Defensive doubts as Reds head for Alloa

Nov 7 2008 by David Ogilvie

STIRLING Albion face a defensive headache as they prepare to face Alloa in a crucial local derby at Recreation Park tomorrow – and that could see Allan Moore dip into the transfer market.

Ross Forsyth is out and David Lowing is doubtful, while reserve defender Kevin Ross sustained an injury in Tuesday’s 0-0 friendly draw with Auchinleck Talbot and boss Moore doesn’t consider Sean Roycroft ready for a top-team return after 18 months on the sidelines.

Moore said: “Ross missed the Stranraer game and could have a problem with the medial ligament in his knee. If there is something wrong he could be out for several weeks but we are sending him to get it checked out and hopefully it will just be a knock rather than anything more.

“David Lowing didn’t train on Tuesday night because of a back problem and I won’t know until Thursday how he is. It’s a bit of a concern for us because we don’t have too many options.”

Indeed, Moore could make a move in the transfer market to bring in cover at the back at a key stage of the campaign and assistant manager John O’Neill has made contact with some other clubs to check out availability of players. Moore said: “I need to speak to the chairman but we might have to get someone in on loan for a month or so.”

Moore is also keen to boost his strike force after a disappointing return from the forwards this season and has been in discussions with an SPL club about the possibility of bringing a player to Forthbank on loan.

Key factor

In the past, the Binos boss has managed to attract players of the calibre of David Bingham, Robert Snodgrass and Dene Shields to the club – something that was a key factor in Albion’s promotion via the play-offs two seasons ago.

He added: “I don’t think we have been scoring enough goals and we need to address that. The midfielders have been getting their share – John O’Neill at Ayr and Craig Molloy with a couple against Stranraer - but I’m hoping to get someone else in.

“It’s really important that we push on after beating Stranraer. We didn’t play well and in the first half we were very poor but it’s got to the stage that doesn’t matter. I don’t really care how we get the three points on Saturday so long as we get them.

“We have played well in games and dominated teams and ended up with nothing or getting a draw and that is no use to us. It won’t be easy against Alloa then Arbroath but they are both games we are capable of winning.”

Stirling took the honours when Alloa travelled to Forthbank in mid-September, coming from behind to claim a 3-2 victory in a match when all the goals were scored in the first half and they are eight games unbeaten against the Wasps.

The last Recreation Park clash between the pair was a 1-1 draw on January 2, 2007 but the ground has changed much since then with the installation of a plastic pitch and a new stand for away fans having recently opened opposite the main stand.

Allan Maitland’s men narrowly missed out on promotion via the play-offs last season but have found the going tougher this time round and are five points below the Binos following Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at new Second Division leaders Raith Rovers.

In fact, the Wasps have lost all six away games but their home form has been much better and they are aiming for a third straight Recreation Park success after recent wins over Arbroath and Peterhead.