The Albion September 2012 by The Albion Magazine

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Stirling Albion F.C. Official Magazine

Issue #11

September 2012

£3.00

ROSS MCGEACHIE DIVES IN THE DEEP END SCOTTISH CUP OUR OPPONENTS PREVIEWED

JOHN HARTSON TALKS TO THE ALBION ON THIS DAY...|RELIVE THE 1995/96 SEASON|HOME & AWAY PREVIEWS|PLAYER QUICK QUIZ

Editors’ Notes T

he opening fixtures of the season have been a mix of delight and despair for Greig McDonald’s men.

After a resounding 5-1 home victory to start the season, the Binos suffered back to back losses, and can hopefully bounce back in the upcoming month. In this edition, you can find all the latest Division Three news, with match reports from each of Albion’s games so far as well as a roundup of how other sides have been getting on in the league. An interview with John Hartson can be found shortly into the magazine, with The Albion talking to the prolific Celtic striker about his foundation, promoting awareness for testicular cancer, and the alliance that has been formed with our fine club. The inspiring Welsh footballer has been busy raising funds for the charitable cause, and you can find more about it online, or help out with a donation, at www.johnhartsonfoundation.com. Elsewhere in the September issue of the magazine, we have all the regular previews of the next month of football for the Forthbank club, interviews with Albion players, and features including our finest goal hauls and a look at the record breaking season of 95/96. Enjoy.

reig and the boys couldn’t have hoped for a better opener following the 5-1 demolition job of Annan, ending the day on top of the league, but the games following haven’t been so rosy. The next month is going to be a tough test for our Binos; following the home game with Queen’s Park is a number of away games before the huge game against Rangers on October 6. Hopefully there will be more points on the board come that day, and I’m certain Forthbank willl be a sell-out. John Hartson visited the stadium a few weeks ago and it was a pleasure to meet the man; despite other journalists insisting on focusing on all things Celtic, we managed to get enough from John on his foundation and the partnership for our focus feature. The Welshmen talks very well and hopefully next time he visits Stirling we can grab him for another word or two! You can now view the August edition online here: http://issuu.com/stiralbionmag/docs/ august2012

Hopefully you enjoy this month’s content. As always, let us know your thoughts on all things Stirling Albion via our Facebook and Twitter pages. Regards,

Club Executive Team Chair and Operations Director Stuart Brown Finance Director Alan Christie Commercial Director John Hunter Members David McFarlane Dick King Jim Thomson Football Management Manager Greig McDonald Assistant Coaches Shaun Fagan Marc McCulloch Physiotherapist Pauline Robertson Goalkeeping Coach David Eccles Kit Man Gregor Dryden Club Doctor Michael Beyer Head of Youth Stewart Taylor (admin) Head of Youth (Coaching) Blair Cremin Under 19 Coaches Graeme Donald David Binnie

@StuartKenny

@DavidJChalmers

Stuart Kenny

Club Chaplain Duncan Strathdee 0778 991 2259

David Chalmers

CONTENTS Regular features: 03. Inside the Box 04. Albion news 05. from the dugout 15. player quick quiz 16. the deep end

Ross McGeachie dives in the Deep End

20 Division 3 Round-Up Queen’s Park Preview

John Hartson talks to the Albion

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Editors: Stuart Kenny (Content) David Chalmers (Design) Contributors: Deena Mobbs David Ogilvie Jim Thomson Graham Swann Stuart Brown Thanks: Scott Davidson Ross McGeachie John Hartson Greig McDonald Queen’s Park FC SFL Prudential Photography: Deena Mobbs (redweb) Queensparkfc.co.uk 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

“NO ONE IS MORE DISAPPOINTED, FRUSTRATED AND DETERMINED TO PUT THINGS RIGHT THAN THE ENTIRE PLAYING SQUAD, WHICH INCLUDES OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM.”

hanks to the International weekend, two league fixtures in a row on the road and an away draw in the second round of the Scottish Cup, this month’s magazine has arguably reverted to being a matchday programme! We come into today’s match against Queen’s Park on the back of two very disappointing league results and performances. It’s not my job to delve into the whys and wherefores – I’ll leave that to the Manager and RedWeb’s Forum! What I will say is that no one is more disappointed, frustrated and determined to put things right than the entire playing squad, which includes our management team. The news regarding the likely extent of Bradley Coyne’s injury has come as a crushing blow. It was initially hoped that he would be out for only six to eight weeks but it now appears that this could be at least six months. The result of his scan which took place on Thursday (the day after the magazine went to print) will provide confirmation. I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing him a speedy and full recovery and it would be great to see him back playing before the end of the season. Back to today’s game – it’s as good a time as any to put things right on the pitch but, irrespective of the result, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that only four league games will have been played. I remain confident that despite the injury to Bradley, we have a squad more than capable of being competitive over the course of the season. At the end of September we’ve Scottish Cup second-round business to attend to with an away trip to Dalbeatttie Star. With no disrespect to Dalbeattie or their football team, I had to check them both out on Google. I can confirm Dalbeattie is pretty close to where I thought it was (roughly 15 miles south west of Dumfries) and the Star have made a flying start to their 2012/13 South of Scotland League campaign! Diary duly noted for a tough encounter at Islecroft Stadium. Away from the playing side, we are now into our second month of “Pay as You Play” and our working relationship with Active Stirling is strengthening by the day. For their part, you will have noticed that Active Stirling have embarked on a rolling programme of largely cosmetic, but nevertheless important, improvements around the Stadium, including a new surface of blaise on the trackside and a freshening up of paintwork – note the increased use of red and white! Alongside this, thanks to the hard work of John Hunter and his commercial team, the advertising boards throughout the Stadium have been brought up to speed through a combination of new advertisers and renewals. For the first time since the takeover, it’s true to say that every board in place has been paid for and the income derived from this source has comfortably exceeded the budget forecast. It goes without saying that SAFC are deeply grateful for the support of every business that has chosen to advertise with us in this way. Also behind the scenes, I’m delighted to report that long-standing Binos fan Jim Inglis has taken on the role of “Commander in Chief” for looking after our Hospitality clients. He has brought fresh energy, ideas and commitment to this hugely important aspect of our business and I’m confident that these qualities, combined with our excellent value for money package, will encourage more and more guests to view SAFC Hospitality as something they will come back to and also recommend to friends and business associates as a great afternoon out. Finally, we are well advanced with our planning for the first Rangers game on October 6th – our next home game! Please check the official website at regular intervals for updates on how and when tickets will be made available. Whilst I apologise that these arrangements will inevitably cause fans some inconvenience, I’m sure you will appreciate that not being at home for five weeks is both highly unusual and completely outside our control.

ALBION NEWS YOUNG SCOTS IN FORTHBANK DRAW Scotland and Belgium drew 0-0 in the Vauxhall Under-17 International Challenge Match at Forthbank in front of 643 fans on Tuesday night. Full report on the Scottish FA website

injury sustained against Annan, Steven will give Binos boss Greig McDonald increased options in attack. CRAWFORD MOVES ON We can confirm that David Crawford has now left the club after his short spell at Forthbank.

The surgeon’s preliminary assessment needs to be confirmed by a scan but it now appears likely the damage is worse than first feared and he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The scan will be arranged as soon as is possible and we’ll update the website as and when more definitive information comes to hand. Bradley, 19, joined us from Forfar during the summer and suffered the injury against Annan on the opening day of the Third Division campaign. The Club will do everything possible to support Bradley make a full recovery and the thoughts and best wishes of everyone are with him - sentiments we are sure will be echoed by every supporter.

David made his debut in the Communities League Cup tie at Arbroath on August 4 when Sam Filler and Mark Peat were both absent and U19 keeper Jamie Cleland had been ill. However, all three are available for Saturday’s trip to Elgin and former Queen’s Park and Alloa No 1 Crawford goes with our best wishes after coming to the rescue for our cup clash.

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

Binos boss Greig McDonald said: “I’d like to thank David for helping us out at such short notice and for putting in an excellent performance up at Arbroath. He is a great guy and a good professional and I am sure he will be a great asset for whoever he chooses to sign for. Everyone at Stirling Albion FC would like to wish David all the best for the future.”

November Sat Nov 3 S.F.A. Cup 3 Sat Nov 10 Annan Athletic A Sat Nov 17 Elgin City H Sat Nov 24 Queen’s Park A

GOLD FOR MURRAY

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

Stirling and Dunblane’s Andy Murray won a gold medal for Team GB at the 2012 Oympic Games in London.

NEW SIGNING Stirling Albion have signed 23-year-old striker Steven Weir from Moreland Zebras in Australia on a short-term deal until the end of December. Steven, who is the brother of Albion forward Graham, could make his debut against Clyde at Forthbank on Saturday if international clearance is received in time. He began his career at Livingston and has also played for Cowdenbeath, Arbroath and East Fife in the SFL and had a stint with Whitburn Juniors. Steven has turned out for several clubs Down Under and was most recently with Moreland, who are based in Melbourne.

