Binos crisis on eve of cup clash

Nov 28 2008 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING Albion face the prospect of going into their Scottish Cup third-round tie against Partick Thistle at Forthbank tomorrow (Saturday) without several key players.

Only 11 of the squad were able to take part at training on Tuesday night and Albion boss Allan Moore described the injury situation as “diabolical”, with a number set to miss out this weekend and several others struggling.

Assistant boss John O’Neill has been sidelined after hurting his back in the process of scoring a spectacular equaliser in the 1-1 draw at snow-bound Peterhead last weekend.

Striker Ian Harty is unlikely to make it and Stewart Devine and Sean Roycroft are suffering from hamstring strains.

Andy Graham (knee) and Nathan Taggart (back) are also casualties but Moore will be hoping the duo can prove their fitness in time for the cup clash against a Thistle side who missed the chance to move to within a point of First Division leaders St Johnstone when they lost 1-0 at Ross County on Tuesday.

There is some positive news, though, and Falkirk have allowed the Binos to field on-loan central defender Scott Gibb tomorrow.

Skipper Ross Forsyth has undergone surgery on his damaged knee and it is hoped that he will be back in around five weeks.

That would be a major boost for Moore, who feared he could be without the influential full-back for longer, but he admits he could do without the current injury crisis ahead of an important cup tie and with league points also vital.

He said: “We have got a chance against Partick but I would be more confident if I had all my players available. It looks like we are going to have to shuffle the pack and maybe play some players out of position, which is not ideal. Thistle are a good side who play 3-5-2 so we need to combat that.”

The Albion boss must also decide whether to stick with Scott Christie in goal or recall Myles Hogarth: “One of the reasons we picked Scott at Peterhead was that we thought his ability to kick the ball long would be a benefit in the conditions.

“He had a good game but Myles obviously has more experience and that is a factor. I will make a decision on it later in the week.”

Albion thrashed Stranraer 6-0 at this stage 12 months ago to set up a Parkhead clash with Celtic, which saw the club bank a six-figure cheque and give the players and fans an enjoyable day out despite the 3-0 defeat.

“The cup is very important, particularly for financial reasons and the chairman has been reminding me of that this week,” said Moore. “We know we need to start picking up points in the league but the Partick game is a big one.”

Albion won 1-0 when Thistle last journeyed to Forthbank in February but the Firhill outfit generally have a good record in Stirling and have been in impressive form this season, chalking up three straight wins before that defeat in Dingwall.

Ian McCall’s men have done most of their good work on home soil but are favourites to progress to next week’s fourth-round draw.

The Jags won the last Scottish Cup meeting between the teams in January 2006 when Paul Ritchie’s early goal was enough to settle the issue at Forthbank.

Moore added: “I thought we played well up at Peterhead but it was the same old story of missed chances costing us.

“That’s twice we have drawn with Peterhead this season and I feel we have dominated both games, yet they are six points above us in the table.

“I’d urge the supporters to get right behind the team tomorrow. I know the recent results have been disappointing but the players are working hard and hopefully we can put things right. The encouragement of the fans will help.”

Experienced referee Charlie Richmond will take charge of tomorrow’s game. In the event of a draw, the replay is set for Firhill on Tuesday, December 9, at 7.30pm.