Stirling Albion aim to see off Queen's Park

Mar 20 2009

STIRLING Albion aim to maintain their play-off challenge when they travel to Hampden to take on Queen’s Park tomorrow (Saturday).

The Binos rekindled their top-four hopes with a vital 2-1 home win over Peterhead on Tuesday night to close to within four points of the Blue Toon, who have played a game more and are away to leaders Ayr United tomorrow, writes David Ogilvie.

David McKenna was the midweek hero with a terrific winning goal just five minutes from time after Callum McDonald had cancelled out Martin Grehan’s opener.

Delighted boss Allan Moore said: “I thought we could have scored four or five goals but we missed too many chances and took the wrong options and that leaves you on tenterhooks. We managed to get in front but then lost a bad goal from a corner kick.

“All credit to the boys for getting the winner because Peterhead would have been happy with a draw. We brought Michael Mullen on and he produced a great cross for our first goal and it was a quality finish by David McKenna for the second. David and big Martin Grehan are a good pairing up front and they never gave up.

“We knew we had to win this game after losing to Brechin on Saturday. Peterhead have still got a bit of an advantage but we have a game in hand against East Fife next weekend so we have a given ourselves a chance. It’s a massive result and keeps the season going – if we had lost it would probably have been all over.

“If we hadn’t had so many injuries I think we would have been right up there already. We have missed Andy Graham at the back while Nathan Taggart and Chris Hamilton would have offered us some width and a bit of pace. I don’t think we will have Nathan back this season because his back injury is still a problem.”

On tomorrow’s match, Moore added: “Queen’s Park will be awkward. There are no easy games in this league because everyone is fighting for something and Queens are battling to avoid relegation. It’s a nice big pitch so it should suit us but you never know in this league.

“We let ourselves down badly when they beat us before Christmas and I was really annoyed when we drew 1-1 at their place. That is one of the worst feelings I have had since I came here. We had so much dominance in the game but lost a goal in the last minute and it shows you what can happen.”

Meanwhile, Peterhead boss Neale Cooper was gracious in defeat and praised Albion for their performance. He said: “Stirling are an excellent side and I thought their number 10 (Martin Grehan) was outstanding, the lad from Falkirk at the back (Scott Gibb) was comfortable and their goalkeeper can kick the ball some distance!

“Stirling are one of the best sides I have seen in this division and I like the way Allan Moore sets his team up.”

Stirling will be praying for an Ayr victory at Somerset Park but must beat The Spiders for the first time this season to keep the pressure on those above them. Nathan Taggart, Andy Graham, Chris Hamilton and David Lowing all miss out due to injury but Moore is hoping Sean Roycroft will have recovered from a hamstring strain.

Queen’s Park occupy the relegation play-off spot after going down 1-0 to Raith on Tuesday and being held 2-2 at bottom club Stranraer last weekend.