Albion look at loan players

Jan 23 2013 by David Ogilvie, Stirling Observer

Stirling Albion boss Greig McDonald is hoping to sign at least one new player in time for Saturday’s trip to play Berwick Rangers at Shielfield.

McDonald, whose side’s weekend clash with Annan was called off due to the Forthbank pitch being frozen, remain four points adrift of East Stirlingshire at the foot of the Third Division table and trail third-bottom Clyde by nine points, albeit with a game in hand.

The Binos boss recently added Forfar defender Jamie Bishop to his squad and the former Arbroath centre-half, who had a spell on loan at Forthbank in December, could face Berwick this weekend as fellow defender Gary Thom is suspended.

Winger Phil Johnston recently arrived on loan from Dumbarton and top scorer Jordan White signed a contract until the summer following a successful loan stint from Falkirk but, after picking up just one point from a possible 12 since Christmas, McDonald is eager to increase his options.

He is understood to be exploring several loan options as he bids to halt another poor run of results, with Stirling yet to win on the road in the league this season.

Berwick are in seventh spot in the table but Ian Little’s side have a formidable home record, with only one defeat in nine matches, while Stirling have picked up a paltry two points on their travels and were thumped 4-1 by the Borders in September.

Albion gained revenge with a terrific 6-3 win at Forthbank in December but their away form offers little comfort ahead of a match that already looks like being another casualty of the weather. Berwick’s game with Elgin on Saturday was called off due to snow and there is little sign of an improvement in conditions.

Meanwhile, midfielder Gavin Macpherson has left the club by mutual consent after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by this season.

The 22-year-old joined from Falkirk Amateurs in the summer of 2011 and scored on his debut in the 3-1 Ramsdens Cup first-round win over Deveronvale in Banff.

He also netted in the 5-1 victory over Annan in the Third Division opener this season but has made just two league appearances in 2012/13 and has opted to move on for regular football elsewhere.

Stirling Albion’s home game with Rangers — pushed back from Saturday, February 2 due to their opponents’ Scottish Cup fifth-round tie at Dundee United — has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 26, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Tickets are £13 for adults, £10 for seniors and £7 for U17s and the club will shortly announce sale details. Rangers fans will occupy both terraces and the East Stand, with Albion fans housed in the West Stand.

All away tickets will be handled by the Ibrox club and SAFC will only be selling tickets to home supporters.

Stirling Albion’s twice-postponed home match with East Stirlingshire has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 5, kick-off 7.45pm. There is no new date for the Forthbank clash against Annan that was called off on Saturday.