With Bradley Coyne expected to be out for around two months with a knee

August Sat Aug 4 League Cup R1 Arbroath (A) 1-1 L (Arbroath win on penalties) Sat Aug 11 Annan Athletic (H) 5-1 W Sat Aug 18 Elgin City (A) 1-3 L Sat Aug 25 Clyde (H) 0-1 L September Sat Sep 1 Queen’s Park H Sun Sep 9 Ramsdens Challenge Cup 3 Sat Sep 15 East Stirlingshire A Sat Sep 22 Berwick Rangers A Wed Sep 26 League Cup 3 Sat Sep 29 Dalbeattie Star

COYNE INJURY This evening, striker Bradley Coyne attended an appointment with one of the top knee consultants in Scotland.

FIXTURE LIST

The Scot defeated Roger Federer in a repeat of this year’s Wimbledon final, overcoming the Swiss in straight sets. Hopefully it can be a springboard for Grand Slam success! CUP WIN FOR BINOS Albion booked a Stirlingshire Cup semi-final trip to Dumbarton thanks to a 2-0 win over a very young Alloa side at Recreation Park on Tuesday night. Marc McCulloch opened the scoring in the first half and Daly McSorley sealed victory from the penalty spot after the impressive Stephen Day had been tripped in the box.

December Sat Dec 1 East Stirlingshire H / S.F.A. Cup 4 Sat Dec 8 Rangers A Sat Dec 15 Berwick Rangers H Wed Dec 26 Peterhead H Sat Dec 29 Montrose A

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 GREIG MCDONALD “We are a good side, but the last two matches have maybe been a bit of a reality check as to what life in division 3 will be like. ”

elcome to this afternoon’s match against Queen’s Park. September is a bit of an odd month with this being our only home league match – we are not back at Forthbank on Third Division duty until the visit of Rangers on October 6. That fixture has created a huge amount of interest but we have more immediate concerns to address as we bid to bounce back from the defeats to Elgin and Clyde. That will not be an easy task. Gardner Speirs has done a terrific job at Hampden and to have finished in the top four in each of the last three seasons is an impressive achievement. Queen’s Park are also looking to hit back after losing last week but a 1-0 defeat to a late Rory McAllister penalty away to a Peterhead side who are among the favourites for promotion is certainly no disgrace. It’s fair to say that August was a month of highs and lows from our point of view. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Division Three campaign than the 5-1 home win over Annan. Yes, we got one or two breaks on the day but we took full advantage of Annan going down to 10 men and that is not always an easy thing to do – as we discovered to our cost last year. Even before the red card, I felt we were good value for our lead. We played some nice football and played in the manner I want us to, which is to get the ball down and pass it when-

ever possible. It was great to score five goals and I was pleased for the fans, who have endured two difficult seasons. We then travelled to Elgin, which I maintain will be one of the toughest trips for anyone this season, and suffered a 3-1 defeat. Scott Davidson’s early goal gave us the perfect platform and for 15 minutes we looked in control but after they equalised I didn’t recognise us. In the end we got what we deserved from the game – which was nothing. Elgin are a good side, and showed that again by winning 4-1 at East Stirling last weekend, but we didn’t offer enough. Last weekend we were back at Forthbank to face Clyde and losing 1-0 was a big disappointment. Looking back at the game, our goalkeeper, Mark Peat, didn’t have much to do and we created some good chances, particularly in the closing stages. We also hit the woodwork twice but we can’t kid ourselves - overall the performance was simply not good enough. I was hoping for a reaction after the Elgin game and made a few changes to the side but we didn’t perform the way we can and gave the ball away too often – I want us to pass it but it is important we do so in the right areas. I have total faith in the players at the club and it is very early in the season. We are a good side but the last two matches have maybe been a bit of a reality check as to what life in Division Three will be like. What we need

now is a positive reaction because the supporters deserve that. At the very least, the guys on the pitch need to make sure they win the personal battle against their opposite number. In squad news, we have brought in striker Steven Weir, who has been playing in Australia. He trained with us during the summer and I thought he looked lively and sharp against Clyde. He was unlucky not to get a goal on his debut and will give us increased attacking options, particularly as Bradley Coyne is likely to be out for a few more weeks with the knee injury he suffered against Annan. We have no game next weekend due to the international break and it’s really important that we go into that period on the back of a positive result against Queen’s Park. We have two away matches at East Stirling and Berwick to follow before the Scottish Cup second round at the end of the month. We will be doing everything we can to win the game today and I’m sure Queen’s Park will be doing the same. Hopefully we can come out on top and give the Stirling fans something to shout about. Your support is, as always, very much appreciated. Best wishes Greig McDonald

MATCH REPORT by Stuart Kenny

Albion win emphatically in season opener Filler McGeachie Ashe McCunnie Clark Allison Davidson Macpherson Weir Coyne Ferry

Mitchell Blake Thorburn Swinglehurst McGowan Chaplain Sloan McKechnie Daly Ramage Love

Subs: Cleland McClune McSorely Flood Brass

Subs: Jardine Summersgill Steele McGachie Bell

Pictures by Rajmund Bakonyi

5-1 Stirling Albion Davidson 16, Weir 31, Ashe 37, Clark 42, Macpherson 67

11th August, 2012 Referee: G. Aitken Att: 646

he Binos proved that a return to division three also meant a return to winning ways in their opening fixture of the season, as they annihilated ten man Annan Athletic by a resounding 5-1 score line. With Danny Ashe, Jamie Clark and Graham Weir netting their first respective goals in a Stirling Albion shirt, all via corners, a Scott Davidson strike in addition meant it was a resounding four goal lead at half-time. When Gavin MacPherson found the net after the break, the midfielder ensured that it would be a high five for Stirling in their first match back at Forthbank. Although Annan netted a consolation goal through Graeme Bell, the mouth-watering goal haul left the Binos sitting top of the table after day one, and Greig MacDonald was delighted after the game, highlighting his joy for the Albion support in particular. “I’m pleased for the supporters. They have had a couple of tough years but there is an air of optimism around the club now and we are starting again almost,” noted the player/manager. “I thought we were good value for the win and I felt were on top even before they went down to 10 men. Last year we were in a similar position a couple of times and it didn’t actually help us but the boys adapted to it really well. “I’m delighted for the players because they have been working really hard in terms of the shape and the way we want to play.” A crowd of 646 watched the Binos score five at home

Annan Athletic Bell 72

for the first time since a thumping 6-2 victory over Brechin in April 2010, and it was trusted goal scorer Scott Davidson who took the first strike in the goal mine. Soon after this, Annan man Graeme Ramage was given his marching orders for allegedly elbowing Stirling attacker Mark Ferry in the face, and the men in red and white wasted no time in asserting their authority on the pitch. Graham Weir nodded in the second goal after the halfhour mark, connecting with Scott Davidson’s corner at the near post to set him off on his first celebration in a Stirling jersey, and Danny Ashe followed suit shortly after, lashing the ball home from short range when it dropped kindly from another corner. A similar set piece was the making of the fourth goal too, with Jamie Clark being the man to benefit from Annan’s inability to clear convincingly this time around. Despite the potential for a double figures thriller, both sides took their foot off the gas in the second half, and there was predictably less action in the second 45 than was viewed in the mouth-watering opening period. Nevertheless, there was still reason to celebrate in the Forthbank stands when Gavin McPherson’s free-kick took a helpful defection to see Annan keeper Alex Mitchell wrong footed and MacDonald’s men five in front. The Galabank men pulled one back when a bizarre Graeme Bell free-kick looped inadvertently over Sam Filler and straight into the net, but it was to be nothing more than a slight reduction of blushes for the Annan team who were outclassed by an on form Stirling select.

MATCH REPORT by David Ogilvie

Long trip up north ends in misery for Binos

Gibson Beveridge McMullan Crighton Duff Niven Gunn O’Donoghue Wyness Nicolson Cameron Subs: Hallford Black Harkins McLean Millar

Peat McGeachie Ashe McCunnie Clark Allison Davidson Macpherson Weir Brass Ferry Subs: McClune Flood McAnespie Day Filler

Pictures by Rajmund Bakonyi

3-1 Elgin City Gunn 17 Nicolson 55 Wyness 80

18th August, 2012 Referee: K. Graham Att: 631

lgin came from behind to claim a deserved win in the first league meeting between the teams for eight years as the Binos failed to build on last week’s 5-1 victory over Annan. Scott Davidson gave Albion a perfect start in the Borough Briggs sunshine with a goal inside four minutes but a defensive mix-up allowed Craig Gunn to equalise before half-time, and Ross Jack’s men sealed the points with second-half efforts from Mark Nicolson and Dennis Wyness. It was a disappointing afternoon for Stirling, particularly after the boost of such an early goal, but last season’s play-off semi-finalists were good value as they followed up an opening day 0-0 draw at Berwick by continuing their fine home form of last season. Goalkeeper Mark Peat pulled off a couple of fine saves at crucial stages in the game but even that wasn’t enough, and Stirling will hope for a better performance all round when Clyde visit next week.

Boss Greig McDonald made two changes to the team that thrashed Annan 5-1. Peat got the nod ahead of Sam Filler for his debut and Gary Brass replaced the injured Bradley Coyne.

Stirling Albion Davidson 4

Within four minutes, Albion were ahead. Davidson linked with Graham Weir after a surging run from the middle of the park and gave on-loan Dundee keeper John Gibson no chance with a sweet strike just inside the left-hand post. Elgin posed little threat in the early stages but equalised out of nothing on 17 minutes when a cross into the box caused confusion between Peat and a defender and man of the match Gunn pounced to steer the ball into the empty net. Gunn was then thwarted by Peat and Brian Cameron fired over, and there was another scare for Stirling at the start of the second period when Paul McMullan ran clear but couldn’t beat Peat. It was a temporary reprieve. In 55 minutes, Gunn’s shot was blocked on the line and ex-Ross County midfielder Nicolson rammed home the rebound. Weir wasn’t far away from an equaliser when he flashed an angled drive narrowly wide but it was all over 10 minutes from time when veteran striker Wyness accepted a Cameron pass to score from close range and only a fine stop from Peat denied sub Paul Millar a late fourth.

MATCH REPORT by David Ogilvie

No fortress Forthbank as Clyde sneak a win

Peat McClune Ashe McCunnie Thom Allison Davidson Ferry G Weir S Weir McAnespie Subs: Filler, MacPherson McSorley McGeachie Flood

Barclay Brown Kane Gray Marsh Hay Neil Masterton Watt McCluskey McColm Subs: MacBeth Sharp Rajovic Scullion Sweeney Taylor

Pictures by Rajmund Bakonyi

0-1 Stirling Albion

25th August, 2012 Referee: D. Roache Att: 855

evin Watt’s 25th-minute goal earned Clyde victory in the Forthbank rain as we slipped to our second defeat in a row.

In the first meeting between the teams since Albion won 1-0 in April 2010, Watt fired home a sweet shot midway through the opening period after strike partner Stefan McCluskey had taken advantage of some slack defending to set up the 22-year-old. The result maintains Clyde’s excellent record at Forthbank – in 15 meetings they now lead the series by eight wins to three, with four draws. The visitors included ex-Binos Paul Hay and John Kane in their XI as they made it two league wins from three so far. Binos boss Greig McDonald made four changes to the team beaten 3-1 at Elgin last weekend. David McClune, Kieran McAnespie, Gary Thom and new signing Steven Weir replaced Jamie Clark, Ross McGeachie, Gavin Macpherson and Gary Brass. Chances were scarce in the early stages but McAnespie came close with a 25-yard free-kick and Mark Ferry

Clyde Watt 25

wasn’t far away with a header, while McCluskey threatened at the other end. Clyde took the lead in 25 minutes when former Bo’ness United hitman Watt finished well and he came close to a second goal soon after, before McCluskey fired over. The same player was then unlucky not to earn a penalty, when he appeared to be tripped in the box by McClune. Steven Weir almost equalised on his Albion debut after signing from Moreland Zebras in Australia but his 42nd-minute effort came back off the bar. A late spell of pressure almost brought reward for Stirling but ex-Falkirk keeper Jamie Barclay denied Steven Weir and Scott Davidson was unlucky to see his lob come back off the crossbar. Substitute Daly McSorley then forced a smart save from Barclay but Jim Duffy’s men held on.

BIGGEST T

WINS!

his is our 20th full season at Forthbank and the 5-1 victory over Annan on the opening day was one of several big wins we have racked up over the past two decades.

The greatest margin of victory during that time was actually 7-0 away to Queen of the South in 1995/96, and there was also an 8-2 success at Stranraer in 2008/09 when the score was only 1-1 at half-time, but how many of these memorable matches on home soil do you recall…? Wednesday August 20, 1997 - League Cup third round Stirling Albion 6-2 Kilmarnock Forthbank’s greatest night as Kevin Drinkell’s side destroyed the 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, sub 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. Saturday October 16, 1999 – Division Two Stirling Albion 5-1 Stenhousemuir Scoring goals wasn’t a problem for Stirling during John Philliben’s reign, it was keeping them out that was the issue. Jim Gardner, Craig Taggart and a John McQuade double had Albion 4-0 ahead by the interval and Ally Graham added the fifth before Jimmy Fisher pulled one back. Saturday August 23, 2003 – Division Three Stirling Albion 5-1 East Stirling Shire took an early lead but a Ryan Davidson double either side of a red card for Kevin McCann turned the tide. Stewart Devine added the third and Paul Hay and Scott McLean netted late on in the second of what turned out to be an incredible 10-match winning streak in Division Three.

Wednesday March 10, 2004 – Division Three Stirling Albion 6-1 Elgin City Scott McLean bagged a hat-trick as we stormed to victory in a midweek match. George Rowe, Derek Lyle and a Willie Martin own goal took the tally to six. Alex Bone, a Forthbank hero, was Elgin’s scorer.

Saturday March 13, 2004 – Division Three Stirling Albion 6-0 East Stirling Allan Moore’s team made it 12 goals in four days as we took another step towards promotion. This time it was Derek Lyle who scored a hat-trick, David O’Brien got a couple and George Rowe netted in what remains our record win on this ground. Saturday November 4, 2006 – Division Two Stirling Albion 5-0 Alloa The visitors had Stuart Malcolm sent off after just four minutes and we took full advantage, racing to a 4-0 half-time lead through goals from Chris Aitken, Nathan Taggart, Steven Bell and Marek Tomana. Dene Shields grabbed the fifth after the break and the only disappointment was the number of missed chances that prevented Albion from gaining full revenge for a 7-0 humiliation at Recreation Park in August 1998. Wednesday April 14, 2010 – Division Two Stirling Albion 6-2 Brechin City A 2-2 draw with Arbroath on the Monday looked to have ended our slim title hopes but this was the first of four straight wins that, coupled with Alloa’s collapse, allowed Stirling to clinch the championship at Glebe Park on goal difference on the final day of the season. This one took a while to get going but Chris Aitken broke the deadlock from the penalty spot late in the first half and we never looked back. Michael Mullen notched a hat-trick and Iain Russell was on target before Derek Colquhoun smashed home his one and only Albion goal. Rory McAllister twice replied. Saturday August 11, 2012 – Division Three Stirling Albion 5-1 Annan Athletic Our first Third Division game since 2003/04 saw Greig McDonald’s team make a dream start to the new season in the first ever meeting between the clubs. Scott Davidson opened the scoring, Graham Weir, Danny Ashe and Jamie Clark all scored their first Albion goals and Gavin Macpherson wrapped it up. Annan were hampered by the red card given to Graeme Ramage after 27 minutes with the score at 1-0 but pulled one back through Graeme Bell in the second half.

HARTSON

Former Wales, Arsenal and Celtic striker John Hartson talks to Stuart Kenny about the John Hartson foundation and the partnership with Stirling Albion... >

John Hartson was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2009, and after hearing the cancer had spread to his brain and lungs, he would soon undergo an emergency operation. The treatment proved a success, and by the end of the year, the footballing legend was informed that he was all but clear of the cancer which had once threatened his life. The Welsh international went on to form The John Hartson Foundation – now in partnership with Stirling Albion – with the aim of promoting awareness of testicular cancer, and how easily it can be checked out. The foundation website states that the “cancer is over 90% curable if caught early enough”, and alongside raising the knowledge of this, the charity will also raise funds to provide cancer organisations with more support. The Albion caught up with the man who played 146 times for Celtic to talk about his foundation, its alliance with Stirling Albion, and inevitably have a quick natter about the recent demotion of the newco Rangers. “It’s a partnership with the John Hartson Foundation we are doing with Stirling Albion football club,” said Hartson. “We’re delighted to work in conjunction with them, raising awareness for testicular cancer, and with the logos on the shirts we will be getting this awareness out there.”

“We’ve put on events; we’ve walked up Ben Nevis and we’ve pledged to raise a lot of money for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation in Glasgow.” The former Celtic player has pledged to raise a monumental £50,000 for the children’s foundation, and the Ben Nevis walk was the first step in the fundraising quest to provide this donation.

