Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, P.Hay, Devine, Forsyth, Graham, Fraser, Wilson, S.Bell, Connolly, Aitken and Devine.
Subs;- C.Hay, McNally, McVicar, Millar and Christie

The Binos started a run of 3 successive midweek matches with the short trip to the Wee County to meet an Alloa team battling to avoid relegation. Of course, the Binos’ thoughts are at the other end of the table and 3 points would have put them 4 behind Peterhead with 2 games in hand. However, it was not to be as the teams fought out a goalless draw in what was a very keenly contested local derby.
The Binos only made one change to the starting line up with Bell returning to the midfield after his one match suspension. Young Millar dropped to the bench where he was joined by McNally,who had also served his one match suspension, as the manager decided to keep the central defensive partnership of Forsyth and Graham.
The first real chance of the match fell to the Binos when Bell put Fraser through but the cut back to Connolly was blocked by an Alloa defender. Bell should have done better when he was on the end of a left foot cross from Hay. However, his weak shot didn’t trouble Creer.
Graham was almost punished for hesitating but McLeod’s shot was blocked by Hogarth. Steven Bell was prominent in a lot of the Binos’ attacks and a long ball from Forsyth found the midfielder and only a last minute tackle from Bolochoweckyj prevented the visitors from opening their account. Connolly was next to have a go when he cut in from the left but his shot went well over the bar.
Creer then brought off a one handed save to deny Aitken. A few minutes later O’Brien had an effort which was cleared for a corner. As half time approached, the Binos had 2 more opportunities to open the scoring. Firstly, an O’Brien cross beat Creer but Connolly had to stretch for the ball and couldn’t direct it goalwards. Then, in time added on at the end of the first half, Bell did have the ball in the net as he pounced on a rebound from a Wilson shot but the linesman had his flag up for offside.
Half time 0-0.
Neither team made any changes during the break, but the second half was only 5 minutes old when Brown replaced Grant. Aitken then put O’Brien through but Connolly could only put the cross past the post. Alloa then brought on Forrest for Hamilton.
Both teams were putting in a lot of effort to get the opener. Whilst the Binos seemed to be content to stick with the team which started the match, Alloa made changes and, with 14 minutes to go, made their final change when Learmonth replaced Mcleod.
With the Binos’ fans urging their team on, Aitken had a free kick knocked away by Creer. The Binos then made a change with McVicar replacing Aitken.
Whilst the Binos seemed to be making more chances, the danger was that Alloa might breakaway and score and they almost did that in the closing minutes when the ball flashed across the Albion goals. Fortunately, there was no Alloa player on hand to put the ball away and the match ended 0-0.
In a match which was anything but dirty, the referee produced 7 yellow cards, Bolochoweckyj, Tony Stevenson, Jamie Stevenson and McColligan for Alloa and Graham, Wilson and Fraser for the visitors. Coincidentally, all the Binos’ bookings seemed to come for fouls committed on Jamie Stevenson.
Next up is a visit to Ayr in what will be another tough match. However, the Binos have already won twice at Somerset Park and a repeat of the scoreline in December will do very nicely. One thing is guaranteed, however, is that it will be cold so I would wrap up well if you are intending to go. See you there.