Stirlingalbion.com is proud to announce that the Linden Guest House as being a new sponsor of the website. You can visit their website by clicking on their banner on the right hand side of the screen or by looking on the this website's sponsor page (link available on the left hand side menu). Linden Guest House is a semi detached family home dating back from the 1920's, a short walk from Stirling City Centre and it's amenities, including bus and rail station. This four star guest house has double, twin and family rooms available. The Linden Guest house address is 22 Linden Avenue,  Stirling  FK7 7PQ and their website is www.lindenguesthouse.co.uk. Please contact them on 01786 448850 or email them on fay@lindenguesthouse.co.uk for further details. All at stirlingalbion.com would like to thank Linden guest house for their support and appeal to our website users to help support our sponsors where possible.

The Draw for the First Round of the Scottish Football League Challenge Cup took place at Hampden Park today and the Binos will play Montrose away.

The draw is as follows:-

North/East Draw

Dundee –v- Ross County
Raith Rovers –v- St. Johnstone
Peterhead –v- Cowdenbeath
Forfar Athletic –v- East Fife
Montrose –v- Stirling Albion
Elgin City –v- Brechin City
Arbroath –v- Alloa Athletic

Bye: Dunfermline Athletic

South/West Draw

Clyde –v- Queen of the South
Hamilton Academical –v- Ayr United
Queen’s Park –v- Stranraer
Morton –v-Livingston
East Stirlingshire –v- Dumbarton
Albion Rovers –v- Berwick Rangers
Stenhousemuir –v- Airdrie United

Bye: Partick Thistle

Dates for Ties

1st Round
Tuesday, 14th August or Wednesday, 15th August, 2007

2nd Round
Tuesday, 4th September, or Wednesday, 5th September, 2007

3rd Round
Tuesday, 18th September,or Wednesday, 19th September, 2007

Semi-Finals
Tuesday, 2nd October, 2007 or Wednesday, 3rd October, 2007

Final
Sunday, 4th November, 2007

In the event of a draw after normal time, extra time of 30 minutes (i.e. 15 minutes each way) will take place and thereafter, if necessary, Kicks from the Penalty Mark will be taken in accordance with the Rules laid down by the International Football Association Board.

To date, the website has raised just over £2,100 to fund for two new pie ovens at Forthbank this season and other equipment. Two new pie ovens have been purchased today at the cost of £1900 and they should be in place for the home game against Morton in mid August. The rest of the balance will go to funding a new fridge freezer for the club and fund raising will continue later in the season to raise money for equipment to sell hot food and drinks on both terracings. More details will follow in the coming weeks. Many thanks to all who have contributed or helped raise this amount to date.

The Binos took the short trip up to Camelon to take on local side Camelon juniors in what was their sixth game in ten days. Stirling lined up with a mixture of first team players and trialists with Hogarth in goals; Hay, Graham, Trialist (Paul Murphy) and Ellis in defence; Trialist (Ricky Waddell), Bell, Tomana and Trialist (Nicky Walker) in midfield with Lilley and McKenna up front. On the bench was Taggart, Gribben and three trialists (David Gray, Ross Harris and an unknown left back). The Binos went in one nil up thanks to a good goal by Ellis, but better finishing by Camelon should have seen them at least score in the first half. In the second half Stirling scored further goals from McKenna, man of the match second half trialist sub, Ross Harris, Taggart and Gribben to run out 5-0 winners. The Binos next game is a mouthwatering home tie against premiership side Everton and at only £5 per person to get in, it's hoped that the Stirling public will turn out in numbers to watch the glamour tie this Thursday night. Please note that the website will not be updated until the start of August as the editor will be on holiday. For a match report on the Everton game, please look on the forum. Match report below.

Summer or Winter Golf in The Sun – is only a short flight away from Scotland. This could be one of the worst summer's we have had here in Scotland , but there's another world only a couple of Hours away where temperatures are balmy and people are playing under blue skies and sunshine. More importantly, you could be there! Spain and Portugal are at the very top of the listing of Europe's primary summer and winter sunshine spots. With the widest selection of quality golf and accommodation available, this is the automatic choice for golfers in the know. Please E-mail  info@standrews-golftours.com ; Web    www.standrews-golftours.com; or telephone  St Andrews  01334 472167. All at stirlingalbion.com would like to thank St Andrew's Golf Tour's for choosing to sponsor the website for a second year in a row and we appeal to all our website users to help support our sponsors where possible. Check out there website by clicking on the link below or on their banner on the right hand side of the screen. On another note, Neil Robertson and his fellow directors at St Andrews Golf Tours have also sponsored a new flag that is now flying proudly on one of the flag poles at Forthbank. Neil also bought an auctioned strip at the player of the year dance and the £55 from those proceeds went to the pie oven collection which has now raised just over £2100. Many thanks must go yet again to Binos fan Neil and all at St Andrews Golf Tours for their fantastic work towards the website and Stirling Albion fc.

