Stirling Albion failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage when they were held to a 1-1 draw by a ten man Ayr United team at Forthbank. The Albion showed two changes from last week with Steven Hutchison replacing Kevin MacDonald in midfield and Scott McLean returning to partner Martin Glancy in attack.

The Albion were first to show in attack when McLean flicked the ball to Glancy who in turn played the ball to O’Brien. The winger’s shot was partially blocked by a defender and the ball went past for a corner.

Glancy was the next to threaten when he managed to wriggle his way into the box only to see his shot hit the crossbar. Hogarth was then called upon to rescue George Rowe whose clearance only went as far as Connolly. The ex-Dundee United and St Johnstone player’s shot was blocked by the Albion keeper.

A typical Craig Ferguson run finished with Ramsay clearing the ball. After 14 minutes, Nugent became the first player to be booked, rather harshly in my opinion, for what seemed to be a perfectly good tackle on the edge of the 18 yard box. The resultant free kick was blocked by the defensive wall. Then a flashing header by Andrew Ferguson, who was sporting a red streak in his hair, went just over the bar.

On the 20th minute, Devine became the next player to be booked for a trip on Conway when other referees may only have issued a warning this early in the match. Later, Conway was replaced by Burgess. Shortly after that, Glancy was fouled on the edge of the box. McLean played the ball to Devine whose shot went wide. Ayr then made their second substitution when Ramsay was replaced by Chaplain.Henderson became the first Ayr player to be booked for dissent.

Glancy then scorned a good opportunity to score when he scooped an O’Brien cross over the bar. Roy then produced a good save to palm away an O’Brien shot. Shortly after that, McLean had an opportunity to score but Devine’s corner seemed to take the striker by surprise and the ball hit off him for a goal kick as the first half finished goalless.

The second half had only just started when Ayr had to make their final substitution with full back Lyle being replaced by Brown. Hogarth then produced a one handed save to deny Dunlop.

The Albion then made their first change with Wilson replacing Hay to give a more attacking option. A glancing header from Ferguson was comfortably held by Hogarth. Then, just as neither side looked to have the finishing touch, Glancy popped up to score the opening goal. McLean had cut in from the left and shot with the outside of his right foot. The ball was tipped by Roy and Glancy nipped in to bundle the ball over the line after a goalmouth scramble.

The match exploded in 64 minutes when Ayr’s trialist, Duffy, put in a reckless tackle on McLean on the touchline. There was a melee and, after the dust had settled, the referee quite rightly sent the Ayr player off. A minute later, Dunlop was booked for a foul on Wilson.

Ayr were temporarily reduced to 9 men when Burgess was stretchered off but he managed to re-appear 2 minutes later although he was limping heavily. However, the Albion were unable to take full advantage of the situation to increase their lead although McLean was desperately unlucky to see his right foot shot hit the post.

The Albion made their second substitution with Wilson, who had only been on the park for 23 minutes, being replaced by Gethins. A minute later, Ayr equalised following a mistake by Hogarth who had his clearance partially blocked. The ball came to Ferguson who shot home to make it 1-1.

A McLean free kick from the edge of the area went inches past as the Albion strived to get the all-important winner. In the last minute, Mac Donald replaced Scotland but this had no impact on the game and the match finished all square.

Against 10 men, the Albion should have won, and dropped points is starting to damage their promotion campaign although they still remain unbeaten. However, after 4 successive draws, they would like to get back on the winning trails when they entertain fast improving Brechin in 2 weeks time.

Defensive lapses are costing the team whilst Ferguson’s reluctance to shoot when in good goalscoring positions explains the lack of goals from midfield.

Young Steven Hutchison had a good game, showing determination with an ability to distribute the ball. However, he is young and, perhaps, the Albion need a more experienced player to control the midfield.

Next week sees a break in the league programme with a chance for the players to get refreshed for what is turning out to be a hard, close division to play in.

In today’s programme, regular contributor, Sandy Morton, said that he would have a bottle of Rioja Reserva 1999 while holidaying in Majorca. I hope you enjoy it and sympathise with myself as, due to work commitments, I won’t be able to indulge until Monday night.