointment last season Jack will be hoping to go one better by taking his team to the next level of Scottish football. From Elgin’s early season form it would appear the team is going in the right direction. He can count Dundee, Dunfermline Athletic and Kilmarnock amongst his former clubs as a player.

‘Kaz’ as Elgin fans know him, is City’s club captain and begun his career at Tynecastle as a Hearts youthteamer. Now 28, he has clocked up over 200 SFL appearances since joining Elgin in 2004. Glasgow-based, and is a model of consistency at centre back for the Black and Whites. The defender was once contracted to local rivals Alloa Athletic.

Striker Stuart Leslie is Elgin City’s top scorer so far this season finding the back of the net six times. He scored a hat trick in his side’s 6-1 victory against Montrose recently. Leslie has been described as quick, athletic, is good in the air and is a decent finisher. He is also comfortable playing in a midfield role. Therefore, the Albion defence will have to be on their toes to prevent him adding to his goal tally. Elgin signed him from Inverness Clachnacuddin where he spent two seasons. He also won the Highland League Young Player of the Year in 2011.

Founded: 1893 Stadium: Borough Briggs Nickname: The Black and Whites Manager: Ross Jack Records: Win: 18–1 v Brora Rangers on 6 February 1960 (North of Scotland Cup) Defeat: 13–14 v Heart of Midlothian on 4 February 1939 (Scottish Cup 1938-39) Home attendance: 12,608 v Arbroath on 17 February 1968 (1967–68 Scottish Cup) Most Scottish League Appearances: David Hind 205 (2001–2008) Most Scottish League Goals: Martin Johnston 38 (2005–2007) Record Goalscorer: Gerry Graham (371) (1965–1974) Honours: Highland League Champions: 1931/32, 1934/35, 1952/53, 1955/56, 1959/60, 1960/61, 1962/63, 1964/65, 1965/66, 1967/68, 1968/69, 1969/70, 1973/74, 1989/90, 1992/93* (15) *Later stripped of title.

Photo: STV Sport

SQUAD

results/fixtures JULY 28 RC1 ARBROATH L 7-5 AUG 4 LC1 FALKIRK L 2-0 AUG 11 D3 BERWICK RANGERS D 0-0 AUG 18 D3 STIRLING ALBION W 3-1 AUG 25 D3 EAST STIRLINGSHIRE W 4-1 SEP 2 D3 RANGERS L 5-1 SEP 15 D3 PETERHEAD W 2-0 SEP 22 D3 QUEEN’S PARK L 4-0 SEP 29 SC2 ST. CUTHBERT WANDERERS W 3-1 OCT 13 D3 MONTROSE W 6-1 OCT 17 D3 CLYDE OCT 20 D3 ANNAN ATHLETIC OCT 27 D3 MONTROSE NOV 3 SC3 EAST FIFE

John Gibson Position: Goalkeeper Date of Birth: 29/05/1989

Lewis Halford Position: Midfielder Date of Birth: 27/11/91

Paul Robertson Position: Goalkeeper Date of Birth: 15/10/92

Paul Harkins Position: Midfielder Date of Birth: 01/11/88

Stuart Black Position: Goalkeeper Date of Birth: 15/05/95

Cieran MacLean Position: Defender Date of Birth: 12/03/91

Alexander Jack Position: Defender Date of Birth: 17/02/90

Graeme Beveridge Position: Midfielder Pictures by Deena Mobbs Date of Birth: 07/10/90

Sean Crighton Position: Defender Date of Birth: 26/03/90

Ross O’Donoghue Position: Defender Date of Birth: 09/02/83

David Niven Position: Defender Date of Birth: 27/12/87

Dennis Wyness Position: Forward Date of Birth: 22/03/77

Jamie Duff Position: Defender Date of Birth: 26/01/89

Stuart Leslie Position: Forward Date of Birth: 09/07/90

Paul Kaczan Position: Defender Date of Birth: 03/02/83

Craig Gunn Position: Forward Date of Birth: 17/07/87

Mark Nicolson Position: Midfielder Date of Birth: 25/06/86

Brian Cameron Position: Forward Date of Birth: 19/12/90

Daniel Moore Position: Midfielder Date of Birth: 11/10/88

Paul Millar Position: Forward Date of Birth: 01/01/88

Paul McMullan Position: Midfielder Date of Birth: 13/03/84

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DEVERONVALE SCOTTISH CUP ROUND 3

