Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Hay, Forsyth, McNally, Graham, Aitken, Bell, Tomana, Cramb, Cashmore and Taggart.
Subs:- Shields for Cashmore, O’Brien for Taggart and Fraser for Tomana. Christie and Wilson (both unused)

Cowdenbeath:- Hay, Baxter, Ellis, Lennon, Hill, Hannah, Fusco, Gomis, Buchanan, Clarke and Paatelainen.
Subs:- Fotheringham for Fusco and Dalziel for Baxter. McBride, Scullion and Allison (all unused)

Stirling Albion extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches and, in the process, notched up their 9th successive win with a single goal win over Cowdenbeath at Forthbank. However, the margin of victory should have been much greater as the Binos dominated the first half. The second period was a bit flat and, though Cowdenbeath did come close on a few occasions, the Binos held on for a victory which saw them extend their lead over 3rd placed Brechin to 11 points.
The Binos’ starting line up showed 2 changes from the side which progressed to the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup with Hogarth back in his customary position between the sticks following a bout of food poisoning whilst Forsyth returned to the left back position. Malseed and Nugent dropped out to be replaced on the bench by Shields and Christie.
Cowdenbeath had experience in the shape of Hannah at the centre of defence and Lennon in midfield. Their line up also included Dundee United bound Gomis and Buchanan who has been interesting SPL clubs.
The Forthbank pitch looked in good condition despite the rain which had fallen in the past week as the Binos started their first home match for over a month.
The first chance fell to the Binos after 11 minutes when Taggart was fouled by Hannah. Aitken’s wicked inswinging free kick missed the target by inches. Hogarth had to be at his best when he got a hand to Paatelainen’s shot.
The Binos broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Cramb collected a Tomana pass and lashed the ball past Hay. 1-0 to the Binos.
Minutes later, Cramb almost repaid the favour when he played the ball to Tomana but the little Slovakian’s shot was turned away by Hay. From the resulting corner, the ball bounced about the 18 yard box before coming out to Tomana but his shot went wide of the keeper’s left hand post.
The remainder of the half was dominated by the Binos who were patient in their build up but there was no further scoring and the teams went into the break with the Binos holding that slender lead.
The Binos made an early change when Shields replaced Cashmore to give a bit of extra pace up front. However, it was Cowdenbeath who came closest to scoring when Hill’s header went over the bar.
The Binos then made their second change when O’Brien came on for Taggart who had suffered a heavy challenge from Hannah in the first half and was, perhaps, still feeling the effect.
Buchanan had two efforts, the first a shot which flashed across the face of the goal closely followed by a shot from 25 yards which went over the bar.
With 8 minutes left, Cowdenbeath took off Baxter and brought on Dalziel in a final effort to get a point. With time running out, Fraser saw his volley going inches past while, at the other end, Hogarth, at full stretch, only managed to clear the ball as far as Gomis but he couldn’t get his shot on target.
In the final minute, Cowdenbeath were awarded a free kick when Graham was judged to have fouled Paatelainen. Hogarth saved the initial effort and Gomis’ effort from the rebound went over the bar.
This was the last chance off the match and, after 2 minutes of added time, referee Hardie brought the match to an end.
Overall, this was another competent performance by the Binos with the defence looking solid and Bell and Tomana excelling in midfield.
There were three yellow cards shown, all to home players. McNally for making one comment too many to Mr Hardie, Graham for the “foul” on Pattaelainen and Fraser for making his feelings known about that decision.
Next week sees the visit of Ayr United, the only team to have beaten the Binos in the league this season, in a match which will see the conclusion of the first half of the season. Another victory would be the best Christmas present a Binos fan could get so why not forego the last minute Christmas shopping and head to Forthbank.