 |
 Stirling
Albion FC
 |
Archived
News For February 2008 |
If
you've been away from the website for a while, this is the
place to check for any news you have missed. Here is the Archived news for February 2008. |
|
Binos Make Double Signing |
29/02/08 |
| The Binos go into the biggest game of the season having made a double swoop on SPL side St Mirren. Midfield duo Ryan McCay and Craig Malloy will go into tomorrow's squad to play Morton at Cappielow. Twenty One year old Ryan came through the youth system at Paisley and made his debut just after his 18th birthday at the end of season 2003/04 in a 2-0 win over Ross County. He went on to play 14 times in St Mirren's championship winning season the following year, but has only featured 11 times in the last two season's whilst they have been in the Premier league (7 times this season). Twenty One year old Craig also came through the youth system the same time as Ryan and made his debut the week before Ryan in a 3-1 away win over St Johnstone at the end of 2003/04. Craig only featured once in their championship winning season, but he went on to play 11 times last season before breaking a bone in his foot which have led to him only featuring twice this season. Both players have been signed on emergency loan deals and will give the Binos much more competition after the long term injury to Dunfermline bound Steven Bell and with Kevin Moffat soon to return to Falkirk after his one month loan deal ends. |
| Related Link:Stirlingalbion.com |
|
Stirling 1v6 Stirling |
23/02/08 |
| The Binos went into this game against second top Dundee with new signing Adam Lithgow who was signed on loan from Hearts during the week. The young defender has previously played once for Hearts, but his Binos debut will be one to forget as he was part of a Stirling team that shipped six goals in an embarrassing display from the Binos on Saturday. Stirling had Ross Forsyth, Stewart Devine and Scott Christie all out injured and so the Binos lined up in a 4-4-2 formation for this game. Myles Hogarth was in goals; the back four consisted of Paul Nugent, Adam Lithgow, Andy Graham and Laurie Ellis; in midfield was Chris Aitken, Paul Hay, Erik Paartalu and Nathan Taggart whilst Derek Lilley partnered David McKenna up front. On the bench was Daniel Cawley, Marek Tomana, Colin Cramb, Paul Murphy and Kevin Moffat and it was Colin Cramb who got the Binos consolation goal on the day. Stirling now go into their biggest game of the season as they take on ninth placed Morton in a six pointer at Cappielow. The supporters bus will leave from outside the Islamic Centre in Stirling at 11-10pm and then from outside the Anchor Bar in St Ninians at 11-15pm. Cost will be £7 per person and all members and non members are welcome. Match report below. |
| Related Link:Match Report |
|
QOS 3v1 Stirling |
16/02/08 |
| Stirling went into this league game on the back of two wins on the spin, but Queen of the South was the league's form team and had themselves won the previous seven league games they had played, something they hadn't achieved in over forty years. The Binos welcomed back Paul Nugent and Laurie Ellis from suspension, but Ross Forsyth was still suspended for this game and Brian Allison was now back at Falkirk after his injury. In goals was Myles Hogarth; a back four of Paul Nugent, Laurie Ellis, Andy Graham and Paul Hay; the same five in midfield started as last week- Ross Harris, John Paul McBride, Chris Aitken, Erik Paartalu and Nathan Taggart with David McKenna up front on his own again. On the bench was Daniel Cawley, Colin Cramb, Kevin Moffat, Marek Tomana and Paul Murphy. The Binos lost the game after some bad defending and it was in form midfielder, Chris Aitken who scored the Binos consolation. Stirling still find themselves five points behind ninth placed Morton after their defeat against Dundee who we play this Saturday at home. Match report below. |
| Related Link:Match Report |
|
Allison Away |
13/02/08 |
| Brian Allison broke a bone in his foot at training on Monday which is expected to keep him out for up to eight weeks. Brian was signed on loan for a month at the end of January and as a result his loan contract has been terminated by the Binos. This injury is a massive blow to the Binos as Allison has been in fantastic form in the three games that he has played for us. Brian put in a man of the match performance against Partick on Saturday and he scored the only goal of the game (his first senior goal). All at stirlingalbion.com would like to wish Brian a speedy recovery and all the best in the future. |
| Related Link:Stirlingalbion.com |
|
Stirling 1v0 Partick Thistle |
09/02/08 |