SATURDAY NOV. 3RD 3PM K.O

preview Highland League side Deveronvale have enjoyed a solid start to their 2012/13 season. After comfortably cruising past Hermes 4-1 to reach the Second round of the William Hill Scottish Cup, Deveronvale were given a tough draw against Third Division stars Peterhead, a side tipped for the top spot in the Division before the demotion of Rangers. The Banffers were three goals to the good at half-time, and had to endure a late comeback from Peterhead, who netted in the 82nd and 84th minute, to sneak through to the next round of the competition. Chris Blackhall, Graeme Rodger and Scott Fraser were on target that day, with Blackhall forcing the ball past the Blue Toon defence on seven minutes to put his side into an unlikely lead. This lead was extended two minutes later however, when Rodger was waiting at the back post to tuck away a dangerous low ball across the Peterhead area, and before the SFL side knew it, they were two goals down within ten minutes. Scott Fraser put his side into a three goal lead at Princess Royal Park after a short corner was eventually swung into the box, where the team Captain was waiting to volley into the net. A late comeback with goals from Smith and Deasley looked to revitalize the Blue Toon, but with not enough time left on the clock, Deveronvale recorded the impressive victory which earned them a draw against Stirling Albion in the next round of the Scottish Cup. In league form, the Vale have been performing to an admirable level all season. The club sit third in the league with sixteen points, two points of second placed Wick Academy and three from the Cove Rangers side that hold top spot, although the Banffers have two games in hand on the side at the summit of the table. Whilst the historic Peterhead result was a high for the club, it was quickly followed up by a loss to Cove Rangers, but since then the side have recovered with a victory over a Buckie Thistle team, who knocked Annan Athletic out of the Scottish Cup. Potential danger men when the Vale face off against the Binos include Kris Duncan, who has netted seven times at the time of writing, as well as Scott Fraser who stands on six and Craig Morrison and Graeme Watt on four. With the Binos drawing the Highland League side in the Scottish Cup third round draw, both Albion and Deveronvale will be looking at this tie as a winnable match. Whilst Highland league sides including Buckie Thistle and the Vale have already knocked SFL clubs out of the Scottish Cup this season, Stirling also saw the tough nature of the league when taking on participants in their pre-season highland tour. With the home advantage however, Greig McDonald will no doubt be adamant his side can claim victory here and

SQUAD BRIEFING

CLUB FACTFILE

THE GAFFER

LAST MEETING

GOAL THREAT

Charlie Charlesworth took over at Deveronvale during the summer of 2012, quickly moving to appoint Stuart Cameron, who formally played for the club in the 90s, as his assistant manager. Charlesworth was previously head of the youth development programme at Third Division side Elgin City, before he moved on to take the reins at Highland League side Lossiemouth FC, from where he was then snapped up by Deveneronvale. The manager came to the Princess Royal Park club to replace former manager Scott Anderson, who had spells at both Glasgow Rangers and current SPL side St Johnstone during his playing days.

Stirling Albion met Highland League outfit Deveronvale last year, when the pair were drawn together in the Scottish Football League’s Challenge Cup. On that occasion the Binos came out 3-1 victors away to Vale, with Lewis Bonar kicking off the proceedings for the Forthbank side with a 19th minute penalty and a second strike shortly after the break. The home side were handed a lifeline when Mike McKenzie netted a 30-yard free-kick with the hour mark approaching, but five minutes later Gavin MacPherson secured Albion’s progression from the first round of the Ramsdens Cup with a neatly drilled finish from inside the area.

Youngsters Kris Duncan and Scott Fraser are leading the goal ranks for the Vale this season, with the Duncan currently sitting top of the charts with seven goals in eight league games. Duncan signed on for the men in red at the start of the 11/12 season, transferring from Rothes FC after chalking up a tally of 17 goals in the past season and an amazing 40 goals in his four years at the club. Club captain Scott Fraser meanwhile, has been on top scoring form from the unlikely position of defence. The former Cove Rangers man has racked up a surprising goal tally so far this season, using an overwhelming strength and power to beat opposition defenders to the ball.

