Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Hay, Forsyth, Reid, Graham, Aitken, Bell, Harris, Cramb, McKenna and Easton.
Subs:- Lilley for Cramb,, Taggart for Easton and Tomana for Hay
Not Used:- Walker and Christie
Booked:- Hogarth, Bell, Harris and Taggart

Queen of the South:- McDonald, Paton, Harris, Scally, Aitken, Thomson, Gilmore, Tosh, O’Conner, Dobbie and Burns
Subs:- Bingham for Dobbie and O’Neill for Burns.
Booked:- Paton, Scally and Gilmore

Allan Moore had hoped to celebrate his 200th game in charge of the Binos with a victory to boost their hopes of survival in the First Division. Unfortunately, his hopes of an early Christmas present were dashed as the Binos put on their worst performance of the season in going down 3-1 to Queen of the South.
The manager, once again, had to shuffle the pack due to injuries which saw Harris, Lilley and Easton coming in for Ellis, McBride and Devine.
The Binos had an early chance when they were awarded a free kick just outside the box. However, Cramb’s second effort was much closer than his first though it did sail over the bar. At the other end, an O’Conner header was comfortably held by Hogarth under the bar.
The Binos took the lead in 17 minutes when they were awarded a penalty when Cramb was man-handled in the area. He seemed to land awkwardly and medical assistance was called for which saw him being stretchered off. Aitken stepped up to drill a low shot into the keeper’s right hand corner.
The lead lasted just over 10 minutes before Queen’s equalised from a free kick, awarded after Hogarth had handled the ball outside the penalty area. Tosh’s free kick was saved by Hogarth but Dobbie was first to react to the rebound to score from close range.
Just before half time, Burns cut inside but his left foot shot was held by Hogarth. In injury time, Bell burst through the middle of the Queen’s midfield and played the ball to McKenna while Bell made position to accept the return. Unfortunately, his header went straight to McDonald in the Queen’s goal.
The second half turned out to be one of the most disappointing 45 minutes I have witnessed with quality football lacking by both sides. Queen’s dominated the midfield with the result that the Binos abandoned the passing game which has been a hallmark of their play this season and opted for the high ball to the front men. The Binos beat chance of the half fell to top scorer McKenna but his lobbed shot fell onto the roof of the net.
Queen’s took the lead in the 75th minute when a Forsyth header only went as far as Tosh who unleashed a first time shot from 25 yards which whistled past Hogarth.
The visitors should have tied the game up with 5 minutes remaining but Dobbie managed to scoop the ball over from 7 yards after O’Connor had held off Forsyth to get in a cross. The Binos almost got an equaliser but Bell hit the post with his shot from the corner of the 18 yard box.
With time running out, Queen’s got the vital third when Bingham was fouled in the box and O’Neill made no mistake from the penalty spot.
On today’s performance, it is very difficult to see the Binos surviving in what is a very competitive league. Today was a must win and, although they are only 4 points behind the second bottom team, and we are not yet at the half way point in the league, it is going to take an almighty effort to stay up. The team seems to lack the qaulaity required to survive and the opportunity to buy players when the transfer window opens in January may be too late.
Next up is a visit to Broadwood where the team will hope to gain revenge for the earlier defeat when Clyde visited Forthbank. The importance of this match doesn’t have to be stressed and, although it is the last Saturday before Christmas, the team will be hoping for the backing of a good travelling support.