With winds of up to 65mph and a challenging peak standing at 4,406 ft, it was “We also work with East Kilbride football with no hint of ease that the striker made club, they’ll also have the logos, and we the journey up Britain’s tallest mountain, work with a football side in Wales as well. but after four hours and 45 minutes, he This is something great that is important reached the peak. to me, and very close to my heart. “That is the only way we can repay the “As a charity we try and raise as much hospital for what they have done to me,” awareness and funds which will go back noted Hartson. “I was so emotional. I find into the hospitals, because I’ll never be it overwhelming,” able to thank the doctors and nurses for saving my life, and it’s something that I’m The former SPL man netted a huge 88 very committed too. goals in his time in the league, giving him an average of over one goal per two “I really appreciate the fact that we can games whilst at Celtic, and whilst conraise as much awareness through foottinuing to focus on promoting his founball, starting with Stirling Albion football dation, Hartson did go on to discuss the club. They’ve come on board with us and current predicament of what were his we will now work in conjunction with biggest rivals in the Scottish game, Rangthem. ers.

place they go and play; they bring the crowd, they bring the colour, and they bring all the attention from the TV and radio. The Stirling players and a lot of other players in the Third Division will enjoy that and give Rangers a test. “I’m not going to say that the Rangers players aren’t going to get mentally prepared; but they better be. They are coming to these smaller grounds, with the smaller crowds and hungry players who are desperate to play for Rangers. They will want to prove on that day they are better than those Rangers players.

“I wasn’t thinking about Rangers being in the third division [when I made the deal with Stirling Albion], because when we put this deal together several months ago it was still all up in the air what league they would go into anyway,” noted Hartson. “As it happens, they are in the third division, so maybe it might raise a bit more publicity [for the foundation], because they are such a big club. “When they come here they will bring a massive crowd, and it will be an opportunity for the Stirling Albion players to go to Ibrox and experience that occasion as well. Rangers will add a lot of calibre to the third division. It’s no foregone conclusion that they will win it, like a lot of people suggest, because a lot of teams in the third division will have a lot of youngsters that will enjoy playing against Rangers; the games will probably be on television, and there will be a lot more press at these games than at others. “There will be a lot more media coverage when Rangers come here, and the Stirling Albion players will rise to that. That’s the trouble you have when playing for Celtic or Rangers. This is what they bring to any

“That will be Ally’s biggest battle, getting his players up for games, especially away from home. At Ibrox, Rangers will probably fill the ground, at least for the first few months. They will show their support for the club, and they have a fantastic fan base, but if Rangers don’t start running away with the league then you might see the crowds dropping. “Greig has a difficult job as it is. He’s told me what his ideas are for the season, and he feels he’s ready for the year and that he has got the players that he needs. Football management is not easy – this is why I’m going the other side at the moment – but having Rangers in the third division will bring that bit more excitement.” The next event on the list for the John Hartson foundation is the ‘Celtic cycle’, which will see eight cyclists take on a route from Swansea to Glasgow. If this doesn’t sound difficult enough however, the group will also be travelling to Scotland via Ireland in the four day event starting on September 5th. For more information on the John Hartson Foundation and its goals, or to donate to the cause, head to their website at www.johnhartsonfoundation.com

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 Scott Davidson Date of birth 24/01/92 Age 20 Position Striker

Where do you live? Drumchapel, dodgy place!

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

Who would be your dream date? Beyonce or Jennifer Lopez - take your pick!

Where did you start your career? Played for Aberdeen when I was about 12 but went back to boys club football then signed for Falkirk when I was 16

What was the last film you went to see? The new Batman, great film!!

What do you do for a job outside of football? Unemployed at the moment What’s the best goal you have scored? For Falkirk U19s against Dumbarton when I chipped it over the defender’s head and hit a full volley into the stanchion, Gazza-esque! Biggest influence on your career? Got to be my mum and dad. They took me to every training session and game as a kid and kept me on the straight and narrow

What’s your favourite band/musician? Like a bit of hip hop, Kanye West is a cool guy! Favourite food? Chinese, can’t beat a chicken curry fried rice Favourite TV programme? Two and a half men Do you have a pre-match ritual? In the changing room I close my eyes for about five seconds and have a think of my late granma, kiss my hand and point to the sky!

Best ground played at? I enjoyed playing at Easter Road and Tynecastle but it’s got to be Forthbank!!

What’s the best thing about being a footballer? Winning or scoring an important goal for the team

Most difficult opponent? Tough one, probably Danny Wilson

And the worst? Losing is the worst feeling, ruins your weekend

Worst dressed player at the club? For me it’s got to be Steven Day!

What was the last football match you went to see? I’ve not been to a football match in years! Last match I went to see was Rangers against Lyon in the Champion League

Who’s the joker in the dressing room? Would say myself but there are a few characters - Marc McCulloch is a funny guy! What would be your perfect weekend? Chill out on the couch with some food after a good result on the Saturday! If you could have three people over for dinner, who would they be? Lionel Messi, Lee Evans and Denzel Washington!!

Who are your best pals in football? I’ve got a few friends from Falkirk still, but must say the Stirling changing room is a top bunch of guys! Any interesting hobbies? I like to play snooker or just chill out and play a bit of Football Manager. I’d make a great gaffer!

THE DEEP END

“

WE STARTED OFF REALLY WELL AGAINST ANNAN BUT WE JUST NEED TO KEEP WORKING HARD AND I’M SURE WE WILL GET BACK ON TRACK.

DAVID OGILVIE CATCHES UP WITH

ROSS MCGEACHIE T

he most obvious family connection around Forthbank is brothers Graham and Steven Weir while striker Bradley Coyne is the son of former Celtic, Dundee and Motherwell hitman Tommy. Bradley’s brother, Tommy junior, also played for the Binos for a short spell during Allan Moore’s reign. Fans of a certain age will well remember another familiar footballing name in this country – George McGeachie. He was a stalwart for Dundee from the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s before enjoying spells with Raith Rovers and Stenhousemuir. He helped the Dens Parkers win the First Division title in 1978/79 despite a rare defeat to Stirling – we haven’t beaten Dundee since that October day 34 years ago – and was part of the Raith Rovers side that were promoted to the Premier Division at the end of 1992/93 despite a shock loss to Albion in what was only the second ever match at Forthbank in May 1993.

The success didn’t end there, and at Stenhousemuir George tasted Scottish Cup giantkilling in the shape of a 2-0 humbling of an Aberdeen team who had beaten Rangers the previous week. In 1995/96

“

he was part of a vastly experienced and talented group put together by Terry Christie who stunned Dundee United to win the Challenge Cup on penalties at McDiarmid Park. We were the victims at Forthbank in the semi-finals as Kevin Drinkell’s team suffered a rare setback but George missed that tie so all is forgiven! George’s son Ross is keeping up the defensive family tradition. At the age of 18, he has his whole career in front of him and his old man has set down a marker in terms of longevity. Already McGeachie junior has caught the eye. He made his top-team debut at right-back in the 2-1 win at Albion Rovers on the final day of last season and produced a performance at Cliftonhill that showed a maturity way beyond his years. Not a bad way to celebrate the weekend of your 18th birthday! Ross is still eligible to play for the U19 side but it looks unlikely that will come to pass, given his elevation to the first-team squad in the summer, along with his peers Stephen Day and Jamie Clark. Danny Ashe, Gary Brass, Richie Kirwan, Andy Hunter, Jamie

Cleland and Josh Flood are among the others who Pictures Rajmund Bakonyi have by graduated from the U19 production line in recent times and the future looks bright. McGeachie started the 5-1 win over Annan and the 3-1 defeat at Elgin and came off the bench in last week’s 1-0 reverse to Clyde. The teenager admits the transition from youth football to the rigours of the Third Division have come sooner than he envisaged. “I’ve probably come up a year earlier than I expected to, to be honest, but I’m enjoying it and training is good. There are plenty of experienced players at the club who help me along. I started off as a centre-half when I was younger but I enjoy playing at right-back and it’s good to be able to get forward as well,” added McGeachie, who ended the League Cup tie at Arbroath last month almost playing as a right winger. The youngster, who is competing for a rightback slot with experienced duo David McClune and Shaun Fagan, has the support of his footballing father at every game and believes it’s only a matter of

time before the fans see the best of Stirling Albion this season. He added: “Everything has been really good in training and we have looked sharp as a team but for whatever reason we have not taken it into the last two games. We started off really well against Annan but we just need to keep working hard and I’m sure we will get back on track. Promotion has to be the aim for us this season.” McGeachie is keen to make an impression in the September fixtures against Queen’s Park, East Stirling and Berwick but admits he is looking forward to our next home match in Division Three – a first league meeting with Rangers since season 1967/68 on Saturday October 6. “It would be a great experience if I’m involved,” he said. Dad George, now 53, won’t be short of advice for that one given the number of times he played against the Light Blues for Dundee during his long career.

