Stirling Albion:- Christie, Hay, Currie, McNally(Forsyth 45), Nugent, Fraser, Wilson, Tomana, Cashmore, Bingham(Cramb 45) and O’Brien(Taggart 45). Unused Subs:- Bell and Hogarth.

Stranraer:- Black, McKinstry, Sharpe, Ramsay, Snowdon, Dillon, Gibson(Janczyk), Hamilton, Moore, Mullan(Lyle) and McAlpine. Unused Subs:- Tocher and Britton.

The Binos made the long journey to the South West of Scotland looking for a morale boosting victory ahead of their play off semi final against Raith Rovers. With nothing at stake, apart from Stranraer’s outside hopes of avoiding the relegation play offs, it was a much smaller travelling support that witnessed a match where both teams were understrength. Stranraer were hampered with suspensions for McGrillen and Wilson whilst the Binos rested Aitken and Devine with Bell, Forsyth and Cramb on the bench.. In addition, the injury picked up by Snodgrass against Brechin kept him out of the team. This gave a first team debut to under 19 player Derek Currie and the youngster didn’t let anyone down even though the team was on the wrong end of a 3-1 score line.

The opening exchanges were fairly even but it took 20 minutes before the first real chance was created. Mullan cut in from the right but his shot went inches past Christie’s left hand post. However, they did take the lead a few minutes later when a cross from Gibson was nodded home by Moore.

The Binos equalised in the 34th minute when Wilson was fouled just outside the box. With none of the recognised free kick takers in the team, Cashmore stepped up to curl a right foot shot round the wall and beat Black at his left hand post.

The Binos should have taken the lead shortly after that but Fraser headed past when it looked certain that he would score. At the other end, a mis hit clearance by Christie fell to Moore but his long range effort was just a bit too high. Christie then pulled off a good double save just before the interval to ensure that the teams went into the break all square at 1-1.

Allan Moore used all 3 substitutes at the start of the second half with McNally, Bingham and O’Brien being replaced by Forsyth, Cramb and Taggart. This move was probably to save these players for Wednesday’s play off match whilst, at the same time, giving Cramb some match practice.

The Binos almost took the lead from the kick off when Taggart raced through. His shot was blocked by Black and the ball fell to Cashmore. Unfortunately, Cashy sent his effort past the post.

The Binos were then made to pay the penalty when Stranraer regained the lead when Forsyth was penalised for hand ball and Gibson stepped up to put the ball past Christie though the keeper did manage to get his left hand to the ball.

Stranraer sealed the victory when Moore again used his height to nod a free kick from the left past Christie.

The Binos’ promotion hopes now rest on what is sure to be a nerve wracking occasion for both players and fans alike. Raith are without doubt the form team at the moment but the Binos will be at full strength, something they have not managed to do over the last few weeks. In what is basically a cup competition, the form book goes out of the window and it will be the team who can hold their nerve the best who will end up playing First Division football next season. Let’s hope a big support will be in Kikcaldy to give the players the backing they deserve.