Buzzing Binos target Wasps

Sep 12 2008 by David Ogilvie

BUZZING BINOSTARGET WASPS

STIRLING Albion are looking to build on their recent win at Arbroath when they entertain local rivals Alloa at Forthbank tomorrow (Saturday).

Allan Moore’s men didn’t play last weekend because of the World Cup qualifiers but chalked up their first victory of the campaign in their last outing on August 30 and are now bidding to record a win at Forthbank after home draws against East Fife and Ayr United, writes David Ogilvie.

Stirling have a good record in recent derby matches and have gone seven games without loss against Alloa since a 2-1 defeat at Forthbank in August 2005. The most recent encounter ended 4-0 in Albion’s favour in March 2007 but it is likely to be much tighter this time round.

Allan Maitland took the Wasps to within a few minutes of a remarkable promotion last season – they were beaten by Clyde after extra time in the play-offs – and, although they began the new term slowly, Alloa thumped Stranraer 5-1 at the end of August.

Binos assistant boss John O’Neill said: “It will be a tough game and Alloa will be fired up – that is for sure. They scored five goals in their last game but we have been playing well. We are at home and it’s up to us to impose ourselves on the match and make things happen.

“We’ve done well enough against two of the favourites in Ayr and East Fife but we need to push on after beating Arbroath. There is a good spirit in the dressing room. The boys all get on well together and the confidence is growing. The performances in the last couple of games have made a difference and winning games will only improve things even more.”

O’Neill is Albion’s top scorer in Division Two with two goals from five outings but he admits he could have a much bigger haul had good chances against the likes of Brechin and Stranraer been converted by the 34-year-old player/assistant boss.

“Although I don’t really set targets, I have often managed to get into double figures for a season and should probably have scored more goals by this stage to be honest,” said the one-time Celtic and St Mirren man. “I didn’t play much last season and have maybe been lacking a bit of sharpness but I feel I am getting there now.

“In the first couple of games I think I was maybe too worried what was going on around me but I think my performances have improved since I just tried to focus on playing when I am on the pitch and not worry about the coaching side of things.

“I am enjoying both roles but the manager has to take a lot of the credit for the way he is able to put together a squad that work hard and get on well. There are no cliques in the dressing room and it’s a good group to be part of. There are a lot of talented young players here who are working very hard at their game.”

O’Neill has been partnered by Mark Docherty in the middle of midfield in recent games but that will change tomorrow as the ex-St Mirren man is suspended after his red card at Arbroath. Liam Corr or Paul Murphy will come into the team in his place.

Stewart Devine remains sidelined and Sean Roycroft – whose last appearance was against Alloa almost 18 months ago – is short of fitness, as is fellow defender Kevin Ross.

Stirling go into the match one point above Alloa and just three adrift of the play-offs despite an indifferent start. Victory tomorrow ahead of the forthcoming matches with Raith Rovers and Peterhead would be a perfect return to action for the Binos but Alloa are hurting from recent derby defeats and will be desperate to exact revenge.