Founded: 1938 Stadium: Princess Royal Park Capacity: 3,800 Nickname: Vale Manager: Charlie Charlesworth Honours: Highland Football League Champions: 2002–03, 2005–06 Aberdeenshire Cup Winners: 1947–48, 1950–51, 1950–51, 1961–62, 1965–66, 2000–01, 2006– 07, 2011 –12 Scottish Qualifying Cup Winners: 1950–51, 2001–02 Bells Cup Winners: 1978–79 Aberdeenshire Shield Winners: 1994–95, 2002–03

Photo: Deveronvale FC

SQUAD

results/fixtures SEP 15 HL HUNTLY L 2-1

J. Blanchard Position: Goalkeeper Age: 26

SEP 22 HL FORT WILLIAM W 7-1

D.McConnachie Position: Goalkeeper

SEP 29 SC PETERHEAD W 3-2 OCT 6 HL COVE RANGERS L 3-1 OCT 13 HL BUCKIE THISTLE W 2-1 OCT 20 HL BRORA RANGERS OCT 27 LOSSIEMOUTH NOV 3 STIRLING ALBION

S. Fraser Position: Defender Age: 26 S.Hendry Position: Defender C.Rennie Position: Defender Age: 22 J.Meldrum Position: Defender Age: 21

Position: Midfielder Age: 21 G. Watt Position: Midfielder I. Sinclair Position: Midfielder F. More Position: Midfielder Pictures by Deena Mobbs K. Duncan Position: Forward Age: 22 M. Lombardi Position: Forward Age: 26

K.Adams Position: Defender G.Mitchell Position: Defender G. Rodger Position: Midfielder Age: 20 C. Blackhall Position: Midfielder Age: 21 C. Cowie

TARTAN ARMY SUNHSINE APPEAL Editor Stuart Kenny talks to John Daly of the charity

he Tartan Army Sunshine appeal is a charity that first started in 1999, when Scotland were playing an away match in Bosnia. Members of the Scottish support were talking to an Italian journalist, who would inform them of a young lad named Kemal Karic. Kemal was just a young baby when his mother was killed by a mortar shell as they made their way across a square in their homeland, and part of his leg was blown off in the explosion as well. Karic required a prosthetic limb that could grow with him to help him live again, but these were expensive to purchase, and he didn’t have the funds at his disposal. This is where the Tartan Army stepped in, involving themselves to raise money for Karic’s requirements. Fans were selling t-shirts and key rings, doing sponsored abseiling and parachuting, and doing everything they could to raise money for the cause. Eventually, enough money was raised, and Kemal received his prosthetic leg. There was money left over too, and this was the beginning of the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal. The Albion spoke to John Daly, the current Chairman of the charity, about what his role aims to do and what the aims of the charity really are. He said: “The idea was to donate to a children’s’ charity in every country that Scotland played in. To both spread a little sunshine into the lives of the children, and to promote the good name of Scottish football fans. The next donation [after the acts in Bosnia] was to an orphanage in Lithuania in 2003, and we haven’t missed an away match since.” Daly first got involved in the charity when they were donating to a children’s cancer ward in a Paris hospital and asked if any supporters wanted to accompany them for the donation. “I put my hand up, and I’ve been involved ever since,” said Daly. “It gets under your skin when you see to what good use the money can be put. The Chairman is very modest about his role at the charity, describing it as, “Chairman and general dogsbody. We all chip in. Someone has to be named as Chairman to fulfil the requirements of the various official bodies that we interact with, and at the moment that privilege is mine.” The appeal has helped many through the years, and raises money in a variation of manners. “The Sunshine Appeal itself doesn’t really raise money,” continued Daly, “although we do sell T-shirts and badges through our website. We rely on Scotland fans who contribute to the Appeal funds. People will organize buses to and from matches and sell football cards. People will arrange raffles and auctions. Some of us attended a fundraising effort in Aberdeen last month that had been arranged by Cloverleaf Tartan Army. Helped and entertained by Dick Campbell, comedian Scott Glynn and Craig Brown, they raised £2000 for us. A group of supporters organized the Inaugural Kilted Golf Day at Haddington Golf Club in May that raised £3500. They had around a hundred kilted golfers out on the course that day, and they are already planning next year’s event. “We have helped fund an organization in Tokyo that assists sexually and physically abused children. They have a terrible time raising funds because before people will contribute to such a charity, they have to accept that the problem exists - and in Japan they are reluctant to do so. There is a ward in Milan General Hospital called “The Tartan Army Wing”. They used the money we donated to help the parents of ill children to stay overnight in the hospital with them. “In Macedonia, we donated to a children’s’ orphanage, they used the money to upgrade their

toilet facilities and bought new beds. But these are just examples. The causes that we’ve helped are many and varied, and can all be read about on our website. I think it does tremendous amount of good for the profile of Scottish football fans in the countries that we visit.” “We are a small charity and we’re not out to change the world - just to bring a bit of sunshine into the lives of some children. We don’t seek much publicity; we just do what we need to ensure a steady flow of funds which allow us to quietly continue what we’ve been doing. The Steering Group of the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal never forget – and should never be allowed to forget – that they are simply the custodians of the funds, goodwill and friendliness of Scottish football fans. “Oh, and remember Kemal Karic? The young lad who had his leg blown off and whose appeal started it all? On 17th November 2007, Scotland hosted Italy in a Euro Qualifier. We had arranged for Kemal to be the mascot who led the National side out. There was never a prouder adopted Scot and, for those of us in the know, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.” Aside from his charity causes, Daly is a season ticket holder at Stirling Albion, regularly coming to watch the Binos play at Forthbank Stadium. “I’m a newcomer to the Binos’ cause. My wife Marion and I became Supporters’ Trust Members and Season Book holders at the time the call went out for help for the takeover. My brother-inlaw, Islay MacKinnon, has been a diehard Bino since forever, God help him. “In my short time, my best memory to date has to be winning the league at Brechin, closely followed by Big Andy’s goal at Cowdenbeath. But I hope that my “fondest” memory is still to come.” This ending statement was made before the Binos’ victory over Rangers. Hopefully the magnificent occasion went some way in thanking Daly for the great work he and the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal have taken part in over the past thirteen years. The appeal leaves behind it a glowing reputation of Scottish support, and means that any time the Tartan Army are due to return to a nation previously visited in an away tie, there will be numerous natives delighted to hear the chants of ‘we’ll be coming’.

THE GLORY DAYS The 1-0 win over Rangers at Forthbank on October 6 was undoubtedly one of the most famous wins in our 67-year history. Here are a few other contenders for the best ever game to involve a Stirling Albion triumph… Scottish Cup first round – December 8, 1984 STIRLING ALBION 20-0 SELKIRK Almost 30 years on and this remains a scarcely believable result. Fifteen of the goals came in the second half as Alex Smith’s men ran over the top of Selkirk on a muddy Annfield pitch. Davie Thompson netted a club record seven goals and Willie Irvine weighed in with five. Neil Watt and Keith Walker bagged doubles. Gerry McTeague, Jimmy Ormond, Scott Maxwell and Rab Dawson also netted as we recorded the rout of the century. In typical Albion fashion, we lost 2-1 to Cowdenbeath in the second round but no-one has chalked up a bigger win in British senior football since the 1880s and the margin of victory may never now be bettered anywhere. The scoreline was so vast that even the manager Alex Smith famously forgot the score at one point. League Cup third round – August 20, 1997 STIRLING ALBION 6-2 KILMARNOCK Arguably Forthbank’s greatest night as Kevin Drinkell’s side destroyed Bobby Williamson’s Scottish Cup holders to reach the quarter-finals of the League Cup, where we lost 2-0 to Aberdeen. Andy Paterson and John Gibson scored at the end of the first half, Tom Tait increased the lead against his old club, substitute Steve McCormick weighed in with a double and Craig Taggart rounded off an incredible 90 minutes. Jerome Vareille and Paul Wright were on target for the visitors. Unforgettable stuff. Scottish Cup third-round replay – February 2, 1999 STIRLING ALBION 2-1 HIBERNIAN OK, Hibs were in Division One, but we were struggling big time in Division Two and only avoided relegation by beating Arbroath on the last day of the season. Alex McLeish’s men were running away with the First Division title and were 20 games unbeaten. We had caused a stir with a 1-1 draw at Easter Road thanks to a Stevie Nicholas goal but Hibs were expected to get it right second time round. They didn’t manage this. David McCallum and Chris Jackson scored to give John Philliben’s men a famous win but we lost 2-0 at Motherwell in the next round.

First Division Play-off final – May 12, 2007 AIRDRIE UNITED 2-3 STIRLING ALBION We had been away from Division One for almost a decade and clinched our return in front of a huge Albion support at New Broomfield, just three days after salvaging a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Forth-

