Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Hay, Forsyth, McNally, Nugent, Aitken ( Fraser 80), Bell, Devine, Snodgrass, Bingham (Cramb 74) and O’Brien (Tomana 63) Unused Subs:- Taggart and Christie

Raith Rovers:- Fahey, Wilson, Fotheringham, Campbell, Andrews, Lumsden, Fairbairn ( Silvestro 74), Davidson, Hislop, Neil (McManus 74) and Carcary (McLaughlin 74). Unused Subs:- Pelosi and Currie

Stirling Albion came from behind to book their place in the play off final with a 3-1 victory over Raith Rovers in an enthralling match played in front of Forthbank’s biggest crowd of the season. The Binos now meet Airdrie United, for the first time, with the prize for the winners a place in next season’s First Division.

The Binos starting line up showed only one change from Wednesday night’s first leg with Snodgrass replacing Cramb. On the other hand, Raith had three changes which wasn’t surprising considering their poor performance. Relegated to the bench were Silvestro, McManus and McLaughlin with their places being taken by Fairbairn, Hislop and Carcary.

The opening period lacked the silky football the fans have been used to seeing at Forthbank but this was no surprise considering the importance of the game. The best of the early chances fell to the home team with Snodgrass just failing to connect with an free kick from Devine whilst Aitken’s half volley fell at the right height for Fahey to make a spectacular looking save for the benefit of the photographers. Meanwhile, Raith had their chances with Carcary blazing over from just inside the 18 yard box.

The deadlock was broken on the half hour mark when a Neil cross found Fairbairn unmarked and he had the simplest of tasks to knock home from close range. 1-0 to Raith Rovers.

The Binos’ response was quick and effective. Devine was tripped in the box and referee Freeland had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. Fahey tried to psyche out Aitken by delaying the taking of the kick but, after the ball had to be re-spotted, “Tiff” stepped up to sent a right foot shot crashing into the top corner.

The Binos stepped up the pressure and Nugent, not renowned for his aerial presence, was causing all sorts of bother to the Raith defence. The last chance of the half fell to Aitken but his 25 yard free kick didn’t trouble Fahey.

The second half had the fans on the edge of their seats or, in the case of the Raith fans on the terracing, the edge of the steps, as play flowed from end to end. The Binos almost took the lead in the 64th minute with what would have been the most bizarre goal of the season. Lumsden’s attempted header back to Fahey went over the keeper but his blushes were saved when the ball went over the bar despite Bingham’s best efforts to reach the ball and knock it into an empty goal.

A few minutes later, the Binos did take the lead when Aitken finished off a move with Bingham by unleashing a right foot shot from the edge of the 18n yard box which flew past Fahey. Bell then had a chance to increase the lead but Cramb literally took the ball of Bell’s toes. However, Cramb’s attempt went for a corner from which the ball fell to Cramb who knocked the ball past Fahey for his 16th goal of the season. With just over 10 minutes to play, many Rovers fans thought the game was over and started to head for the exits. However, Raith did come back and the Binos had to defend resolutely to prevent them getting back into the game. Particularly outstanding in this period was Forsyth who showed why he was selected for the Second Division team of the season.

The fans had to endure 3 minutes of added time before the referee blew his whistle for the end of the match. The players left the field to a standing ovation which was richly deserved.

This now leaves 2 games left, the first of which will be at Forthbank this coming Wednesday. Airdrie might have comprehensively beaten Brechin to get to the final but, if the Binos can perform as they can, the prize of First Division football should not be outwith their grasp. The Binos couldn’t quite fill the home stand today. Let’s hope the public of Stirling get out on Wednesday and give the team the support they truly deserve.