Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Hay, Forsyth, McNally (Cashmore 78), Nugent, Devine (Taggart 72), Bell, Tomana, Snodgrass, Bingham and O’Brien (Wilson 72). Unused Subs:- Fraser and Christie

Brechin City:- Nelson, Murie, White, Ward, S.Walker, Ferguson, Byers (R.Walker 61), Johnson, King, Hampshire (Connolly 78) and Smith. Unused Subs:- Flynn, Archibald and Hillcoat.

With both clubs guaranteed a play off place, there appeared to be nothing at stake in the final league encounter of the season. However, having already beaten Brechin on the three previous encounters, the Binos might have wanted to make it a full house from their meetings. On the other hand, Brechin’s position in the play offs meant that they could be playing against either Stirling or the team which finishes second bottom in the First Division. Unfortunately, neither proved to be the incentive to raise this match from the level of mediocrity. In the end, it took a solitary goal from Hampshire to ensure that Brechin took at least something from the meetings this season. The fact that the goal was not a classic summed up the whole afternoon.
The Binos line up showed 3 changes from the team which lost to Ayr the previous week. With Cramb and Aitken facing suspensions should they pick up another yellow card, Moore decided to “rest” both these players. Their places were taken by Tomana and O’Brien, whilst Paul Hay returned for the injured Graham allowing Nugent to move to central defence.
The first half was largely uneventful with the best of the early chances falling to the home team. Towards the end of the half, Brechin came more into the game and they hit the post after Hogarth pulled off a point blank save to deny White. However, it was no surprise that both teams went into the interval goalless.
The Binos started the second half the better team and Bingham had the home fans on their feet . Unfortunately, his shot had rippled the outside of the net, much to the delight of the visiting directors. Fortunately, the home fans were able to reciprocate the gesture later in the half.
At this stage, it only seemed a matter of time before the deadlock would be broken but the Albion players seemed to be reluctant to shoot on sight, preferring, instead, to try and walk the ball into the net. The deadlock was, however, broken in the 67th minute when Brechin took the lead. A corner from the right was missed by Hogarth and Ward, standing at the back post, knocked the ball back into the path of Hampshire who bundled the ball into the back of the net.
The Binos fought back and had an opportunity to level the scores when the referee awarded a penalty after Bell had been brought down. Unfortunately, Snodgrass’ casual effort was easily saved by Nelson. The Binos fought hard for the equaliser, going to 3-5-2 with the introduction of Cashmore but the goal wouldn’t come and the match finished 1-0 in favour of Brechin.
This was the Binos third straight defeat and next up is a visit to Stranraer who need a victory to have any chance of avoiding the relegation play off. Unfortunately, it seems there will not be much of a travelling support but I am sure the fans who do make the journey will hope to see the team come into some kind of form for the important games to follow.