bank. Robert Snodgrass, now a Scotland internationalist and playing with Norwich in the Premiership, was a two-goal hero on the day and Stewart Devine also scored as Allan Moore’s men survived some late pressure to seal promotion in thrilling fashion. Division A – September 26, 1953 STIRLING ALBION 2-0 RANGERS Until the memorable events of Saturday October 6, this was our only previous win over Rangers. It came in front of 19,500 fans at Annfield almost 50 years ago. A Willie Woodburn own goal and a Dick Whitehead strike did the damage as Tom Fergusson’s team celebrated. League Cup quarter-final, second leg – October 6, 1976 STIRLING ALBION 1-0 ABERDEEN Alex Smith’s men were Second Division champions in 1976/77 and almost reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, something we have managed only ever once – back in 1961/62. The Dons won the first leg 1-0 at Pittodrie with a Joe Harper effort. We hit back at Annfield thanks to a Bobby Gray goal but were eventually beaten 2-0 at neutral Dens Park in a deciding third match. Division One – February 26, 1966 STIRLING ALBION 1-0 CELTIC We have beaten Celtic five times on league business down the years – and also recorded a 1-0 win in the first leg of a League Cup tie in 1980/81 – but this was the most recent. Sammy Baird’s team finished near the bottom of the table while Celtic pipped Rangers by two points to take the title despite this shock result in front of 14,000 fans at Annfield. Division One – March 5, 1960 ST MIRREN 0-7 STIRLING ALBION This remains our record-equal league victory – we have notched up 7-0 wins on a few occasions, most recently at Queen of the South during the allconquering 1995/96 season – but this one came in the top flight. Not that it did us a whole lot of good – Albion were relegated along with Airdrie, but at least fans will hold this memory as a particular highlight of the campaign. Scottish Cup third round - January 23, 1971 STIRLING ALBION 3-1 MOTHERWELL This was a notable cup shock. The Steelmen were a decent top-flight team and Albion would finish in the bottom half of the Second Division, but it all came right in front of 4,206 fans at Annfield, where Matt McPhee was among the goals. We put up a good show at Dundee in the next round but went down 2-0 at Dens Park.

BINOS AWAY: Queen’s Park

FRIDAY, 23 NOV. 2012 7.30PM KICK-OFF

preview by Stefan Schmidt

fter a very strong start in the league for Queens Park, including an impressive 4-0 away win against Elgin City, Albion’s trip to Hampden will seem a tricky task. With Jamie Longworth and seventeen year old goal machine Lawrence Shankland enjoying prolific starts to the season, Queens can boast thirteen goals in the first seven games. Since shocking SPL side Dundee in the League Cup they have pushed on in the league and are sitting top with a one point cushion after seven weeks. Playing some exciting attacking football the Spiders have also been defensively solid, keeping three clean sheets so far this season, with Neil Parry looking solid between the Spiders posts. Hoping to match last years second spot and make the play-offs in consecutive years, Queens have had to deal with a lot of departures from the squad bringing in only one player. Gardner Speirs snapped up midfielder Michael Keenan from Junior side Arthurlie after a 5 year stint in the junior game and has featured in every game so far this season. Already coming back from a goal behind at Forthbank earlier this season, Queens scored two to clinch the winner with an 83rd minute winner from Jamie Longworth. While only leaving with a one goal cushion Queens overcame Albion’s early dominance and attacking play to pile the pressure on Mark Peat’s goal after the restart. With young striker Shankland scoring two against Annan at Hampden, The Spiders have uncovered a great talent and if his form continues the amateur side may struggle to hold onto him. As well as a prominent strike force, the ever dangerous Sean Burns is on a good run of form providing attacking threat from the flank with a tricky style of play delivering a dangerous cross when given the chance. The Binos will have to look to attack early on but make sure to keep defensively aware as Queens clinical finishers could prove the difference but with a fully fit squad Albion have more than enough to cause problems and sneak a surprise away win. After some resolute defending against Rangers high profile attack to maintain a clean sheet, Albion’s defence will go into this tussle against the leagues joint top scorers with a good degree of confidence but cannot allow the defensive mistakes that have cost 14 goals in the first 7 games of the league campaign. Stirling need to bring current top scorer in all competitions Jordan White into play as much as possible with the Falkirk loanee looking one of the Bino’s most dangerous players. Winning Manager of the Month in September after masterminding a great run of form for the Spiders, Gardner Speirs has proven himself capable of continuing on from last season’s form. Having coached and taken the position of caretaker manager at both Aberdeen and Ross County, Speirs is a man with a lot of experience, taking charge of the club in 2008 following the departure of Billy Stark, signing an extension to stay at the club till 2014. Playing for clubs such as Kilmarnock and Dunfermline in his playing career he is an experienced man to have at the helm of the club and will hope to keep up recent performances when the Binos come to town.

