First sight of Binos for fans

Jul 13 2012 by David Ogilvie, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING Albion are in friendly action tomorrow (Saturday) when they take on Second Division Stenhousemuir with a 2.30pm kick-off on the artificial pitch at Ochilview.

It is the first public outing for Greig McDonald’s men but they have played three closed-door matches in the last week, losing 3-0 at home to Falkirk on Saturday and going down 2-0 to Livingston at Forthbank on Tuesday night, when teenage striker Marc McNulty bagged a double for the visitors.

Stirling were due to be again in action last night (Thursday) against Airdrie United at the Excelsior Stadium as they build up towards the first competitive match of the season away to Falkirk in the Ramsdens Cup on July 28.

McDonald is likely to give a number of his squad a run-out against the Warriors, who are looking for a new manager following the resignation of Davie Irons on Tuesday evening.

The game is likely to come too soon for Brian Allison, Sam Filler and Kieran McAnespie but all three are close to a return and could feature in the Highland tour matches against Strathspey and Brora Rangers next weekend.

Allison is positive ahead of the Division Three campaign, which begins at home to Annan on August 11, and said: “We’ve held on to the bulk of the squad and we have good young players coming through.

“I’m one of the older ones at 24 but we’ve also got guys like Jamie McCunnie and Mark Ferry who are vastly experienced. I think it’s too early to set targets for the coming season but we obviously want to do the very best we can.

“Relegation last year is always going to be in the back of your head and I’m hoping I’m not a jinx as I’ve been relegated with Falkirk and Stirling. I’ve also had two promotions, though, so maybe that is a good omen.

“I’m looking forward to the new season and it means I will have played in all four divisions.”