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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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2 Inverallan Road, Bridge of Allan, Stirling FK9 4JA Tel: 01786 833335

QUEEN’S PARK ALB I O N AT H O M E preview

SATURDAY SEPT. 1ST 3PM K.O

by David Ogilvie

ueen’s Park are fancied by many to claim a top-four finish in 2012/13, which is perhaps no surprise given that they have reached the play-offs in each of the last three seasons. Gardner Speirs’ side played some outstanding football last term to finish runners-up to Alloa, recording big wins over Elgin (6-0) and Montrose (5-0) along the way, but they were defeated in both legs of the play-off semi-final by Stranraer. In 2010/11, it was Albion Rovers who heaped play-off heartache on the Spiders and in 2009/10 it was Arbroath who came out on top, so the Hampden outfit will be hoping it is fourth time lucky. Although last term’s second-top scorer Michael Daly as well as David Murray, Martin McBride, Steven Baillie, Gavin Lachlan and Daryll Meggatt have moved on over the summer, Queen’s Park have retained key players like forward Jamie Longworth, who netted 20 league goals. Midfielder Michael Keenan has rejoined the club after several seasons in the Junior ranks while the likes of Ricky Little, James Brough, Ian Watt and Richie Sinclair are established squad numbers. As always, there seems to be good young players coming through the ranks and 17-year-old Lawrence Shankland made headlines by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-2 defeat of Airdrie United to set up a Hampden clash with Dundee in the second round of the League Cup. Queen’s Park began their Division Three campaign with a 2-0 win at East Stirling and were on the verge of beating Partick Thistle in the Ramsdens Cup until an incredible finale saw the Jags progress to the quarter-finals with a 5-4 triumph at Hampden. A loss at the hands of Peterhead will have been likely enough to inspire players to bounce back quickly though, with just a McAllister penalty in the final ten minutes of the match proving enough to make sure that Queen’s Park would leave with nothing. Whilst the result sends Peterhead to second place in the Division, it condemned Speirs’ men back to fifth. Standing in a sturdy midtable position though, the club are still in prime position to make a dash for the play-offs this season, and with the assertion of this fact in the opening games, Queen’s Park could prove tricky opposition. We make the journey to Mount Florida on November 24 and return to Glasgow on Tuesday April 2 while the Spiders are back at Forthbank on January 5.

SQUAD BRIEFING

CLUB FACTFILE

THE GAFFER

THE SKIPPER

Gardner Speirs, now 49, spent the bulk of his playing career with St Mirren during the 1980s but also had spells with Dunfermline, Kilmarnock, Hartlepool, Airdrie United and East Stirling. He became a coach at Clyde and managed the Bully Wee between 1996 and 1998 before joining the backroom staff at Aberdeen. He was briefly caretaker boss at Pittodrie and held a similar post at Ross County before becoming No 2 at Partick Thistle. He has been in charge of Queen’s Park since January 2008, having replaced Billy Stark, and is under contract at Hampden until 2014.

Ricky Little is a 23-yearold defender who was previously with Partick Thistle and initially joined Queen’s Park on loan, before sealing a permanent move. Comfortable in the centre of defence, or at rightback, he was on the books at Ayr United and Junior side Ardrossan Winton Rovers earlier in his career. Little started 33 out of 36 games in the regular Division Three campaign last season and his excellent performances earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year.

Founded: 1867 Stadium: Hampden Stadium Nickname: The Spiders Jamie Longworth bagged a hugely impres- Manager: Gardner Speirs Honours: sive 20 league goals First Division (second tier): in 35 appearances last 1922/23, 1955/56 season, a haul that included four in the space Second Division (third tier): of 25 minutes in the 6-0 1980/81 rout of Elgin in January. Third Division (fourth tier): A PE teacher away from 1999/2000 the game, he joined up Play-off Winners: from Kilbirnie Ladeside 2006/07 in the summer of 2010. Scottish Cup: As well as being a prolific Winners: 1874, 1875, 1876, 1880, 1881, marksman, Longworth 1882, 1884, 1886, 1890, 1893 has the ability to link the Runners-up (2): 1892, 1900 play with the midfield Scottish Amateur Cup: and he will be a major Winners: 1912, 1920, 1928, 1933, 1934, threat to our hopes this 1936, 1947, 1950, 1951, 1963, 1964, afternoon. 2009 Glasgow Cup: Winners: 1889, 1890, 1899, 1946 Runners-up: 1896, 1898, 1929, 1932, 1940, 1965, 1985 FA Cup: Runners-up (2): 1884, 1885

GOAL THREAT

Picture by queensparkfc.co.uk

SQUAD

results/fixtures JUL 28 RC1 BERWICK (A) D 2-2 (WON 3-2 ON PENS) AUG 4 LC1 AIRDRIE UNITED (H) W 3-2 AUG 11 SFL3 EAST STIRLING (A) W 2-0 AUG 14 RC2 PARTICK THISTLE (H) L 4-5 AUG 18 SFL3 MONTROSE (H) D 2-2 AUG 25 SFL 3 PETERHEAD (A) W 0-1 AUG 29 LC2 DUNDEE (H) SEP 1 SFL3 STIRLING ALBION (A) SEP 15 SFL3 CLYDE (H) SEP 22 SFL3 ELGIN CITY (A) SEP 29 SC1 IRVINE MEADOW

David Anderson Position: Midfielder Date of birth: 07/06/83 Previous club: Kilbirnie Ladeside

Scott Gibson Position: Defender Date of birth: 10/11/93 Previous club: Queen’s Park Youths

Adam Monaghan Position: Defender Date of birth: 26/06/89 Previous club: Dumbarton

Richie Sinclair Position: Defender Date of birth: 20/05/82 Previous club: Queen’s Park Youths

Peter Bradley Position: Defender Date of birth: 26/05/91 Previous club: St Mirren

Michael Keenan Position: Midfielder Date of birth: 27/01/85 Previous club: Arthurlie

Neil Parry Position: Goalkeeper Date of birth: 08/11/85 Previous club: Arthurlie

Craig Smith Position: Forward Date of birth: 20/06/86 Previous club: Ashfield Juniors

James Brough Position: Defender Date of birth: 21/12/88 Previous club: Weirs Amateurs

Kieran Kennedy Position: Forward Date of birth: 01/09/93 Previous club: Queen’s Park Youths

Tony Quinn Position: Midfielder Date of birth: 09/09/81 Previous club: Kirkintilloch Rob Roy

Alan Urquhart Position: Midfielder Date of birth: 17/04/93 Previous club: Queen’s Park Youths

Sean Burns Position: Midfielder Date of birth: 06/10/91 Previous club: Airdrie United

Ricky Little Position: Defender Date of birth: 20/05/89 Previous club: Partick Thistle

Andy Robertson Position: Midfielder Date of birth: 11/03/94 Previous club: Celtic Youths

Ian Watt Position: Forward Date of birth: 14/02/90 Previous club: Hamilton Accies

Giuseppe Capuano Position: Midfielder Date of birth: 08/01/89 Previous club: Alloa

Blair Lochhead Position: Goalkeeper Date of birth: 27/06/94 Previous club: Partick Thistle

Owen Ronald Position: Midfielder Date of birth: 05/03/93 Previous club: Queen’s Park Youths

Jamie Longworth Position: Forward Date of birth: 03/08/87 Previous club: Kilbirnie Ladeside

Lawrence Shankland Position: Forward Date of birth: 10/08/95 Previous club: Queen’s Park Youths

Paul Gallacher Position: Defender Date of birth: 05/08/91 Previous club: Queen’s Park Youths

Pictures by Deena Mobbs

BINOS AWAY: East Stirling

SATURDAY, 15 SEPT. 2012 3PM KICK-OFF

preview by Stuart Kenny

he start to the 12/13 season for the men known as the Shire can act as a marvellous metaphor for the club’s topsy-turvy last ten years. East Stirlingshire have navigated their way past Second Division Ayr United and First Division side Airdrie United in the Scottish Challenge Cup so far, banging in six goals in these two games and conceding just one in return. This is the kind of form the supporters long to see consigned as consistent, but unfortunately, that word does not often float around the club’s changing room. Whilst the Shire seemed to have ridden themselves of the ‘dark days’ endured from the 02/03 season to the 06/07, when they finished bottom for five consecutive seasons, the season just past saw the club return to the foot of the table. After four seasons spent watching other clubs struggle at the bottom, two of which ended in play-off campaigns for East Stirling, the club were back at the foot of the Scottish Football League last season, and will be eager to make sure they do not stay there for another. The club, who currently boast John Couglin as their manager, must simply find a way to handle their Division Three ties in the same way they did their Challenge Cup battles. A 2-0 opening day league defeat to Queen’s Park did not inspire confidence that the side would be capable of doing this. A 5-1 thumping at the hands of those chaps from Ibrox will have done nothing to inspire confidence either, although the general consensus in the football world will be that this result is a set back most clubs will find themselves plagued by at some point this season. With a strengthened squad though, and one that has proven itself capable of pinching results not only in the bottom tier of Scottish football, but also against clubs at a higher level, there is a feeling around SFL fans that suggests it would be a surprise to see the Shire propping up the table at the end of this season, despite what history might have to say on the matter. With former Chairman Alan Makin gone, East Stirling are now effectively owned by the supporter’s trust, and it seems that now is the time for them to change the perception of their club from infamous league strugglers, to a side worthy of competing at the other end of the table. Having made a big impact at the Shire since signing from East of Scotland side Whitehill Welfare, Michael Herd will be looking to lead the turnaround at the club. The attacking midfielder has already netted several times this season, including a sweetly worked cross goal effort against First Division side Morton, a placed finish against the Greenock side’s league companions Airdrie United, and a brace of strikes against Second Division side Ayr United. The Ochilview Park support will hope to see Herd at the top end of the goal scoring charts come the end of the season, and Greig MacDonald will no doubt be targeting the goal scorer as a man to watch closely.