Youth System-Help us raise money

Last year was very successful for the website youth development pledges and in total we raised £1291 for the youth development which will be presented in August to Stewart Taylor at Forthbank. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this fantastic figure over the season.
With the youth development adding a fourth team to it's ranks, they will be hoping to raise as much money as possible to help fund this as well as the other teams this season. I have also taken the decision to split this season's pledge money with the Young Reds (who are also self-funding) who have set up under 11 & 12 teams and the Young Reds teams will get linked in with the youth development.
We are basically looking for website viewers and forum members to pledge x amount of money for a player(s) EVERY goal this season (this will include CIS,Scottish & Challenge up and league goals). For example Marek Tomana scored five goals last season, so if someone was to sponsor him for £1 per goal,then you would have donated £5,however, if you did the same for Colin Cramb,then you would have donated £16.
All website members/forum members that pledge money for a player will go in our members hall of fame on the website (this can be your real name or username). Please note that we are only looking for serious pledges and if you intend not to pay at the end of the season, then please do not pledge. We would be able to to take payment at the end of the season via paypal, cheque or in person so it wouldn't restrict anyone from making a pledge. If you would like to make a pledge this season, then please e-mail james@stirlingalbion.com or click on the link below and add your name to the list on the forum. Please note that I am on holiday from Thursday for a week, so there may be a delay in getting back to you or adding your name to the hall of fame.

The Binos lined up with a pretty strong team in the final of the East Kilbride tournament final against hosts East Kilbride Thistle in the hope of retaining the Tommy McGrane Memorial Cup that they had previously won in 2005. In goals was Christie; the defence was made up of Nugent, McNally, Ellis and Forsyth; McBride, trialist, Bell, Taggart made up the midfield and up front was Lilley and Cramb. The Binos went one nil down in the first half, but goals from Nugent and trialist sub Ross Harris, gave the Binos the win to retain the cup for the second time in three years. Stirlingalbion.com would like to thank everyone who used the buses on Saturday and Sunday and also to the staff and committee at East Kilbride who went out their way to make our trip fantastic as ever. Here is hoping that the Binos are invited back next season. Next up for the Binos is Camelon Juniors away on Tuesday night before hosting Premiership giants Everton at Forthbank. The Everton game will again only cost £5 per person to get in. Match report below.

Stirling fielded a mix of first team players and trialists in the semi final of what is now an annual trip to East Kilbride to take part in their competition. Stirling fell behind to an early goal, but were soon on top with goals from trialist David Gray, Gribben and McKenna which now see Stirling go into Sunday's final against hosts East Kilbride who themselves beat an under 19 Hamilton Accies side by two goals to nil. Kick off on Sunday will again be 3-30pm and the Binos will be hoping to win the trophy again after winning it two years previous. Match report below.

Stirling played their third game of the week tonight and the under 19's were given an opportunity to shine in this Shire cup game at Ochilview. Of the under 19's on show, both Scott Christie and Derek Currie had previous first team experience, whilst there was two trialist's on show- left midfielder Ian Ramsay who played against Hibs on Saturday and striker Sergio Rodriguez. Ramsay had a good first half and set up the goal in the second half, but seemed to fade out the game a little whilst Rodriguez had some good touches, but never really got a chance on goal. Of the under 19's, scorer Fotheringham looked a good wee player and winger Shadick having a good second half. The back four were also solid and Currie had a cracking second half whilst it was both centre half's (Watson and McKinlay) who shown on the night, with McKinlay just edging Watson for the man of the match for the Binos. The Binos will take part in the East Kilbride tournament this Saturday and Sunday and the website is running a bus on both these days. There is currently a limited number of seats left for both days- see the news article below for more details. Match report below.

Stirling went into the second pre-season game of the season hoping to do better than Saturday when they were outclassed by SPL Hibs. St Mirren weren't as dominating in this game, but they still ran out comfortable in what was another lackluster performance from the Binos. Stirling started the game with Hogarth in goals; Nugent, Graham, Ellis and Forsyth in defence; Taggart, Aitken, McBride and a trialist (Ricky Waddell) in midfield and Cramb and a trialist (David McKenna) up front. The Binos now go into a shire cup game away to Stenhousemuir tomorrow night hoping to finally notch up a good performance in what has been a pretty boring pre-season to date! Match report below.

