Strong Fifers make young Binos suffer

Nov 14 2008 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

WITH Forthbank unavailable, Stirling Albion’s youth teams had to switch their home games to Stirling University.

The under-13s had their best performance of the season against Cowdenbeath. Midfielder Danny McLaren notched an impressive hat-trick with two-long distance efforts and a tap-in. Striker Liam Ure got two and Thomas Lowe scored with an 18-yard volley. Chris Ogilvie also netted as the defence and keeper Liam Harper achieved their first clean sheet of the season.

The under-17s lost 4-2 to Ross County. Stirling opened the scoring through Andy Hunter but lost an equaliser within minutes. Gary Morrison made it 2-1 but the performance deteriorated from there and the final result was a big disappointment.

The under-19s had a hard task against a Raith Rovers side who have a number of full-time players, some with first-team experience. The team lost a poor goal after 30 minutes when a through ball which caught out the central defence. The response was, however, excellent and from a Mark Millar free kick Mikey McAdam headed a deserved equaliser. Raith went ahead before the interval when confusion in central defence led to an own goal.

The second half was a big disappointment, with defensive errors allowing the visitors too many easy chances and the midfield and forwards not looking like adding another goal. Raith ran out 5-1 winners.

Albion’s under-15s were away to Dumbarton and in a close encounter Craig Duncan notched two goals in the final period as the defence kept a clean sheet.

The under-17s are away tonight (Friday) to Stenhousemuir at 8pm. The under-13s will look forward to the visit of Dumbarton on Sunday to Forthbank at 12.15pm. The under-15s travel to Livingston while the under-19s face a difficult challenge away to Queen's Park.

Under-19 striker Stevie McIntosh has agreed a short loan at Sauchie Juniors.