When we last met The Binos last met East Stirlingshire in the Scottish Cup of 06/07. The result saw Stirling come out on top 2-0, and this scoreline is largely reflective of the history between the two clubs. In the last three fixtures, Albion have netted a pleasing eleven times, and seen none scored past them in return. You have to journey back to February 2002 to find the last time the Shire came out on top in the fixture, with the men from Forthbank currently enjoying a ten game unbeaten run over East Stirling, which they will hope to continue that when they travel to Ochilview Park.

the manager John Coughlin didn’t have the most magnificent of starts to his East Stirlingshire career last season. In fact, his first season in charge saw the Shire finish bottom of the table, and this was the first time that he had ever witnessed a team under his command propping up the league table come the season’s end. Despite this shaky start though, Coughlin has a fantastic track record of earning promotions, including his leading of St Mirren to the Scottish Premier League in 2000 and Berwick Rangers to the Second Division in 2007. The man in the Shire’s dugout will hope he can draw on this vast experience this season to guide the club out of the bottom half of the table and challenging instead for a play-off position.

our record v EAST STIRLING 2006/07 (Scottish F.A. Cup) East Stirling 0-2 Stirling Albion 2003/04 (Division 3) East Stirling 0-3 Stirling Albion Stirling Albion 6-0 East Stirling East Stirling 2-4 Stirling Albion Stirling Albion 5-1 East Stirling 2002/03 (Division 3) East Stirling 1-3 Stirling Albion Stirling Albion 2-1 East Stirling East Stirling 1-1 Stirling Albion

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BINOS AWAY: Berwick Rangers

SATURDAY, 22 SEPT. 2012 3PM KICK-OFF

preview by Graham Swann

tirling Albion will venture across the border on the 22 September for their Scottish Third Division encounter with Berwick Rangers. It will be the Binos first league meeting with the Wee Rangers in seven years after several seasons that have seen both teams playing in different divisions. Berwick have had mixed fortunes at the beginning of this season. The opened their campaign with a goalless draw at home to Elgin City before suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat away to Annan Athletic the following week. The highlight of Berwick’s season so far was when they pulled off a shock result against the ‘other’ Rangers. Despite falling behind they managed to secure a 1-1 draw and arguably were unfortunate not to keep all three points at Shielfield Park. However, they currently find themselves nearer the bottom of the pile rather than sitting at the heady heights at the top of the table. Berwick will hope that this season will bring more success than the last after they finished in seventh place on 48 points. In literal terms, they had an average season as far as their results went. Over the course of the season the side won 12, drew 12, and lost 12 with a goal difference of plus three. They will be now hoping they can upset the balance and secure several more wins to push them up the league table. One player that Stirling will have to keep an eye on is Berwick’s pacey striker Fraser McLaren. The 23 year old penned a new contract during the summer to keep him at Shielfield and has already bagged two goals this season. His first came in his sides’ away defeat to Annan Athletic back in August. His second was more memorable when he scored against the team he supports. He fired in an equaliser in front of a home crowd to give Berwick a draw against Rangers. The former under 19 Scotland international joined Berwick back in 2008 and can count Livingston and Gretna, where he made a couple of SPL appearances, as former clubs. Up until the end of the 2011/12 season he scored on 21 occasions in 106 appearances for the borderers. Stirling will also need to be wary of Berwick’s attacking midfielder Phillip Addison. The 19 year old signed in a summer and is a product of Hibernian’s under 19 side. He too has scored twice this season. He hit the back of the net in Berwick’s narrow 4-3 defeat at the hands of First Division Raith Rovers in Scottish Communities League Cup first round and was Berwick’s other scorer in the defeat to Annan Athletic.

When we last met The Binos came out on top in this encounter the last time with a 2-1 win at Forthbank. It was a midweek match and 467 people watched the match with Chris Aitken securing victory in the Bell’s Cup second round. Paul Hay opened the scoring for Stirling before Berwick pulled one back through Kevin McLeish. Aitken sealed the win in the 70th minute with a free-kick. Aitken left the club in 2008 before returning last season; the midfielder scored 10 goals despite the team’s relegation but left the club to join Stranraer, who are now in Division 2 following Rangers placement in Division 3.

the manager

our record v BERWICK

Berwick are managed by Ian Little who has been with the club as both player and manager for a total of eight seasons. He signed for Berwick back in 2004 before taking over the managerial post temporarily in October 2011. Little eventually became permanent manager at the end of last season, and made a huge 187 league and cup appearances in his eight seasons at Shielfield Park, netting 27 times in the process. In his playing career he picked up a Challenge Cup winners’ medal with Stenhousemuir and Alloa Athletic. He was part of the Alloa squad that won promotion from the Second Division in season 2001/02.

Season 2005/2006 Challenge Cup Stirling Albion 2-1 Berwick Rangers Season 2004/2005 Second Division Berwick Rangers 2-2 Stirling Stirling 0-1 Berwick Rangers Berwick Rangers 0-1 Stirling Stirling 3-1 Berwick Rangers Season 2000/01 Second Division Stirling 1-0 Berwick Rangers

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SCOTTISH CUP PREVIEW DALBEATTIE STAR William Hill Scottish Cup secondMonday’s Scottish Cup second-round draw handed us a first ever meeting with Dalbeattie round draw Star and we will make the trip to the town of some 4,300 inhabitants on September 29. Cove Rangers v Golspie Sutherland

Dalbeattie lies 12 miles south-west of Dumfries and four miles east of Castle Douglas and the Albion fans will surely relish the chance to see another different ground when we play at Islecroft Stadium. We have lost to Dundee and Partick Thistle in the last two seasons of the Scottish Cup but will be favourites this time to book our place in round three on November 3. Hopefully we can do it! FIVE DALBEATTIE FACTS + Dalbeattie were formed in 1905 and their home colours are red and black stripes. + They are current South of Scotland League champions, having gone through the whole of last season without losing a league game. Star have won six out of six so far in 2012/13.

Fraserburgh v East Stirlingshire Forres Mechanics v Rangers Clachnacuddin v Formartine United Civil Service Strollers v Turriff United Montrose v Shotts Bon Accord or Edinburgh City Buckie Thistle or Rothes v Annan Athletic Berwick Rangers v Wick Academy Selkirk v Vale of Leithen Inverurie Loco Works v Huntly or Wigtown & Bladnoch Deveronvale v Peterhead Elgin City v St Cuthbert Wanderers Dalbeattie Star v STIRLING ALBION Queen’s Park v Irvine Meadow Stirling University v Bonnyrigg Rose Clyde v Nairn County Ties to be played Saturday September 29

+ Title-winning boss Paul Laurie was forced to CUP DATES retire due to ill health in the summer. He was replaced in a player-manager role by John Round 3 – Saturday November 3, 2012 MacBeth, who was previously with Annan. Round 4 – Saturday December 1, 2012 + Dalbeattie lost 6-1 at home to Highland League Inverurie Locos in last season’s Scottish Cup but in 2010/11 they defeated Hawick Royal Albert 3-0 before losing 1-0 away to Deveronvale.

+ William McMaster Murdoch, first officer of the Titanic, is the town’s most famous former resident.

Round 5 – Saturday February 2, 2012 Quarter-finals – Saturday March 2, 2013 Semi-finals – Saturday April 13, 2013 Final – Sunday May 26, 2013

THE DAY IT RAINED GOALS Our club record win came in an amazing Scottish Cup first-round tie against Selkirk at Annfield on December 8, 1984 when Alex Smith’s team stormed to a 20-0 victory. It was ‘only’ 5-0 at halftime and 15 of the goals came in the second half when we were shooting down the Annfield slope. Davie Thompson weighed in with seven, Willie Irvine got five, Neil Watt and Keith Walker bagged doubles and Gerry McTeague, Scott Maxwell, Jimmy Ormond and Rab Dawson were also on target. The

result made headlines across the UK and remains the biggest win in British senior football for more than a century. Unfortunately, we lost to Cowdenbeath at Central Park in the second round. QUARTERS OUR BEST Stirling Albion have never gone further than the quarter-finals in the Scottish Cup and we haven’t reached that stage since 1989/90, when John Brogan’s side defeated Coldstream, Whitehill, East Stirling and Inverness Caley to set up a last-eight clash with Clydebank.

We dominated against the Bankies at Kilbowie Park but had to settle for a 1-1 draw and lost the replay 1-0. GALA GRIEF One of the worst results in our history came in the first round of the Scottish Cup in 2001/02 when we suffered a humiliating 1-0 defeat at Gala Fairydean. We struggled badly throughout that season in Division Three and finished second bottom of the table, but Gala was the undoubted low point.