| Stirling recorded their second win in a row on Saturday and it was something they haven't done at this level since late December 1997 when they beat Morton and then that famous Andy Paterson free kick which beat Raith Rovers 3-2. This time it was Partick Thistle on the end of a Stirling win and it has pulled the gap back to ninth placed Morton to five points and six points to the safety of eighth position. The Binos lined up for this game with Paul Nugent, Laurie Ellis and Ross Forsyth all suspended and Scott Christie, Marek Tomana and Steven Bell all out injured. In goals was Myles Hogarth; a make shift back four of Paul Hay, Andy Graham, Brian Allison and Stewart Devine who wasn't hundred percent fit. It was the same five man midfield who took to the park as last week- Ross Harris, John Paul McBride, Chris Aitken, Erik Paartalu and Nathan Taggart whilst David McKenna took up the lone role up front again. On the bench was Daniel Cawley, Kevin Moffat, Derek Lilley whilst Colin Cramb and Paul Murphy also came onto the bench despite not being a 100% match fit. On loan defender Brian Allison was the hero on the day after heading the Binos only goal to win the game in the 13th minute of the game. The Binos now take on the league's form team when they take on QOS in Dumfries on Saturday and the Binos will be hoping that the fans can back the team like they've done in the last two games. The Supporters bus leaves from outside the Islamic Centre in Stirling at 11.10am and then from outside the Anchor Pub on the Glasgow Road in St Ninians at 11-15am. All members and non members are welcome and the cost will be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Match report below. |
| Related Link:Match Report |
|
Clyde 1v3 Stirling |
02/02/08 |
| Stirling recorded their first away win of the season and only their second win all season after a Chris Aitken double and Nathan Taggart strike saw them pick up all three points. Stirling started with the same 4-5-1 formation as last week with Myles Hogarth in goals; a back four of Nugent, Allison, Ellis and Forsyth; a five man midfield of Taggart, Aitken, McBride, Paartalu and Harris and David McKenna up front on his own. On the bench was Daniel Cawley, new signing Kevin Moffat, Paul Hay, Andy Graham and Derek Lilley. Backed by a larger than usual away crowd, the Binos put in a fantastic second half with both Aitken, Taggart and Allison putting in top class performances. This is not to take away from anyone else as every player who featured put in fantastic shifts and Myles Hogarth's top class save at 1-0 was pivotal for the Binos. The Binos have now closed the gap to six points on ninth placed Clyde and have given themselves a chance of staying up this season, however, they will need to take their second half performance into the home game against Partick next week. The support was fantastic in terms of numbers and vocal support today and hopefully the fans can turn up in the same numbers and with the same vocal support next week. Match report below. |
| Related Link:Match Report |
|
Stirling Youth's Star For Scotland |
02/02/08 |
Liam Corr captained the Scottish Schools' Under 18 team to victory in the first Schoolboy International of the current season when they defeated Australia 4- 1 at New Douglas Park, Hamilton on Thursday night. Corr was joined by three other Stirling Albion Youth players, Magnus Neilson, Don Morrison and Greg Munn, as the local youngsters played a significant part in the Bank of Scotland sponsored team's good victory in atrocious conditions.Bino's goalkeeping coach, Dave Eccles also contributed to this fine win from the sidelines.
Wind and rain swept the field and the game could not have been played on any other surface than the astroturf at New Douglas. Liam Corr was handed the captain's armband as he played in last season's team and he lit up the game with an excellent performance. Looking sharp and inventive he gave the Australian visitors a hard time from start to finish with clever through passes and well timed runs into the box. His performance was regarded by many as the best of the night but he was pushed hard by mid field team mate Magnus Neilson who played the full ninety minutes and, as a holding mid field player, also played a first class game. In defence, centre back Don Morrison had a solid game and never put a foot wrong despite the difficult conditions. Youngster Greg Munn who plays for the Bino's under 17 team played the full second half and did well at right back as Scotland held their 4 -1 half time lead safely through to the finish.
The boys now travel to Jersey on February 15th for a four day training camp before the Centenary Shield fixtures begin. Scotland play Northern Ireland at Love Street , Paisley on Friday 29th February. The competition closes on 26th April when the boys will play England at Wembley.
Sunday's Youth fixtures have been hit by the forecast of severe weather for the weekend. Elgin City have cancelled the Under 19 game due for Lossiemouth on Sunday.