When we last met In September the Spiders visited Forthbank Stadium and upset the home side with a 2-1 victory thanks to an 83rd minute Jamie Longworth strike. Josh Flood had opened the scoring for the Binos within the opening 10 minutes, heading home a cross from Daly McSorely. Albion’s lead laster little longer than 10 minutes before James Brough beat Mark Peat from a tight angle. Stephen Day almost scored in the second half with a header that hit the crossbar but it was to be Queen’s Park day.

the manager Gardner Speirs started his management career at Clyde in 1996 before joining the coaching staff at SPL side Aberdeen in 1998. Following the resignation of Ebbe Skovdahl the Scot took the reigns temporarily in December 2002. Speirs left Abederdeen and worked as Ross County caretaker manager in 2005 before becoming Partick Thistle’s assistant manager in May 2007. When Billy Stark left Queen’s Park in 2008, Speirs returned to being a full manager once again and has been at the club since. In his tenure at Hampden Park, Speirs has signed two contract extensions, most recently in January 2012 to extend his stay until 2014.

record vs. QUEEN’S pARK 2012/13 Stirling Albion 1-2 Queen’s Park 2008/09 Stirling Albion 4-0 Queen’s Park Queen’s Park 3-1 Stirling Albion Stirling Albion 0-3 Queen’s Park Queen’s Park 1-1 Stirling Albion 2004/05 Stirling Albion 3-2 Queen’s Park

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DIVISION 3 ROUND-UP

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During a troublesome international weekend for Scottish supporters nationwide, there were only two fixtures in the Scottish Football League. Both matches took place in the Third Division, as Elgin City dominated Montrose by a thundering 6-1 scoreline and Queen’s Park ensured they stayed on top of the league despite being held to a point by Annan Athletic.

Debutant substitute Adam MacLeod introduced himself to the home crowd with the final goal ten minutes from time, and so as Montrose left with their tales between their legs, Elgin kept up the chase for top spot with another three points that sees them into second place.

After a 3-1 triumph over East Stirlingshire the previous week extended the unbeaten run of home games for Montrose, the men from Links Park continued their poor run of form away from home, losing by a five goal margin to a dominant Elgin side.

In the other fixture, Gardner Speirs will have been disappointed to see his Queen’s Park side held to a 2-2 draw with Annan at Hampden Park.

Montrose are yet to win away from home this season, in league or cup competitions, and have recorded just a singular point from the twelve available to them on the road in Division Three so far.

The visitors took the lead when Graeme Ramage finished nicely from short range to put the Galabank men ahead after 25 minutes. Lawrence Shankland continued to prove the shining light for the Spiders however, and a brace from the youngster insured his side would go into a 2-1 lead.

Stuart Garden’s men were dealt their first blow just after twenty minutes of the match, when Stuart Leslie netted the first of what would be a hat-trick of goals for his team. The first effort from Leslie was a left-footed shot from a Mark Nicolson corner, and the striker doubled his tally for the day in stoppage time of the first half, although this was not before Daniel Moore’s corner had beaten goalkeeper David Crawford to put the home side two goals to the good. Montrose received a break in the 57th minute when the referee pointed to the spot after Sean Crighton was judged to have handled in the area, and when David Gray converted the spot-kick with aplomb, the away supporters had a brief reason to celebrate. These cheers would be even briefer than expected however, and within two minutes Elgin had reinstated their three goal deficit.

the day.

This time Mark Nicolson turned goal scorer, drilling a shot into the top corner to put his side 4-1 up, and then shortly after having a goal ruled out, Leslie made sure he would in fact be going home with the match ball as he headed in a Moore cross for his third strike of

Shankland may be yet to turn 18, but his goal scoring form shows a combination of fine decision making and natural talent, and the attacking player put his side level with Annan before the half-time break after chesting down a cross and smashing it past goalkeeper Alex Mitchell. The 17 year old then bagged his eighth goal of the season after collecting a Ricky Little pass and controlling to fire into the bottom corner, putting Queen’s into a lead that they seemed unlikely to relinquish. Speirs’ men would indeed let their lead slide however, as Michael McGowan hit a beautiful strike from the edge of the area to level the scoring with twenty minutes remaining, and with the home side unable to take the lead once more, the game ended in a draw. Queen’s next visit Ibrox to take on Rangers, who will be fresh off a defeat to Forthbank men Stirling Albion, and the Spiders will visit the former SPL giants still top of the league, one point above Elgin City and Peterhead, and two clear from McCoist’s men.

Prudential proudly supports Stirling Albion Best of luck for the 2012/13 season