SCOTTISH CUP RECORD since 1989

1989/90 SC1 Coldstream (H) SC2 Whitehill W (H) SC3 East Stirling (A) SC4 Inverness (H) SCQF Clydebank (A) SCQFR Clydebank (H)

4-0 3-0 1-0 6-2 1-1 0-1

1990/91 SC2 Stenh’muir (H) 2-0 SC3 Morton (H) 0-1 1991/92 SC3 Dundee SC3R Dundee

(A) 1-1 (H) 0-1

1992/93 SC3 East Fife

(H)

1-2

1993/94 SC3 Berwick (H) SC4 St Johnstone (A) SC4R St Johnstone (H)

1-0 3-3 0-2

1994/95 SC1 Dumbarton (A) SC1R Dumbarton (H) SC2 Brechin (A) SC3 Airdrie (H)

3-3 3-0 3-2 1-2

1998/99 SC2 Montrose (A) SC2R Montrose (H) SC3 Hibernian (A) SC3R Hibernian (H) SC4 Motherwell (A)

0-0 2-1 1-1 2-1 0-2

1999/00 SC2 East Fife (H) 2-1 SC3 Clydebank (A) 0-1 2000/01 SC2 Spartans (A) 3-1 SC3 Raith (H) 2-0 SC4 Hibernian (H) 2-3 2001/02 SC1 B’ckie Thistle (H) SC2 Gala F’dean (A)

2-1 0-1

2007/08 SC3 Stranraer (A) 6-0 SC4 Celtic (A) 0-3 2008/09 SC3 Partick Thistle (H)

2-3

2009/10 SC3 Auchinleck (H) SC4 Albion Rovers (A) SC4R Albion Rovers (H) SC5 Ross County (A)

2-1 0-0 3-1 0-9

2010/11 SC3 Partick Thistle (H)

1-3

2011/12 SC3 Dundee

(H) 1-2

2002/03 SC2 Stranraer (A) 1-4 2003/04 SC1 Queen’s Park (H) 3-1 SC2 Arbroath (H) 1-2 2004/05 SC2 Brechin City (A)

0-1

1995/96 SC2 Alloa (H) 3-1 SC3 Clydebank (A) 1-0 SC4 Aberdeen (H) 0-2

2005/06 SC1 Elgin City (H) SC2 Inv’rie Locos (H) SC3 Partick Thistle (H)

2-1 1-0 0-1

1996/97 SC3 Dundee Utd (H)

0-2

1997/98 SC3 Q’n of South (A) SC4 St Johnstone (A)

2006/07 SC1 East Stirling (A) SC2 Ed’burgh City (A) SC3 Inverness CT (H)

2-0 1-0 1-6

3-1 1-3

1995/1996 CAMPAIGN On the final day of the 1994/95 season, Stirling Albion needed just a draw at home to Dumbarton to clinch promotion to Division One. Kevin Drinkell’s side had come from nowhere with an incredible late run and were favourites to complete the job. A crowd of 3,300 rolled up at Forthbank but we lost 2-0 as the Sons went up instead. It felt like a devastating blow but was the beginning of a story that would lead to one of the most remarkable seasons in the club’s history. As poor Dumbarton’s 1995/96 campaign at a higher level fell to bits – they went 28 games without a win – Kevin Drinkell’s team recovered from a slow start to put together an amazing 27-match unbeaten sequence in Division Two to storm to the title. The season kicked off with an impressive 3-0 win over Montrose but Albion suffered back-to-backdefeats to Berwick and title rivals East Fife. The Forthbank side were seventh in the table after a 1-1 draw at Stenhousemuir on September 9 and no-one could have predicted what was about to follow. Stirling remained undefeated until the Warriors sneaked a 1-0 win with a freak goal at Forthbank on March 30, ironically the day our promotion was confirmed. Drinkell had an eye for a player and the front pairing of Steve McCormick and Alex Bone - a key signing from St Mirren in October - weighed in with 43 goals between them, Gary Paterson and Ronnie McQuilter were outstanding at the back, Craig Taggart and Tom Tait immense in the middle of the park and Colin Mitchell played in every game. The highlights were many. Stirling won 6-0 at Forfar and 7-0 at Queen of the South. It should have been 10. There were two memorable away wins at Clyde and a comeback from two goals down at Ayr. But for many the 3-0 triumph at East Fife that attracted a midweek crowd of 1,500 to Bayview on a January night topped the lot. Methil manager Steve Archibald infamously described it as a “freak result” but Stirling were on a roll. We flattened Clyde 3-0 the following Wednesday to go top and never looked back. The final winning margin over East Fife was 14 points and the championship was secured at Montrose, just as it had been when John Brogan’s team walked away with the Division Two title in 1990/91. Stirling also shone in the cup competitions, reaching the last four of the Challenge Cup, beating Clydebank to set up a meeting with Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup and giving Rangers the fright of their lives in the League Cup at Ibrox. Walter Smith’s men clung on to go through 3-2 but the sight of a team containing 10 full internationalists praying for the final whistle lingers long in the memory. There was more to enjoy for Albion fans in 1996/97 as the club comfortably avoided the drop and beat Falkirk along the way before dropping out of the First Division at the end of 1997/98. The Binos have been back a couple of times since but there was something special about the squad put together by Drinkell and Ray Stewart all these years ago.

Division Two - Results Aug 12 Aug 26 Sep 2 Sep 9 Sep 16 Sep 23 Sep 30 Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 21 Oct 28 Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 25 Dec 2 Dec 16 Dec 23 Jan 13 Jan 17 Jan 20 Jan 24 Feb 3 Feb 14 Feb 24 Feb 27 Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30 Apr 6 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 27 May 4

Montrose (H) Berwick Rangers (A) East Fife (H) Stenhousemuir (A) Ayr United (H) Stranraer (A) Clyde (H) Forfar (A) Queen of the South (H) Montrose (A) Berwick Rangers (H) Ayr United (A) Stenhousemuir (H) Clyde (A) Stranraer (H) Forfar (H) Queen of the South (A) Montrose (H) Stranraer (A) East Fife (A) Forfar (A) Clyde (H) Queen of the South (H) Ayr United (H) Berwick Rangers (A) Stenhousemuir (A) East Fife (H) Stranraer (H) Clyde (A) Ayr United (A) Stenhousemuir (H) Forfar (H) Queen of the South (A) Montrose (A) Berwick Rangers (H) East Fife (A)

W L L D W D D W D D W W W W D W W W D W W W W W W W D W W D L W W W W W

3-0 0-3 0-2 1-1 2-0 0-0 1-1 6-0 2-2 2-2 1-0 2-1 2-1 2-1 1-1 4-1 5-1 2-0 2-2 3-0 4-1 3-0 4-1 2-0 3-0 1-0 2-2 2-0 3-1 2-2 0-1 1-0 7-0 3-0 4-3 1-0

> Tables from the 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Goalscorers 25 Steve McCormick 18 Alex Bone 8 Craig Taggart 7 Tom Tait 6 John Gibson 4 Ian McInnes 4 Gary Paterson 3 Ronnie McQuilter 2 Joe McLeod 2 Colin Mitchell 2 David Wood 1 Paul Watson 1 own goal

Appearances 36 Colin Mitchell 35 Paul Deas 35 Ronnie McQuilter 35 Craig Taggart 33 Steve McCormick 33 Andy Paterson 29 John Gibson 28 Mark McGeown 28 Tom Tait 27 Alex Bone 26 Joe McLeod 26 Gary Paterson 16 Ian McInnes 14 David Wood 10 Mike Monaghan 8 Neil Bennett 8 Paul Watson 6 Garry McGrotty 3 Ally Farquhar 3 Mike McKechnie 3 Paul Roberts 2 David Kirkham 2 Willie Watters

ON THIS DAY... with Jim Thompson

10 September 1949 – Albions first appearance in League Division A Stirling Albion FC players proudly ran on to the field of play to compete in the Clubs first ever Division ‘A’ game. The opponents were Dundee FC. The Dens Park side were obvious favourites, having narrowly finished runners up to Rangers. The Albion team read - Gerhard, Muir, McKeown, Bain, Whiteford, Wilson, Bogan, Keith, Jones, Aitken and Drury 11,600 fans turned out to witness a thrilling game, with outside left Jimmy Drury scoring twice in a 2-2 draw. Fraser and Andrews scoring for Dundee. 26 September 1953 - First win over Rangers FC The Binos were back in Division ‘A’, having yo-yoed between the two divisions. Three League games in, the Albion had lost two and won one. Up next was the mighty Glasgow Rangers FC. There was controversy just 3 minutes into the game when Smith scored, only to have to goal disallowed for offside. The Albion players did not let this upset them and took the lead in the 23rd minute, Jimmy Chalmers releasing an unstoppable shot past Niven, defecting off Woodburn on its way in. Rangers fate was sealed early in the 2nd half when Woodburn was sent off. Minutes later Dick Whitehead shot from 40 yards, which Niven touched onto the post but spun into the net. The final score was 2-0 and the first ever victory over Rangers. 20 September 1961 – Albion win to make 1st and only appearance in Semi Final of National Cup competition Having been drawn against 2nd Division side Ayr United in the 2 legged League Cup quarter final, Albion were expected to run out easy winners. Ayr had other ideas and brought a two goal lead into the game at Annfield, having won by 4 goals to 2 the previous Wednesday. Stirling went ahead with a Lawlor penalty reducing the leeway and a Kilgannon goal taking the match into extra time. Eric Addison, in the side to replace injured Bobby Gilmour, slotted home to set up a semi final clash with Hearts.

