Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Hay, Kassim, Forsyth, Roycroft, Bell, McSween, Donnelly, Cashmore, Millar, and Taggart.
Subs:- Devine for Hay, Williams for Kassim, Graham for Forsyth, Aitken for Donnelly and McVicar for Millar. Christie(gk)(unused)

Auchinleck Talbot:- Strain, McKeown, McVey, Dale, Collins, Young, Spence, White, Gillies, Wallace and Latta.
Subs:- Gilmour for Young, Davidson for Spence, Robertson for White, Leitch for Gillies and Feroz for Wallace.

Stirling Albion returned to the East Kilbride Invitational Tournament to try and retain the trophy they won last year. However, they went down 2-1 to Scottish Junior Cup holders and West Super League champs, Auchinleck Talbot, and will have to be content with a repeat of last year’s final when they will play the hosts for 3rd place. Auchinleck will play Clyde who beat East Kilbride Thistle 4-0 earlier in the day.

With 2 games in 2 days, Allan Moore put out a team containing 5 first team players, 3 youth players and 3 trialists. No doubt, tomorrow, he will give the remaining first team players a run out as they build up to the start of the season.

The Binos lined up in 4-4-2 formation with Paul Hay at left back, a position he may well have to play in the first league match against Ayr, and a midfield of McSween, Donnelly, Bell and Taggart. Cashmore, appearing as a trialist, partnered young John Millar up front.

The Binos got off to the best possible start when they took the lead after only 3 minutes. Cashmore sent a ball in from the left and Millar despatched it past the keeper. Millar had a chance for a second a few minutes later but he was unable to control McSween’s through ball and the keeper came out to save.

Miller slots home and celebrates after his goal

Young, who played in this tournament for the Binos last season, beat Kassim to the ball but Roycroft stepped in to save the day.
The game flowed from end to end but, for all the pressure Auchinleck had, they made very few clear cut chances whilst the Binos had more efforts at goal.
However, Auchinleck got the equaliser just before half time when Hogarth allowed a McVey shot from 35 yards to go through his legs. Perhaps Myles thought the ball was going to bounce up but it didn’t and the teams were level as the referee blew his whistle for the interval.
The Binos brought on McVicar and Graham at half time whilst Auchinleck brought on Davidson for Spence.
Auchinleck took the lead in 58 minutes when Gillies scored from the 6 yards line. Both teams made a double substitution before the game could re-start with the familiar face of Craig Feroz coming on for Talbot whilst the Binos brought on Aitken and Devine.
Aitken decided to show the fans his long range shooting ability and a move involving him and Cashmore ended with Tiff shooting wide. He then had another long range effort which didn’t please Allan Moore and the pair exchanged a few words. Aitken seemed to disappear from the game after that.
The Binos made their final change when Williams came on for Kassim but there was no further scoring and the match ended 2-1 in favour of the junior side.
Of the 3 trialists played by the Binos, McSween was the most impressive.
Auchinleck showed why they are a force in junior football and, overall, it was a very enjoyable way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. Let’s hope, the football and the weather are just as good tomorrow.

THANKS TO SCOTT MCLEAN FOR THE PHOTOS