The 14's will play Alloa at Forthbank at 12.15, weather permitting, while the 16's team and 17's team with no scheduled fixture will play a bounce game at 2.15 pm. |
| Related Link:Stirlingalbion.com |
|
Back The Binos At Broadwood |
01/02/08 |
| Stirling Albion played their biggest game of the season to date when they take on ninth placed Clyde at Broadwood tomorrow. The Binos find themselves nine points adrift Clyde, but a win tomorrow would boost the Binos chances of staying up this season. The website is appealing for all Stirling fans to go along and back the Binos to a win tomorrow as the team really needs you there to cheer them on. Clyde are based in Cumbernauld which is only a 20 minute drive away (although we suggest longer due to traffic) and is our shortest journey of the season. The supporters bus leaves from outside the Islamic centre in Stirling (near the Craigs roundabout) at 2-10pm and then at the Anchor Bar on Glasgow Road, St Ninians at 2-15pm. Cost is £5 for all and all members and non members are welcome. The Binos are already expecting a larger than usual away support so overall it should be a good atmosphere at the game. With the inclusion of Kevin Moffat, Brian Allison and Graeme Churchill to the squad and Colin Cramb looking like he will return from injury, then the Binos have their best chance of picking up three away points this season, make sure your there so you don't miss out! |
| Related Link:Stirlingalbion.com |
|
Youth Team Race Night and News |
01/02/08 |
| As you may or may not know the club was unable to fund any of the youth teams over the last couple of season's and a group of volunteers set up a committee to keep the Stirling Albion youth system alive at under 15,17 and 19 level. The youth system are holding a race night at Smiths restaurant, Milhall on Friday 7th March. The youth committee are hoping that fans will take up the opportunity of either sponsoring the event or attending the event on the night. You can sponsor a race for £50, sponsor a horse for £10 or a jockey for £5. If you want to help the youth system with this event or attend on the night then please e-mail Stewart Taylor on Coachtaylor@aol.com or call the club on 01786-450399. On other news, we are pleased to announce that four of the youth system players have been called up to represent Scotland schoolboys. Liam Corr, Don Morrision, Greg Munn and Magnus Neilson have all been called up to the under 18 Scottish side and this shows how well the youth system is doing to date. Well done guys and all the best in representing Scotland in the coming games and hopefully it wont be too long before you are doing the same with the Binos at senior level. |
| Related Link:Stirlingalbion.com |
|
Transfer Activity |
01/02/08 |
| The Binos have been very busy in the last week of the transfer window with bringing in some new faces and letting some old ones go. The Binos have so far brought in Erik Paartula from Gretna on loan, Jay Rodrigeuz on loan from Burnley, Brian Allison on loan from Falkirk and Graeme Churchill on a free from Falkirk, but yesterday they add winger Kevin Moffat on loan from Falkirk as well. Here is a more detailed account of these players. Erik Paartula was signed before the Hamilton game and he made his debut in that game. The 21 year old Australian midfielder was a big part of Gretna's success last season, but has found first team opportunity's hard to come by this season and he has been loaned to ourselves till the end of the season. Jay Rodrigeuz was signed on the eve of the Scottish cup game against Celtic and he made his debut in the 3-0 away defeat to Celtic in front of nearly 28,000 fans. Jay is a 18 year old striker who has been loaned till the end of the season from English side Burnley were he has made one sub appearance to date for them. Jay still travel's full time with Burnley and travel's up on a Friday to play for the Binos on a Saturday. Brian Allison is now in his 4th year with Falkirk having joined them from Edinburgh's Royston Boys club in 2003. Having featured at Scotland under 17's, the Bairn's have high hopes for the 19 year old defender. Brian made an impressive debut at centre half for the Binos in the 2-1 defeat by St Johnstone last week. Brian has featured five times for the Bairns to date and comes to us on loan for one month. Graeme Churchill came through the youth ranks at SPL side Falkirk were he scored for fun in their youth sides and made one sub appearance for the Bairns before injury ruled him out for a time. The 18 year old winger/striker was released by Falkirk last week and it's thought that Graeme has been signed till the end of the season, but he may still be a trialist at the moment. Graeme made his debut for the Binos last week after coming on as a sub against St Johnstone and almost scoring an equaliser in the last few minutes of the game. Kevin Moffat was signed on the last day of the transfer window from Falkirk on a one month loan deal. The young winger comes highly recommended and he has made two subs appearances so far this season for the Bairns. On other news, the Binos have released winger Nicky Walker and striker Darren Gribben this week. Nicky Walker signed for the Binos at the start of the season from Whitehall Welfare and went on to make 6+6 appearances this season, the last of which was against St Johnstone last week and scoring two goals in the Scottish cup. Both the club and Nicky mutually agreed that he could be released and it's reported that Berwick and another team are interested in Nicky. Darren Gribben came to the Binos from Forfar with a reputation of scoring goals, but it didn't work out that way for Darren at the Binos. Gribben played 2+3 games for the Binos and was loaned out to second division side Brechin City were he scored a couple of goals before returning at the start of January to the Binos. Darren put pen to paper for Stranraer on the eve of the transfer window. The biggest loss for the Binos will be prolific midfielder Stevie Bell who has agreed to sign full time for Dunfermline Athletic at the start of next season. Stevie has been a revelation since signing on for the Binos at the start of 2005/06 were he joined after a spell with QOS. Stevie was badly injured in his time with the Doonhammers and he funded his own knee injury in a bid to stay in senior football. Despite still being injured at the start of season 2005/06, Alan Moore had faith that Stevie could still make it in the senior game. Stevie has played in over 90 games to date and has scored 17 goals along the way. Stevie has found the step up to the first division easier than most in the Stirling squad and this saw several teams chase the talented midfielder for his signature in the transfer window, with Stevie opting for full time football with the Pars. The Binos will receive a nominal fee for Stevie when he moves on at the end of the season as he is still under 23 years old. In saying all this, Stevie is still a Bino till the end of the season and hopefully after regaining fitness after his recent injury, he will help the Binos in their bid to stay in the division this season. Resident match reporter, Robin Bairner has written up an article about Stevie and you can read this by clicking on the link below. |
| Related Link: Stevie Bell Article |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|  |