27 September 1969 – Albions 1st League win at Brockville The Stirling side was - Young, Grant D, Shaedler, Henderson, Corrigan, Logan, McPhee, Duffin, Hughes, Christie, Armstrong. Bobby Grant was on the bench. The Albion were 2 up inside 12 minutes with goals from Hughes and Duffin. Unbeaten Falkirk did everything in their power to get back into the game but Albion were in top form and Hughes scored again to make the final score 3-0. Falkirk however did not let it affect them and went

on to win the League. 12 September 1970 – Albion over-run Queens Park at Hampden The Albion had always performed well at Hampden but no one predicted the outcome of this match. Queen’s were top of the League, unbeaten and had the best goal difference going into the game. Billy Armstrong scored against the run of play in the 10th minute and it was one way traffic after that. Chapman scored a second before half time and the Albion ran riot after the interval, scoring four more goals from Armstrong (2 pens) to complete his hat-trick, Chapman and a solo effort from Gus McMillan. 1st September 1973 – Albion score 4 goals in final 14 minutes Fans will want to forget the recent 4-3 defeat by Cowdenbeath, when the Central Park side overturned a 3-0 deficit to win the game here at Forthbank. Older fans will remember this game when the home side defeated Montrose 4-3. This was the opening game of season 1973-4 and the Albion had already qualified for the League Cup quarterfinal. Goals from Crammond (2) and Livingston had Montrose 3 ahead within the hour. Duffin pulled one back in the 76 minute and Hughes reduced the score in the 80th with Duffin again scoring a minute later. How the Albion fans who left early must have regretted that decision when McPhee scored from close range in the 87th minute. 26 September 1987 – Norrie Anderson makes his debut The Albion had gotten off to an indifferent start in their quest for promotion. 7 points from 8 games, they were finding it difficult to make headway in desire to get out of Division Three. Manager George Peebles dipped into the transfer market to sign 30 year old Norrie Anderson from Queen of the South. Norrie had more than 300 goals under his belt and gave a good account of himself in his opening game, helping the Albion to a 2-0 win over Cowdenbeath. 11 games later he was on his way to join Clyde having failed to make any real impact. 28 September 2002 – Albion first game against Gretna Stirling visited Raydale on a fine sunny Saturday afternoon, a decade ago. The gate entry was literally collected in the biscuit tin and Albion fans were made very welcome. Not only was it the first visit to Gretna, the 2-0 win was the first away victory of season 2002-3. Albion scorers were McKinnon and Nicholas before a crowd of 404.

DIVISION 3 ROUND-UP Day One There’s not much more you can ask for after day one of the new season than for your team to be sitting on top of the league. In this respect, and so many more, it was the perfect start to the season for Greig McDonald’s Binos. Whilst Stirling Albion fans rejoiced in the glory of a 5-1 victory however, the eyes of the Scottish Football League were staring at Peterhead’s Balmoor stadium to see the newco Rangers get their league life underway. It didn’t all go quite as planned for Ally McCoist however, as The Blue Toon left with a point, and also a burning regret in their minds that they weren’t able to hold onto all three. Despite Rangers taking the lead midway into the opening period, Peterhead clearly hadn’t read the SFL script. Strikes through Rory McAllister and Scott McLaughlin fired the home side into a 2-1 lead, and only a Little bit of magic was able to save the Glasgow side from defeat on their opening tie in Division Three. In other opening day drama, a five goal thriller unravelled at Montrose, where the travelling Clyde side fought back from two goals behind to take a 3-2 victory. Clyde found themselves with a mountain to climb at halftime, but showed they could be play-off contenders yet after getting back on level terms just fifteen minutes subsequent to the restart. When Stuart McColm went on to drill in a dramatic winner with just minutes left on the clock, it proved an opening day delight for Jim Duffy. Elsewhere, Queens Park underwent a routine victory

at Ochilview Park, where East Stirling will have been disappointed not to continue strong cup form into the league, and it was a stalemate at Shielfield Park, as neither Berwick nor Elgin were able to net in the ninety minutes. Day Two When the Binos took the lead inside five minutes against Elgin City, it was looking thumbs up for another three points and a resounding win for Greig MacDonald. That wasn’t to be the case though, as Elgin bounced back in front of their home support to take a 3-1 victory. Instead, it was McCoist’s men who would emulate Stirling’s opening day success, coming from a goal behind to demolish the Shire 5-1. Despite Paul Quinn netted a third minute penalty, Little was at it again to seal a hat-trick, and a goal from McCulloch alongside Sandaza’s first strike in the blue shirt gave the massive turn out reason to cheer. Whilst Berwick fans were made to endure a goalless outcome on the opening day of the season, they were to fall at the hands of even more gloom on the second. This time around there were goals galore however, as Annan ran out 3-2 winners at home. Scott Chaplain proved Captain Fantastic for the Galabank men as he netted a brace, and Ally Love bagged the final of three goals scored in five minutes to turn around a two goal deficit previously inflicted by Berwick. It was another high scoring day for Montrose as they were held to a 2-2 draw with Queens Park, who netted two goals in the last four minutes to claim their point, and Peter-

head continued their rich run of form into the second fixture of the season, beating Clyde by a couple of goals away from home. Day Three The third round of fixtures in the division saw Elgin City claim top spot with a resounding 4-1 victory at Ochilview Park. Three goals before half-time made sure the would be no doubt over the result away to the Shire, and a strike from Dennis Wyness after the break made certain that it would be all three points for Elgin. Whilst Turner bagged a consolation within sixty seconds of his side conceding their fourth, it will have been a disappointing atmosphere in the Shire changing room post-match. Whilst the Binos slumped to a 1-0 defeat, Peterhead were on the correct side of the same scoreline against Queen’s Park, battling to a victory through an 82nd minute penalty. After James Brough was judged to have fouled Rory McAllister in the box, McAllister dusted himself off to step up and the knock the ball in from the spot. There was not enough time for the away side to hit back. Montrose continued to struggle at home to Annan as they participated in a bore 0-0 draw, and in the Sunday fixture Rangers latest set back saw them held to a 1-1 draw away to Berwick Rangers. Whilst another Andy Little strike put Rangers ahead on half-time, confessed Ibrox supporter Fraser McLean levelled up the scoring, before coming close to handing his side a win late on. McCoist has vowed to continue his signing spree in order to strengthen his squad further.

Stirling Albion Mark Peat

Sam Filler

Margaret McLachlan

Dick King

Stephen Day

David McClune

Jamie McCunnie

Brian Allison

The City Walls

Home Bridge of Allan Supporters Away Jim & Isabell Parker

Gary Thom

Danny Ashe

Iain Glen

Addis Ababa Supporters

Craig Stewart

David Ogilvie

Gavin Macpherson

Jamie Clark

Daly McSorley

Josh Flood

Jim Thomson

www.skyeluxury cottage.com

Stephen Jones

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Roy and Sheena McFarlane

2012/13 Squad Greig McDonald

Ina Shaw M.B.E

Shaun Fagan Iain Allardice

Marc McCulloch

Andy Hunter

Jim Scrimgeour

(On loan to Dunipace)

Kieran McAnespie

Mark Ferry

Scott Davidson

Gary Brass

McKenzie Trailers Ltd

Ian Jones

Dron & Dickson Ltd.

Graham Weir

Victor and Debbie Nelson

Ross McGeachie W. Turnbull Newsagents

Richie Kirwan

(On loan to Dunipace)

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John Turnbull

Bradley Coyne

Craig Smith

Competition Can you name the three former Albion players who are pictured here? E-mail your answers to magazine@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk by September 30 or write to The Albion magazine, Stirling Albion FC, Forthbank Stadium, Stirling, FK7 7UJ. Even if you can’t name all the players, have a go – who knows, one correct answer out of three might be enough to win! A winner will be chosen at random to receive tickets for a group of up to four people for the Hampden Experience. If you are not a winner, don’t worry! Stirling Albion season ticket holders and Supporters’ Trust members are eligible for half price admission to The Hampden Experience (£4.50 instead of the usual £9) on production of their season book or membership card for yourself and up to three guests.

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