Albion focused on league opener

Aug 1 2008 by David Ogilvie

STIRLING Albion are looking to improve on their recent opening-day record when they head for Brechin tomorrow (Saturday).

Only once in the past six seasons have the Binos kicked off their league campaign with a victory – a 5-2 thrashing of Arbroath at Forthbank in August 2004.

Last season’s SFL opener resulted in a 1-1 home draw with Partick Thistle while Ayr United won 3-1 at Forthbank on day one two years ago.

Stirling’s 2008-09 programme began when they were beaten 3-0 by Dunfermline in the Challenge Cup last weekend while Brechin lost 1-0 to Second Division favourites East Fife at Glebe Park.

Albion have done well at that venue of late, notching up two wins out of two in 2006-07 and winning 1-0 when the sides clashed in the first round of the CIS Cup a year ago.

Binos boss Allan Moore said: “We’ve not had a chance to watch Brechin in the pre-season games but we know they are a decent side. I’ve said it before, but we really just have to focus on how we play.

“I don’t think there will be too many changes from the team that lost to Dunfermline because we only have 14 outfield players at the moment. Sean Roycroft is out with a broken nose so we are likely to have a couple of trialists on the bench.”

One big decision for Moore concerns the goalkeeping situation, with Scott Christie hoping to keep his place in the starting XI despite a disappointing performance at East End Park.

Moore may opt for the experience of Myles Hogarth as Stirling aim to make a positive start on their return to Division Two.

“I think it is important that we take something from this game as we have a new team and we are trying to build confidence,” said Moore. “I have a line-up in mind and hopefully we can get at least a point.”

Andy Graham is set to continue at right-back, with Andy Lawrie in the centre of defence but midfield options are limited.

Moore has a choice of two strikers from four, with Ian Harty and Steven Waddell getting the nod ahead of Martin Grehan and last season’s second-top scorer David McKenna at Dunfermline.

The team struggled for goals during pre-season but created a number of openings against the Pars and Moore will be hoping any opportunities that do fall Albion’s way tomorrow are snapped up.

He is still aiming to increase the squad but won’t be rushed into new signings: “I think we need four more players to give us a squad of 18 plus the two goalkeepers.

“Chris Hamilton has been with us as a trialist but I think we need to see him in more games before making a decision. Loan deals are also a possibility but we are probably looking at the end of the month for them because players and clubs don’t want to commit at the moment.”

Brechin – who just missed out on the play-offs last season – have added former Hamilton striker Gary Twigg to their squad but ex-Albion favourite Paddy Connolly left the club a fortnight ago to take up a post as assistant manager of Albion Rovers.

Albion are in action on Wednesday night when they take on Arbroath in the first round of the CIS Cup at Gayfield, kick-off 7.45pm. Stirling also go to Arbroath on league business later this month but have struggled on their recent visits to the seaside town.

The teams have not crossed paths in this competition since 1990-91 when the Red Lichties won 2-1 in a first-round tie at Firs Park but John Brogan’s men went on to win the Division Two title.

Current boss Allan Moore said: “We will be giving it our best shot in the CIS Cup. Last year we managed to get past Brechin and got a match with Hearts which was good for the players, the club and the fans.”