Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Hay, Forsyth, Nugent, Graham (Tomana 66), Aitken, Bell, Taggart (Cramb 68), Snodgrass, Bingham (Wilson 75) and O’Brien. Unused Subs:- Cashmore and Christie

Greenock Morton:- Mathers, Weatherston, McGregor, Harding, Greacen, McLaughlin, Millar, Stevenson ((Keenan68 Finlayson 85)), Templeman (Linn 68), McGowan and McAllister. Unused Subs:- Walker and McGurn

Stirling staged its own version of The Late Show when the Binos scored two late goals to throw the Second Division championship race wide open. The home fans have a song where one of the lines refers to winning at 4-30. At that time today, the title race looked all but over as Morton were in the lead courtesy of a first half goal by McGowan. However, late goals by Snodgrass and super sub Cramb, sent the home fans wild in scenes seldom seen at Forthbank.

Whether the 5 minute delay to the kick off had an effect on the players is hard to decide, but the first half, whilst open, didn’t see many goal scoring opportunities. The only goal of the half came in the 33rd minute when McGowan was on hand to turn the ball into the net following a free kick from the left. Minutes earlier, a cross from Millar had glanced off the crossbar.

The Binos, who had made only one change from the previous week with Taggart replacing the suspended Devine, had a tendency to try fancy footwork when the simple pass might have been the better option in view of the windy conditions.

Allan Moore wasn’t happy with the first half performance and he must have made his feelings known to the players at the half time interval as his team went on the attack from the re-start. Firstly, a snap shot by Snodgrass wasn’t far away, then a strong run by Bell ended with O’Brien going down in the area but no penalty was awarded.

However, Morton should have sealed the points in the 76th minute but Linn, who had come on for Templeman, managed to balloon the ball over from only 6 yards. This seemed to spur the Binos and the equaliser came minutes later. Bell was fouled by Keenan just outside the box. The Morton player was booked as was Bell for his aggressive attitude afterwards. Snodgrass stepped up and curled a left foot shot past Mathers.

Robert Snodgrass curls home his free kick

Four minutes later, the Binos took the lead when Cramb collected the ball in the box, turned and sent a low shot into the back of the net.

Colin Crambs slots home the winner and celebrates with the dugout

The final whistle was met with delirious scenes as every Binos fan stayed to applaud their heroes off the pitch. Next week, the players have a weekend off due to the Scotland v Georgia game, before resuming league action with a visit to Forfar who, by chance, host Morton next Sunday in the match which Morton have in hand over the Binos. This will then leave both teams with 5 matches to decide the destination of the championship. On paper, Morton seem to have the slightly easier run in but, after watching football for nearly 50 years, I have come to expect anything.

Hopefully, a good support, spurred on by the thought of a real Forfar bridie, will make the trip to Angus in 2 weeks time.

Photo's courtesy of Scott McLean- www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk