Reds to ring changes for Methil visit

Apr 29 2009

STIRLING Albion have only pride at stake when they head for Methil to face East Fife on Saturday after the 1-1 draw at Peterhead ended their play-off hopes, writes David Ogilvie.

Midfielder Paul Murphy cancelled out a long-range Bobby Mann free-kick with half an hour remaining but, despite some late pressure, Allan Moore’s men couldn’t conjure up the winning goal that would have kept their slim promotion hopes alive.

Assistant manager John O’Neill had challenged the players to keep the campaign alive for as long as possible and felt they were unlucky not to take more than a point from Saturday’s trek to Peterhead, who were hanging on at the end.

He said: “I think it was a bad decision by the referee (Eddie Smith) for the free-kick that led to their goal. From our point of view Sean Roycroft was caught by an elbow yet we ended up being penalised – it was hard to understand and hard to take. It was a long way out and Scott Christie got a hand to the ball but unfortunately couldn’t keep it out.

“We got back into it quickly with a goal from Paul Murphy but we just couldn’t get another goal. It’s very disappointing but we just need to get on with it.”

Saturday’s trip to East Fife is of little real consequence, although Stirling are aiming to complete the campaign undefeated against the Methil men, who invested heavily in an attempt to win promotion but have endured a deeply disappointing campaign.

The Bayview club recently parted company with Dave Baikie and on Monday Stevie Crawford was confirmed as the club’s new boss.

East Fife are six points below Albion in the Second Division standings and have lost their last three matches to Queen’s Park (3-1), Alloa (2-0) and Ayr (2-0) while only relegated Stranraer have suffered more home defeats.

Stirling kept up their impressive run of scoring in every away game since losing 1-0 at Stranraer in August when Murphy pounced at Peterhead but on Saturday they will have to do without striker Martin Grehan, who is serving a one-match suspension.

O’Neill added: “There are likely to be a few changes for the last couple of games to maybe give some of the younger lads a chance. We don’t have too many injuries to worry about at the moment – Nathan Taggart is still out and Michael Mullen might be struggling as well.”

The player/assistant manager and Moore are both out of contract in the summer and the pair are hoping to have talks with chairman Peter McKenzie later this week.

O’Neill said: “I would like to stay but this is always a difficult time of year. Hopefully, myself and Allan will get a chance to speak to the chairman soon. “

Meanwhile, Albion’s on-loan defender Scott Gibb is celebrating a call-up to the Northern Ireland squad for the B international against Scotland at Broadwood a week today.

STIRLING Albion Supporters Trust, Supporters Club, Young Reds and websites have united to host a fans meeting next week.

The meeting in the King Robert Hotel, on Wednesday, May 6 at 7.15pm, will outline a campaign aimed at saving Stirling Albion for future generations.

A spokesperson said: “All Albion fans of all ages are invited to attend. Anyone who runs a business in the town or anybody who has even the smallest of soft spots for the Albion should be there.

“We need a massive show of strength and we need it now.”