Stirling Albion went down 2-1 to Second Division champions Brechin City in a very entertaining match. However, with a bit of luck, Stirling could have gained at least a point, and possibly all three, as they dominated Brechin for long spells of the game.

Whether it was as a result of last week’s defeat or, to give a chance to other players, Allan Moore made 3 changes to the team which succumbed rather meekly to Alloa. In goals young Scott Christie made his league debut whilst another youngster, Chris Scotland came in for McNally. In midfield Craig Ferguson was, perhaps, being given a last chance to impress with Kevin MacDonald dropping to the bench.

Unfortunately, Christie was soon called into action but it was only to pick the ball out of the net after 2 minutes when Scott Walker, didn’t he have a hit in the 60’s?, rose above the Binos defence to head a cross from the right to put Brechin ahead. The Binos responded immediately and a cross from O’brien was headed by Dunn to Di Giacomo. DG’s hooked shot went over.

Robert Dunn was very unfortunate not to get the equaliser after 9 minutes when he controlled the ball on his chest, turned and shot. However, his effort hit the bar. Craig Ferguson then threaded the ball behind a defender to O’Brien but his shot was blocked by Nelson for a corner.

The next Binos threat came from Wilson as he cut through the Brechin defence and laid the ball into the path of O’Brien. However, the left winger took one touch too many and his shot was blocked. The binos then had the ball in the net from another stunning shot from Aitken. Unfortunately, the linesman had put his flag up for offside much to the annoyance both of the player and the home support.

However, the Binos did get a richly deserved equaliser just before the half hour mark when Di Giacomo beat the offside trap and carried the ball into the penalty box. He played the ball inside to Dunn who side footed it home to make the score 1-1.

Stewart Devine who, before the match, had been presented with the Young Reds Player of the Year trophy, almost put the Binos ahead but his long range shot was stopped by Nelson who knew very little about it. Then, against the run of play, Brechin took the lead on 40 minutes. A throw in on the right was volleyed home by King with Christie being left flat footed. The young keeper didn’t have a chance to save it but, perhaps, if he had made an effort to try to save it, it would not have looked so bad. However, the stunning strike meant that Brechin went in at half time 2-1 up.

The Binos continued to press forward at the start of the second half but, following good work by Aitken, when he won the ball in midfield and released O’Brien, Dunn’s right foot curler went well past. 5 minutes later, following good play from Di Giacomo on the left, Dunn was unable to direct his header goalwards. A minute later, Di Giacomo got the better of Walker but his right foot shot, although it beat Nelson, also beat the post.

The next 10 minutes seemed to consist of substitutions as Brechin made 3 changes with Byers, Panther and Ritchie replacing Mitchell, Steven Ferguson and King respectively. The Binos countered with Hutchison replacing Craig Ferguson.

5 minutes after coming on, Hutchison rose to meet an O’Brien corner but his header went over. Aitken then sent a header just past the post as the Binos continued to dominate.

White became the only player to be booked by referee Mackay for a foul on O’Brien. The Binos then made their second substitution when they brought on 17 year old Nathan Taggart for Wilson who left the field to a deserved round of applause. 2 minutes later, with time fast running out, Canning came on for Aitken. As he was leaving the field, Allan Moore had a smile on his face, perhaps recalling the comment he made when Aitken had received treatment a few minutes earlier. It was certainly nice to see that the Binos were enjoying the match despite being a goal behind.

As the full time whistle drew closer, the Binos threw everything into attack and a header from Nugent hit the bar after coming off a defender’s head. At the other end, Christie was called into action for the last time as he saved a shot from Panther. However, there was still time for a final effort from the Binos and, once again, a header from Nugent was blocked and Scotland, following up, saw his shot cleared off the line.

However, the match finished 2-1 to Brechin but the Binos left the field to a richly earned standing ovation. More play like this next season will surely see the club more than hold their own in what promises to be very exciting league. The same, however, cannot be said for Brechin who should struggle in a league where most of the teams will be full time.

Today’s star performers were Devine, Nugent, Wilson, Aitken and Dunn. The next few days will see what players are being released but the club has the nucleus of a good squad for next season. The only Major disappointment for me was Ferguson who, once again, failed to live up to his potential. Young Christie in goal couldn’t be faulted for the goals and, other than that, he only had one save of note to make.

Next week sees the final match of the season and, what will hopefully be a sunny Gayfield, as the Binos fans intend to dress up Hawaaian style. You never know, I may even look out my own eye dazzling outfit. Hope to see many of you up there at what should be an entertaining afternoon.