Stirling Albion have avoided an SFA fine after an improved disciplinary record in the second half of last season after being warned in January about their conduct. The Binos showed an improved record in the second half of the season and were not among the clubs censured or fined when the SFA announced the 2007/08 analysis earlier this week.

Stirling Albion travelled to Dunfermline to take on first division Dunfermline Athletic in the first round of the newly named ALBA Challenge Cup. The Binos lined up with Scott Christie in goals; a back four of Andy Graham (playing right back), Andy Lawrie, Ross Forsyth and David Lowing; in midfield were Liam Corr, Paul Murphy, John O'Neill and Stewart Devine, whilst Steven Waddell and Ian Harty were given the nod to play up front. On the bench were Myles Hogarth, Sean Roycroft (the Binos were forced to field Sean, despite him being injured as we only had 16 signed players), Nathan Taggart, David McKenna and Martin Grehan. The Binos started brightly and a Stewart Devine corner was headed goalward by Andy Graham, but the Dunfermline keeper pulled off a good save to deny the right back an opening goal to the season. The first few minutes of pressure for the Binos were undone when Dunfermline took the lead. Ross Foryth and David Lowing jumped for the same ball and as a result the ball fell to the Dunfermline right winger who's cross was tapped in by Alex Burke. The Binos could have equalised half way through the first half when a Stewart Devine free kick was palmed out by the Pars keeper and Steven Waddell shot straight at the keeper. The Pars piled on the pressure in the second half and it wasn't long before they were 2-0 up. Harper was free to run down the right hand side of the park and his cross was headed home by the unmarked Nick Ph inn on the 60 minute mark. The game was over as a contest when a Harper cross picked out Iain Williamson on the edge of the box and somehow his tame shot went under Christie and into the net. The Binos only had only had one more shot at goal when a John O'Neill shot was deflected by the keeper, but sub David McKenna could only head the rebound into the keeper's arms. The Binos now take on Brechin at Glebe Park next week in the first league game of the season.

There has been a few players signed since our last update, so here is the low down on our recent signings. As you will know, John O'Neill has been signed as our player/assistant manager. We have now signed 23 year old defender David Lowing from Ayr United. David started his career off at St Mirren before joining Forfar and then Ayr. Also joining the defence is 29 year old defender Andy Lawrie. Andy will add some experience to the defence as he will slot into the vacant right back position left by Paul Nugent. Andy played nearly 250 appearances (scoring 28 goals) for Falkirk in a 7 year spell after coming through their youth system. He had a loan spell at East Fife at the end of season 1998/99. Andy signed for first division St Johnstone at the start of the 2006/07 and he went on to play 44 games for the Perth Saints, scoring two goals. Martin Grehan was signed for Motherwell at the start of last season from Dundonald Bluebell. Martin made his one and only appearance for Motherwell in a 3-1 defeat to St Mirren in January. He was then loaned out to struggling third division side Forfar at the end of February and he played ten games, scoring two goals. Also joining the strikers is Steven Waddell who has been signed up from amateur club Hillwood BC. Steven has never played senior before, but he did enough in pre-season for Alan Moore to snap him up. Adding experience up front is the recent signing of 30 year old striker Ian Harty. Harty is a man of many which include Hearts, Albion Rovers, Clyde, Hamilton, Raith Rovers, Airdrie United, Darlington and Stenhousemuir. Ian also played as a trialist for us in our defeat by former club Raith Rovers a couple of seasons ago. Ian has been a prolific goal scorer at this level before and it's hoped he can recapture this form again for the forth coming season. On other news, Ross Harris has been offered a contract with the club, but is still to sign it to date. Roddy Grant has also joined the club as a coach after filling in for John O'Neill when he was on holiday. Grant has a wealth of experience to pass on after playing in over 500 senior games and being a prolific striker in his playing time.

The Binos ended their pre-season with a disappointing 3-1 defeat at home to SPL side St Mirren. The Binos will now take on Dunfermline Athletic in the first round of the Challenge cup on Saturday.

St Mirren scorers:- Hamilton 3mins, 22mins, Dorman 88mins.

Stirling scorer:-Waddell 66mins, header 8 yards out from right hand touchline cross from Hamilton(Trialist).

Stirling team:- Christie, Lawrie, Lowing, Ross(Trialist), Graham, O'Neill, Taggart, Corr, Grehan, McKenna, Forsyth.
Subs:- Devine, Murphy, Harty, Waddell, Hogarth, Hamilton(Trialist), Gable(Trialist), Osorywalo(Trialist).

St Mirren team:- Smith, McAusland, Miranda, Mason, Haining, Shimmin, Murray, Dorman, Hamilton, Brighton, McCay.
Subs:- Malloy, Docherty, Burns, Cowan.

League Cup First Round Draw
ARBROATH v STIRLING ALBION

Full Draw
Montrose v Cowdenbeath
Ross County v Airdrie United
Dumbarton v Annan Athletic
Peterhead v Dunfermline Athletic
Stranraer v Morton
Alloa Athletic v Elgin City
Clyde v Queen's Park
Albion Rovers v Raith Rovers
Ayr United v Berwick Rangers
East Fife v Brechin City
Arbroath v Stirling Albion
Partick Thistle v Forfar Athletic
East Stirlingshire v Livingston
Stenhousemuir v St. Johnstone

The Stirling match will take place on Wednesday 6th August with a likely kick off time of 7- 30pm. Admission prices will be £10 & £5.

The Binos lifted the East Kilbride trophy for the third time in four years thanks to goals from new signing's Steven Waddell and Martin Grehan in a comfortable 2-0 win.

Stirling team:- Christie, Carlos(Trialist), Lowing, Graham, Fallon(Trialist), Murphy, Hamilton(Trialist), Osorywalo(Trialist), Grehan, Waddell, Gable(Trialist).
Subs:- O'Neill(Osorywalo 83), Forsyth(Graham 45), Corr(Hamilton 83), Taggart(Lowing 54), McEwan(Trialist)(Carlos 45)