Binos frozen out

Jan 13 2010 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Wednesday

STIRLING Albion’s Active Nation Scottish Cup fourth-round tie away to Albion Rovers last night (Tuesday) was called off due to a frozen pitch but Allan Moore’s men will hope to return to action after a month-long absence when Peterhead visit Forthbank on Saturday.

The rise in temperature could allow that game to go ahead while the cup clash at Cliftonhill has been rearranged for Monday night. Should it be postponed again, or end in a draw, the teams will try again on Wednesday January 20.

The reward for the winners is a fifth-round trip to First Division Ross County or Highland League Inverurie Locos as the Binos seek to reach the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup for the first time since 1989/90.

Stirling were the last team out of the hat when the draw was made on Sunday and narrowly missed out on a glamour tie with Rangers, who are favourites to beat Hamilton in a replay next week.

Albion have not faced Ross County since season 1999/00 when they won 3-1 on their first visit to Dingwall in Division Two but were thrashed 5-1 in the return and Derek Adams’ men are enjoying a good First Division campaign, currently sitting in joint second spot.

Disappointing

Boss Allan Moore (right) said: “At one point in the draw it looked as if we might get Rangers so it’s a bit disappointing from that aspect but if we can get past Albion Rovers it’s a game we have a chance of winning.

“If we do get through I’ll need to make a few phone calls to see what I can find out about Ross County as obviously we haven’t seen them play much.”

Moore is desperate to get back in action, with Albion idle since the 2-2 draw with Dumbarton at Forthbank on December 15.

Cowdenbeath, who are away to East Fife on Saturday, have a two-point lead at the top and Moore said: “It would be great if we could get six points out of six from the two home games against Peterhead and East Fife before we go to Cowdenbeath at the end of the month. We know we need to do better at home and we have to keep the back door shut.

“There are no easy games in this league. Cowdenbeath have done well and Brechin are also in there. I saw Alloa against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup and they did very well – they passed the ball about and the only difference was that St Mirren took their chances.”

Training has been difficult due to the severe weather but the squad were put through their paces indoors at the weekend and were due to play a bounce game against Partick Thistle at Firhill last night in preparation for a possible return to meaningful action this weekend against a Peterhead team whose last outing was a 3-0 defeat at Brechin on December 15.

Chris Aitken is set to make his return, with a move from Ayr United due to be finalised this week. The former Binos skipper was initially set to make the switch on loan but he may instead sever ties with the Honest Men as his contract is up in the summer.

Moore added: “Chris will be involved at the weekend and he should give us something extra in midfield. We are also hoping to extend Bryan Prunty’s loan deal but it is possible he could sort something with Ayr to cover the rest of his contract and that would make things easier.

“I’ve also spoken to Jocky Scott at Dundee and the plan is to keep Craig McKeown for another month. I think it is important to have as strong a squad as possible because we have a lot of games to fit in over the next few months.

Worry

“The good thing is that the break has allowed a few injuries to clear up and Stewart Devine is available again. There’s a bit of a worry about Andy Graham who tweaked his knee when he was out running so we will see how he is later in the week.”

Moore, who celebrates eight years at the helm come the summer, is now Scotland’s longest-serving current manager following the departure of Jim Jefferies from Kilmarnock on Monday night.

He joked: “I think it’s only because they can’t get rid of me! I believe this is the best chance we have had of winning a title in my time here. It was very good to gain promotion twice but it would be even better to win the championship.”