The draw for the first round of the CIS cup was drawn today and the Binos will take on second division Brechin City at Glebe Park in the first round. This game will take place on either Tuesday 7th August or Wednesday 8th August. The Binos recorded three wins over Brechin in the league last season, but Brechin have added to their squad since then and they were just beaten by Hibs last mid week by two goals to nil. Click on the link below to see the full reaction of the Binos on this website's forum.

Stirlingalbion.com is proud to announce that Premier Carpets as being a new sponsor of the website. You can visit their website by clicking on their banner on the right hand side of the screen or by looking on the this website's sponsor page (link available on the left hand side menu).

"Not one of the biggest but certainly one of the best. Established in 1990, Premier Carpets of Stirling is one of the longest established floor centres in the Stirlingshire area. Family owned and run, Premier is one of the few remaining businesses that prides itself on value, helpful and friendly advice and quality installations from start to finish.

Over 20 years of experience and thousands of happy customers have earned Premier Carpets of Stirling and enviable reputation with the trade and public alike.

A full showroom is available at the office and distribution centre at Unit 3 IMEX business Centre on Broadleys Business Park in Stirling. At the showroom, a fantastic range of sampling and a selection of carpet and vinyl roll stock can be viewed, where you will be welcome to browse at your leisure and borrow a few samples to take home.

If you have made your choice or just can’t get to the showroom, Premier carpets offer our ‘shop@home’ service, which can take the latest colours and designs to your home. We will measure and quote on your requirements, day or evening with a free no-obligation quote.

Once you have chosen your floor covering we will then arrange for the installation usually within 3-4 working days or sooner if required. All carpets and vinyls are fitted free regardless of price, and all work is guaranteed. Our highly trained fitters take pride in every job.

Even offcuts need not be wasted as we have a carpet binding service to make mats or rugs from any bits you have left over.

So what are you waiting for? Call today and arrange for a quote!"

All at stirlingalbion.com would like to thank Premier Carpets for their support and appeal to our website users to help support our sponsors where possible.

The Binos kicked off their official first game of the season against a strong Hibs side and they were backed by over 1200 fans to help boost the coffers at Forthbank. Stirling lined up with Hogarth in goals, Hay, Graham, new signing Ellis and Forsyth in defence; Trialist (Ian Ramsey), Trialist (?), Aitken and Trialist (Ricky Waddell?) in midfield and new signings McKenna and Lilley up front. Overall it was a good run out for a mix of first team players and trialists and Hibs deserved a good win after an impressive display. Next up is St Mirren at home this Tuesday night and the gate price will again be £5 for all. The Binos will then take on Stenhousemuir away on Wednesday night in the Shire cup and then will take part in the East Kilbride tournament next Saturday and Sunday. Match report available from the link below.

Stirlingalbion.com is running a bus to the East Kilbride tournament on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of July. The game on the Saturday is due to kick off at 3-30pm and depending this result, the kick off on the Sunday will be either 12 noon or 3-30pm. The bus on both days will be leaving roughly at 11am at Stirling train station and will be leaving the East Kilbride juniors car park at 6-30pm (an hour after kick off). There is a fantastic social club just outside their ground and if the weather is good, then they also sell beer inside the ground or you can take in the other game on show. Due to demand, we are running a 49 seater on the Saturday and a 24 seater and there is currently four seats left for the Saturday and two for the Sunday for anyone interested in going. The cost of this will be £7 per person per day and full payment for these buses will be due as soon as possible. I will be at both the Hibs and St Mirren home games and can take money from people then. If you are interested in coming along then please e-mail me on mifthebino@msn.com or post on the THREAD on our forum.

