Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Hay, Forsyth, Nugent, Graham, Aitken (Taggart 75), Bell, Devine, Snodgrass, Bingham (Cramb 71) and O’Brien (Tomana 86). Unused Subs:- Fraser and Christie.

Raith Rovers:- Fahey, Wilson, Fotheringham, Campbell (Fairbairn 78), Andrews, Lumsden, Davidson, Bonar, Hislop (McLaughlin 75), McManus (Pelosi 84) and Carcary. Unused Subs:- Silvestro and Currie.

The Binos paid their second visit of the week to Fife and, just as they did on Tuesday at Cowdenbeath, returned with all three points as they ended Raith’s 8 match unbeaten run. Whilst the victory was deserved, the only goal of the match was a touch fortunate as Cramb latched onto a slack passback by Fairbairn to score with 5 minutes of the match remaining.

The Binos line up showed only one change from midweek with Devine, free of suspension, being preferred to Tomana who dropped to the bench at the expense of Cashmore. Raith were at full strength with their only change seeing McManus replace Fairbairn.

The first half was dominated by the Binos and Fahey was by far the busier of the 2 keepers. He was called into action as early as the 2nd minute when Snodgrass played the ball to Aitken whose left foot shot didn’t carry any venom. Next, Devine intercepted a pass and played the ball wide to O’Brien but Andrews managed to clear the danger at the expense of a corner.

Raith did have a good chance to open the scoring but Hislop’s attempted lob fell safely into Hogarth’s hands. Fahey was back in action when he tipped an O’Brien shot wide for a corner after a quick break by the Binos. Devine was dominating proceedings in the midfield and Andrews had to head his left foot free kick over for another corner. From this, Nugent’s shot was blocked for another corner.

Paul Nugent's shot is blocked for a corner

Raith had a spell of pressure midway through the half. Firstly, McManus got the better of Forsyth but his cross flashed across goal. Hislop then pulled a shot wide after Fotheringham’s flick. At the other end, Devine played the ball inside the full back for O’Brien to run onto. However, the winger’s shot was blocked for a corner.

Forsyth should have done better when a corner from the right found him at the back post but he headed straight at Fahey. However, there was no scoring and the teams went into the interval with the score line still blank.

Raith started the second period the better and it was they who had the early pressure. However, the Binos weathered the storm and eventually began to re-assert themselves Unfortunately, the half lacked fluency as the referee started to issue yellow cards for petty offences.

The Binos had appeals for a penalty turned down when Snodgrass appeared to be pulled down in the box. However, as in the first half, the referee was having nothing to do with the claim. Then, with 5 minutes remaining, Raith substitute, Fairbairn, was loose with a passback and Cramb took advantage to coolly slot the ball past Fahey for his 12th goal of the season.

Cramb slams home the winner and celebrate's in front of the away support.

Raith tried to get back into the game but the Binos were happy to hold onto the ball when it was in the Raith half. Then, just as in the Alloa game last week, the match ended with a scrap when Davidson was sent off for hitting the ball against Snodgrass while the striker was lying on the ground after being fouled. It appeared to be a straight red card but, having been booked earlier, he would probably have gone off anyway as the offence certainly merited a yellow.

After nearly 5 minutes of added time, the referee brought proceedings to an end to the great delight of the vocal away support. This result has now guaranteed the Binos’ play off place although the title is still a possibility with league leaders Morton due to visit Forthbank next week. The importance of that match should guarantee a bumper crowd especially as Morton always bring a good support with them. Hopefully, the good citizens of Stirling will also turn out in good numbers.

As well as the red card for Davidson, the referee produced yellow cards for Aitken, Snodgrass, Bell and Hay for the Albion and Lumsden, Hislop and Davidson for Raith. However, the game was anything but dirty.

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