The price for all pre-season games will be £5 per person and the first public pre-season game takes place this Saturday against Hibs. Stirling have already had two closed door games to date with a 2-2 draw against Cowdenbeath and a 2-1 win over Drumchapel, whilst Hibs have recently returned from their training camp in Austria in which they went down 3-2 to RFE Vocklabruck, whilst they completed a 2-0 away win over Brechin City on Wednesday night. Season tickets priced at £260 per adult, £150 for children and oncessions and £125 for Young reds, will be on sale during pre-season and before the Hibs, St Mirren and Everton games at home. The new home top and other merchandise will also be on sale in the club shop before all the home pre-season games. Demand for the home strip has been high, so please go along early on match day to avoid disappointment. If you are coming down on match day, then please come down a bit earlier than usual in case of any delays. On another note, parking restrictions will come into place from this Saturday and fans will no longer be able to park on Forthside Way (this is the road that goes past the home car park entrance and stretches down to the park and ride at Forthside). A limited number of spaces will be available for disabled supporters and officials. Home fans will be able to park in the Forthside car park (the one at the bottom of the Forthside Way road). A spokesman said: “We are about to introduce parking controls on Forthside Way, which will come into effect in mid-October when the road is adopted and designated as an urban clearway.
“Central Scotland Police fully support this measure, as parking along the length of Forthside Way on match days is seen as a health and safety hazard.”
The spokesperson added: “Parking for visiting fans is unaltered from last season. There will be reserved parking spaces for players, match officials, hospitality, disabled, etc. It will be available within a new 90-100 space car park adjacent to the southern terrace from mid-July, with a further 40 spaces next to the home entrance becoming available from the end of August, culminating in 140 spaces.
“The Forthside car park will also be opened on match days only from July 14 onwards to accommodate home support. That will provide 600 spaces.
“In addition, a drop-off zone has been provided near the home entrance.
“All of these proposals have been agreed in conjunction with Stirling Albion FC and Central Scotland Police.”
Stirlingalbion.com has set up a petition to protest against the council's decision to close the Forthside Way road this season. The council have already taken away a large portion of the home car park for the new sports village and this will mean that the majority of the home support will need to find alternative parking arrangements. This decision will also affect visiting fans next season so hopefully some of those fans will also sign the petition. The website feels that Stirling Albion's promotion to the first division will bring added exposure to the city of Stirling and as a result of limited parking next season, Stirling Albion will lose fans through the gate. Please click on the link below and it only takes a few seconds to sign. You can read more about fans reaction to this news and the protest on the forum.

Stirlingalbion.com will again be bringing you regular updates for the Stirling Albion youth team's in the coming season. News and match reports will be available for the under 19's, 17's 16's and the new under 14's team, as well as updates on the newly formed Young Red's under 12's and 11's team that will take part in the FVFDA league this season and which is linked into the SAFC youth development. Both the youth development and the Young Reds are both self funding again this season and will be doing several fundraising initiatives later in the season. If you or your company are able to help with fundraising, then please contact the website editor on james@stirlingalbion.com. A pre-season update for each team has been added to each team's youth team page, please access these from the "Youth team info" section on the left hand side of this page. On other news, Stirling Albion's Youth Development Coordinator, Stewart Taylor is about to join the SFA Council as he takes up a new position as Central Region's representative at Hampden. Stewart is the Secretary of Forth Valley Schools' Football Association and is also President of the national Scottish Schools' F.A. Currently, he is Chairman of the Central Region Committee that is involved with the development of the SFA Youth Action Plan for the improvement of Youth Football at recreational level. 'There are six regional committees that represent the interests of Schools' football, the SYFA for boys clubs and the SWFA for girls and ladies football working in partnership with the SFA and Local Authorities.Having been elected by the local committee which represents groups from Falkirk, Stirling, Clackmannan, North Lanarkshire and East and West Dunbarton, it will be my job to represent the interests of all the partners to ensure that the SFA are aware of their ideas and opinions on how they see the game developing at Youth level. More information on the concept behind the Youth Action Plan is available on the website www.footballcentral.org/central. This gives me another footballing job to deal with but I am looking forward to being involved in some way with the continued development of Youth Football in Scotland.'

Stirlingalbion.com is proud to announce that Forth Valley Jobs as being a new sponsor of the website. You can visit their website by clicking on their banner on the right hand side of the screen or by looking on the this website's sponsor page (link available on the left hand side menu).

"Forth Valley Jobs is unlike other recruitment websites in that we have a focus on one area. We only service the Forth Valley area – Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, Fife and North Lanarkshire. Concentrating on recruitment in one region puts us ahead of other jobs portals because we are focusing locally. The result is that you can find the right candidates for your positions quicker than anybody else in Central Scotland. This saves a lot of wasted time for both candidates and recruiters, gets job seekers employed quicker and positions filled quicker.

We also provide a list of local Training Companies and Childcare Providers. To advertise your vacancy on our site simply email jobs@forthvalleyjobs.co.uk or call 0845 230 0067."

All at stirlingalbion.com would like to thank Forth Valley Jobs for their support and appeal to our website users to help support our sponsors where possible.

Raymond Dormer (Stirling City 15's secretary) will again be in charge of the ball boy/girls next season and he is wanting to know if any of the current Young Reds would like to be considered for this, this season.
Names would be put on a list and selection would initially be on a rota basis. It would be limited to the ages between 8 and 16 years.
Please get in contact with myself by e-mail on mifthebino@msn.com and I will pass your details onto Raymond.

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To read more about what Stirling Mortgages can provide, then you can visit their website by clicking on their banner on the right hand side of the screen or by looking on the this websites sponsor page (link available from sponsors page button on the left hand side of the screen). All at stirlingalbion.com would like to thank Stirling Mortgages for choosing to sponsor the website for the second year in a row and we appeal to all our website users to help support our sponsors where possible.